Zinkicide is a systemic bactericidal formulation containing proteinsize fluorescent zinc oxide-based nanoparticles (nano-ZnO). Previous studies have shown that Zinkicide is effective in controlling citrus diseases. Its field performance as an antimicrobial agent has been linked to the bioavailability of zinc ions (Zn 2+ ) at the target site. It is therefore important to monitor Zn 2+ release from Zinkicide so that application rates and frequency can be estimated. In this study, we present a simplistic approach designed to monitor Zinkicide nanoparticle dissolution rates in water and acidic buffer solutions using traditional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The evolution of nano-ZnO in the polyacrylamide gel scaffolds was studied by exciting the sample with UV light and detecting the fluorescence of nano-ZnO. Fluorescence intensities measured with this assay allowed for quantitative analysis of molecular weight changes of nano-ZnO in citrate buffer, a surrogate of citrus juice. Our results demonstrated that citrate buffer induced the greatest degradation of Zinkicide. Fluorescence intensity fluctuations were observed over time, indicating interactions of citrate with the surface of nano-ZnO. These findings provide a new approach to quantify the dissolution of nanoparticles in simulated environments, even when other analytical methods lack sensitivity because of the small size of the system (≈4 nm).
Zinkicide is a bactericidal nanoparticle that combats Citrus Greening with exceptional field efficacy. Bactericidal nanoparticle detection is important for surpassing EPA criteria and bringing biocide products to market; however quantitative analysis on Zinkicide degradation in particular is currently lacking. Here, we have developed a protocol using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) to monitor and track bactericidal nanoparticles in varying solutions, including water and acidic buffer mimicking citrus pH. The nanoparticle detection was performed using UV fluorescent imaging of polyacrylamide gels. This assay is a cost‐effective and relatively simple approach for detecting and quantifying the intensity, concentration, and molecular weight change of nanoparticles. We observed intensity fluctuations of Zinkicide over time, indicating that the capping agent of the nanoparticle may be affected. Our results show that citric acid buffer induces the greatest degradation of Zinkicide evidenced by molecular weight changes. These findings are beneficial for general tracking and detection of bactericidal quantum dots.Support or Funding InformationThe authors would like thank the Kang Lab members for their continued support and assistance. This study was supported by the UCF start‐up fund (Kang). Authors acknowledge the UCF Materials Innovation and Sustainable Agriculture Center for facilities and technical support.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.