Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of ZnO Containing Glasses

Abstract

A new family of non-toxic biocides based on low melting point (1250°C) transparent glasses with high content of ZnO (15–40wt%) belonging to the miscibility region of the B2O3-SiO2-Na2O-ZnO system has been developed. These glasses have shown an excellent biocide activity (logarithmic reduction >3) against Gram- (E. coli), Gram+ (S. aureus) and yeast (C. krusei); they are chemically stable in different media (distilled water, sea-like water, LB and DMEN media) as well as biocompatible. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by the Neutral Red Uptake using NIH-3T3 (mouse embryonic fibroblast cells) and the cell viability was >80%. These new glasses can be considered in several and important applications in the field of inorganic non-toxic biocide agents such as medical implants, surgical equipment, protective apparels in hospitals, water purifications systems, food packaging, food storages or textiles.

Effect of the Medium Composition on the Zn2+ Lixiviation and the Antifouling Properties of a Glass with a High ZnO Content

“…The average particle size of the obtained powder was found to be d 50 = 6.3 ± 0.1 µm. The glass formulation was designed in the miscibility area according to the equilibrium diagram studied by Taylor et al [24] and was chosen based on the high antimicrobial activity shown in a previous study [23]. Al 2 O 3 was added as a stabilizer.…”

“…Considering the complexity as well as the incompletely understood dissolution process of ZnO particulate and coating systems in the mentioned media in this investigation, instead of a zinc oxide system we selected a high ZnO content glass (35 wt %) which has been recently developed by the authors [23]. This glass can be considered chemically stable, non-toxic, and with an excellent activity (>3 log 10 reduction in colony forming-units) against E. coli (Gram-negative), S. aureus (Gram-positive), and C. krusei (yeast).…”

Calcium and Zinc Containing Bactericidal Glass Coatings for Biomedical Metallic Substrates

“…Another possible mechanism for ZnO antibacterial activity is the release of high zinc ion concentrations, which can damage cell membrane and interact with intracellular contents [19]. In a previous work [18], Zn 2+ released from glasses powder (<30 mm) was found to be ~400 ppm. In the case of the coatings, Zn 2+ release must be significantly lower due to their lower specific surface area in comparison with glass powder.…”

“…ZnO containing glasses were previously studied as bactericide powders [18]. It is well reported that ZnO even in the form of nanoparticles exhibits a minimal effect on human and animal cells [19,20,21].…”

Effect of Post Annealing on Antibacterial Activity of Zno thin films Prepared by Modified Silar Technique

“…ZnO nanoparticles are also incorporated in transparent glasses and its antibacterial and antifungal properties were evaluated. These glasses have shown to be functional biocides against E.coli, yeast and S.aureus 15 . These glasses can be used in several applications in textiles, protective hospital apparels, surgical instruments, medical implants, water purification systems, food packs, and storage containers.…”