Abstract

This study aims to develop novel alginate-based composite films intended for agricultural practices. The films were prepared by the solution casting method using alginate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and saponin-silver nanoparticles. The film formation was supported by hydrogen bonds formed between the components, as evidenced by FTIR/ATR analysis. The addition of hydroxyethyl cellulose decreased the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of alginate films, and this trend was further promoted with the addition of saponin-silver nanoparticles. However, the composite film still possessed a satisfactory mechanical resistance of 31 MPa, which is higher than that of commercial synthetic agricultural films. In addition, all composite films were not phytotoxic, demonstrated a high positive effect on the germination of radish seeds (131%), and acted as plant growth promoters. The obtained results showed that the combination of both polysaccharides with saponin-silver nanoparticles resulted in interesting bio-inspired films with the potential to replace commercially used synthetic agricultural films.