Silver nanoparticle deposition on hydrophilic multilayer film surface and its effect on antimicrobial activity

Silver nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of the external polyamide 6 (PA6) layer of a multilayer film, by spraying and ultrasound-assisted methods. The effect of silver nanoparticles content and deposition method on the mechanical and optical properties of the multilayered films as well as the efficiency of silver ion release and their fungicidal characteristics were evaluated. Itaconic (IA) and Maleic anhydride (MA) were used as adhesion promoter agents for preventing the agglomeration of the silver nanoparticles and for improving the adhesion to the PA6 polymer surface. With IA, a homogeneous distribution of silver nanoparticles on the PA6 surface was achieved. The silver ion release and biocide effect of the multilayered films was found to be dependent on the anhydride type and on the deposition method used. The multilayer films with a layer of PA6-silver nanocomposite demonstrated good fungicidal activity, specifically against fungus Aspergillius niger. The observed results could be applied in the design of industrial films for packaging.