Synthesis of methylcellulose-silver nanocomposite and investigation of mechanical and antimicrobial properties

► Silver (Ag) nanoparticles were synthesized using methylcellulose (MC). ► MC-Ag nanocomposite films prepared through solution casting of mixture of MC and Ag. ► Average crystallite size of silver nanocrystal was 22.7 nm. ► The MC-Ag nanocomposite films showed enhanced mechanical properties. ► MC-Ag nanocomposites showed good antimicrobial activities.