Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) assisted in the synthesis of silver (Ag) nanoparticles. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as modifier for CNC surface. The resulting Ag grafted CNC (Ag-g-CNC) were introduced in PLA matrix. The Ag-g-CNC positively affected the thermal degradation and crystallization of PLA. PLA nanocomposites displayed good antibacterial activity, more evident on E. coli.