Polymeric nanocomposites embedded with nontoxic antimicrobial agents have recently gained potential
industrial significance, mainly for their applicability to preserve food quality and ensure safety. In this study, a
poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/organoclay (CMMT) based nanocomposite film doped with sodium
benzoate (SB) as antimicrobial agent was prepared by a solution mixing process. A homogenous dispersion of organoclay
(cetyltrimethylammonium-modified montmorillonite [CMMT]) in PBAT matrix was observed by X-ray diffraction and
transmission electron microscopy. PBAT/CMMT nanocomposite film showed higher barrier properties against water
and methanol vapor compared to the PBAT film. The release of SB from PBAT and its nanocomposite film was measured
and the relevant data were fitted to the Weibull model. The higher values of Weibull’s shape factor and scale parameter as
corroborated by experimental findings indicated faster rate of SB release from PBAT/CMMT/SB nanocomposite film,
when compared to the pristine PBAT film. Bacterial inhibition studies were accomplished against 2 food pathogenic
bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, by determining the zone of inhibition and corresponding growth profiles.
Both bacterial inhibition studies and growth profiles established that PBAT/CMMT/SB demonstrated better antimicrobial
activity than PBAT/SB film. Therefore, PBAT/CMMT/SB nanocomposite film can be used for food packaging
application as it showed good barrier properties and antimicrobial activity against food pathogenic bacteria.