Antifungal activity of transparent nanocomposite thin films of pullulan and silver against Aspergillus niger

Silver has been mainly investigated as an antibacterial agent and less as a fungicide in which concerns antimicrobial properties. In this research, the antifungal activity of composite films of pullulan and Ag nanoparticles (NP) against Aspergillus niger was evaluated using standard protocols. These new materials were prepared as transparent cast films (66–74 μm thickness) from Ag hydrosols containing the polysaccharide. Fungal growth inhibition was observed in the presence of such silver nanocomposite films. Moreover, disruption of the spores cells of A. niger was probed for the first time by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This effect occurred in the presence of the nanocomposites due to Ag NP dispersed as fillers in pullulan. This polysaccharide was used here as a biocompatible matrix, hence making these nanocomposites beneficial for the development of antifungal packaging materials.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Antifungal thin films of pullulan and silver with tailored optical features. ► First report on pullulan based nanocomposite with antifungal activity. ► SEM evidence for disruptive effects on the spores of Aspergillus niger with fungal survival reduced. ► Antifungal activity and optical properties of interest for packaging materials.