Nanocomposite poly (ethylene oxide) films functionalized with silver nanoparticles synthesized with Acca sellowiana extracts

[Display omitted] •Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Acca sellowiana extracts.•AgNPs and Acca sellowiana extracts were incorporated in PEO matrix.•Improvements in the physical-chemical properties of PEO films were observed.•PEO films containing AgNPs showed antioxidant activity.•PEO films containing the AgNPs presented antimicrobial activity. The development of nanoparticles synthesized using phenolic compounds and incorporated into biodegradable polymeric matrix brings as a new perspective to the production of nanocomposite films for application as food packaging. In this work, poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) nanocomposite films containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced using Acca sellowiana aqueous extract, and the physicochemical, morphological, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. The synthesis of AgNPs was determined by the appearance of brownish color in the extract, accompanied by the UV–vis spectroscopy with a band around 400 nm. AgNPs presented a good colloidal stability by zeta potential, with low polidispersity index and particle size lower than 80 nm. PEO nanocomposite films presented antioxidant activity and the films containing AgNPs demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The incorporation of Acca sellowiana extract and AgNPs in PEO films was responsible to modify the mechanical properties, with decrease in tensile strength and increase in elongation at break. Beyond, was also observed an increase of the color parameter and decrease transmission of UV light thought the film, which are important parameters for food conservation. In the surface free energy properties, was observed an increase in the contact angle, due to the decrease in the films polarity. Based on the aforementioned, PEO nanocomposite films produced with Acca sellowiana extract and AgNPs is an active, antimicrobial and biodegradable material, and may be considered as an innovative packaging to promote the food conservation.