The current spreading of nanomaterial applications supports the search for further possible functions of theses diminutive particles. The antibacterial potentiality of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs), compared with conventional ZnO powder, against nine bacterial strains, mostly foodborne including pathogens, was evaluated using qualitative and quantitative assays. ZnO NP was more efficient as antibacterial agent than powder. Gram‐positive bacteria were generally more sensitive to ZnO than Gram negatives. The exposure of Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus to their relevant minimal inhibitory concentrations from ZnO NP reduced the cell number to zero within 8 and 4 h, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs of the treated bacteria with NPs exhibited that the disruptive effect of ZnO on S. aureus was vigorous as all treated cells were completely exploded or lysed after only 4 h from exposure. Promising results of ZnO NP antibacterial activity suggest its usage in food systems as preservative agent after further required investigations and risk assessments. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Foodborne pathogen invasion is still a recurrent serious problem facing researchers and food industry overseers. The introduction of novel powerful antimicrobial agents is of great importance for the control of pathogenic bacteria, especially antibiotic‐resistant strains. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle (NP) could be one of these potential alternatives. This study focused on ZnO NP because of its increasing presence in many marketable products and that supports its application in food industries as a reasonably safe agent. The demonstrated antibacterial activity of ZnO NP recommends its possible application in the food preservation field; otherwise it can be applied as a potent sanitizing agent for disinfecting and sterilizing food industry equipment and containers against the attack and contamination with foodborne pathogenic bacteria.

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Natural derivatives could be recommended as powerful antifungal alternatives to protect citrus fruits from postharvest fungal decay.

The antibacterial activity of ZnO is reported by several authors. We present the preparation and application of inorganic–organic hybrid polymers modified/filled with ZnO nanoparticles of varying particle sizes. Inorganic–organic hybrid polymers employed here are based on 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). ZnO is prepared by hydrolysis of zinc acetate in different solvents (methanol, ethanol or 2-propanol) using lithium hydroxide (LiOH ċ H2O). The hybrid materials prepared are applied to cotton (100%) and cotton/polyester (65/35%) fabrics. The antibacterial performance of these sol-gel derived hybrid materials is exemplarily investigated against Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and Gram–positive Micrococcus luteus. Effects of particle size and concentration for the antibacterial performance are examined. Literature discusses various (active) species and processes responsible for the antibacterial action of ZnO. Therefore, particular attention is paid to investigate active species available in the described systems as well as to observe possible interaction between the nanoparticles and bacteria; the first results are presented.

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P. anomala could be strongly recommended as a biocontrol agent against A. flavus which contaminates animal feed. Furthermore, the application of yeast cells, as a feed additive, proved its efficiency for escalating protein content and enhancing animal performance.

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