Biomaterial film for soluble organic sorption and anti-microbial activity in water environment

► A new hydrophobic biomaterial film is derived by aqueous benzoylation reactions of plant biopolymer guar gum. ► The new biomaterial GGBE film has a very low water vapor permeability and high water contact angle. ► The tensile property of new GGBE film is better than other reported hemicellulose films for antimicrobial applications. ► GGBE cast film is a strong anti microbial due to a nanostructure enabled contact killing property. ► In addition, the new renewable material film is a strong sorbent for a range of water soluble organic pollutants.