Antibacterial Action of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Against Foodborne Pathogens

Abstract

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.

Metalloproteins and phytochelatin synthase may confer protection against zinc oxide nanoparticle induced toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

“…In addition, potential antibacterial effects of nanosized ZnO suspensions on bacteria were studied (Tayel et al, 2011Zhang et al, 2010Li et al, 2012;Reddy et al, 2007;Liu et al, 2009). Whilst chronic exposures up to 50 mg/L ZnONP did not affect the sigmoidal growth characteristics of E.coli OP50, strong antibacterial effects were observed at 100 mg/L ZnONP, a finding that was statistically significant (p≤0.05) (Supplementary Fig.…”

“…More specifically, some metal oxide nanomaterials, such as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), are antimicrobial and therefore widely used by the cosmetics and paint industries. In bio-medicine they are used to enhance cell imaging and drug delivery (Dufour et al, 2006;Stoimenov et al, 2002;Wang 2004), and in agriculture to control food borne pathogens (Tayel et al, 2011;Nohynek et al 2010).…”

Effect of Nanoparticles on Biodiversity of Soil and Water Microorganism Community

“…gonorrohea, P. mirabilis, Klebsiella, Streptococcus mutans, Vibrio cholerae, E. coli, C. freundii and on fungi like A. nidulans, A. flavus. A spergillus niger and R. stolonifer is reported in the literature by the researchers [23][24][25][26][27][28]. Silver NPs are found to be very toxic to several bacteria.…”

Effect of nano-zinc oxide on nitrogenase activity in legumes: an interplay of concentration and exposure time

“…Nanoparticles have the ability to attach to bacterial membrane via electrostatic interaction and disrupt its integrity [32]. Because of their simpler cell membrane structure, Gram-negative bacteria, like all rhizobium strains involved in legume nodulation, are more adversely affected by nanoparticles [33,34]. The interaction of nanoparticles with cellular organelles, redox active proteins such as NADPH oxidase and cell surface receptors can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may cause oxidative stress and DNA damage, thus disrupting cell division [33,[35][36][37][38][39].…”

“…Because of their simpler cell membrane structure, Gram-negative bacteria, like all rhizobium strains involved in legume nodulation, are more adversely affected by nanoparticles [33,34]. The interaction of nanoparticles with cellular organelles, redox active proteins such as NADPH oxidase and cell surface receptors can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may cause oxidative stress and DNA damage, thus disrupting cell division [33,[35][36][37][38][39]. The release of soluble ions which bind with the functional groups of protein resulting in their denaturation has also been associated with the toxic effects of nano-ZnO, nano-CuO and Ag nanoparticles [4,40].…”