BIOSYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES ANTIOXIDANT FILMS FROM ALOE VERA DRIED GEL

Biopolymer-based packaging materials are increasingly favored for their eco-friendly and biodegradable properties. Among the promising biopolymer materials, agar-based biodegradable films stand out since they are made from water and plasticizers like glycerol. However, they often suffer from reduced mechanical strength and higher moisture sensitivity compared to synthetic alternatives. To address these issues, this study explores the incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into agar-based films using Aloe vera gel as a green synthesis agent. The study demonstrates that Aloe vera gel effectively stabilizes AgNPs, resulting in nanoparticles with distinctive reddish-brown coloration. The agar-based films with AgNPs exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity, with inhibition rates up to 85.39%. These films also maintained smooth surfaces and evenly dispersed nanoparticles, ensuring both mechanical stability and bioactivity. The results suggest that Aloe vera gel not only facilitates the synthesis of AgNPs but also preserves their functional properties, offering a promising approach for developing advanced food packaging materials with improved antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics.