Development of antibacterial polymer composite films from cassava starch and silver vein graphite composite

Nowadays starch based natural polymers have been received tremendous attention owing to their non-toxicity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. However, the applications of starch-based films are restricted due to water sensitivity and bacterial contaminations. To overcome these issues, a polymer composite film was produced by solution casting using cassava starch and silver vein graphite composite. The incorporation of silver vein graphite composite into cassava starch showed a reduction in water absorption capacity of the film. Polymer composite film from cassava starch and SVG (SVG/C.St film) showed excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (diameter of the inhibition zone, ±22 mm; positive control, ±24 mm) and moderate activity against Escherichia coli (diameter of the inhibition zone, ±8 mm; positive control, ±23 mm). Inhibition zones were not observed for any of those bacteria species when C.St films were used. Therefore, SVG/C.St film could be a promising material for many antibacterial applications.