Mono and multilayer materials from PVA and BC incorporating vanillin as natural antimicrobial ingredient were prepared. The composite films were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (MR). The release mechanism of vanillin from composites films was investigated using a pseudo first order model. The diffusion coefficients, calculated with Fick's law of diffusion, are ranging from 1.69 x 10(-12) to 3.84 x 10(-12) m(2) s(-1). The vanillin release is influenced by films composition; the multilayer films being promising in order to achieve controlled release of vanillin. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.