Antimicrobial Activity of Zirconia (ZrO₂) Nanoparticles and Zirconium Complexes

Abstract

The antimicrobial activities of zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles and zirconium mixed ligand complexes were studied on bacterial strains of E. coli, S. aureus and fungal strain of A. niger. The nanoparticles of zirconia and Zr(IV) complexes with different amino acids as ligands were synthesized by hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and HRTEM confirmed the crystalline nature and morphology of the synthesized products. The antimicrobial studies revealed that the zirconia exhibits activity only against the E. coli, whereas, the Zr(IV) complexes exhibits activity against both the bacteria: gram -ve E. coli and gram +ve S. aureus as well as fungal strains. The Zr(IV) complexes are found to possess significant antifungal activity against A. niger. The results are indicative of crystal plane-dependent antimicrobial activity of zirconia nanoparticles and complexes. The observed difference in the antibacterial activity of ZrO2 crystals and Zr(IV) complexes may be ascribed to the atomic arrangements of different exposed surfaces. On the basis of the study, it could be speculated that the ZrO2 nanoparticles with the same surface areas but with different shapes i.e., different active facets will show different antimicrobial activity.

Inhibitory effect of zirconium oxide nanoparticles on <em>Candida albicans</em> adhesion to repaired polymethyl methacrylate denture bases and interim removable prostheses: a new approach for denture stomatitis prevention

“…45,46 Additionally, it could be speculated that the nano-ZrO 2 has the same surface geometry, but with different shapes, different active facets may exhibit different antimicrobial activities. 29 Based on the results of the current study, significant differences were found between reinforced cold-cured acrylic resin and the control group. Moreover, significant differences were found between reinforced cold-cured acrylic resin as nano-ZrO 2 concentration increased, which confirmed the potential effect of nano-ZrO 2 in the prevention of Candida adhesion (Figure 3).…”

“…This decrease in the colony number may be attributed to the antimicrobial activity of nano-ZrO 2 or its potential effect in improving surface properties. The antimicrobial effect of nano-ZrO 2 was reported by Jangra et al 29 who found that nano-ZrO 2 worked preliminarily on the bacterial strains of E. coli and S. aureus and on the fungal strain of A. niger and mainly showed activity against only E. coli. 36 Some studies showed that nano-ZrO 2 fills polymeric chain spaces and spaces on the surface, as its proper bonding to the polymer matrix resulted in smooth surfaces, which could prevent C. albicans adhesion.…”

“…Several studies on nano-ZrO 2 have demonstrated the antibacterial and antifungal effects on C. albicans and Aspergillus niger. 28 Jangra et al 29 found that nano-ZrO 2 worked preliminarily on bacterial strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and on the fungal strain of A. niger and mainly showed activity against E. coli. Gowri …”

“…Nano-ZrO 2 can actively inhibit the growth of fungal strains by interfering with cell function and causing deformation in fungal hyphae. 29,30 Recently, much attention has been directed toward the incorporation of nanoparticles into PMMA to improve its properties. Nano-ZrO 2 is broadly used to reinforce and improve the properties of PMMA.…”

Nanotoxicology of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

“…No evidence of toxic effects was observed [119,122]. ZrO2, acting on the bacterial strains of E. coli, S. aureus and fungal strain of A. niger, exhibited activity against only the E. coli [123]. There is no report that describes the toxicity of biogenically synthesized ZrO2 nanoparticles.…”