Flower-shaped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by a novel approach at near-room temperatures with antibacterial and antifungal properties

Abstract

Due to enormous applications of metal oxide nanoparticles in research and health-related applications, metal oxide nanoparticles are increasingly being developed through cheaper and more user-friendly approaches. We have formulated a simple route to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs) by a sol–gel method at near-room temperatures 25°C, 35°C, 55°C, and 75°C. The results are analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy. The effect of different temperature conditions (25°C–75°C) on the particulate sizes (23.7–88.8 nm), pH levels (11.7–11.9), and morphologies (slender needle–broad arrow) of flower-shaped ZNP colonies is studied. A possible mechanism depicting the growth rates at different temperatures and of different facets, mainly towards the <0 0 0 I> and <0 I Ī 0> planes of the ZNPs has also been discussed. The values of λ max (293–298 nm) suggest that ZNPs prepared at 55°C are the most effective ultraviolet B absorbers, and that they can be used in sunscreens. Highly significant antimicrobial activity against medically important Gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus ) and Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli ) bacteria and fungi ( Candida albicans ) by these ZNPs was also revealed. As S. aureus and C. albicans are responsible for many contagious dermal infections such as abscesses, furuncles, carbuncles, cellulitis, and candidiasis, we can postulate that our fabricated ZNPs may be useful as antimicrobial agents in antiseptic creams and lotions for the treatment of skin diseases.

Antifungal Effect of Magnesium Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Silicon Oxide and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Against Candida albicans

“…Some nanoparticles as silver induce apoptotic cell death in C. albicans by increasing of hydroxyl radicals [16]. However, shape of nanoparticle can influence its antimicrobial effects [17]. GarciaSaucedo et al investigated the toxicity of SiO 2 nanoparticles on yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and showed that this nanoparticle is low effective or no effective on this yeast [18].…”

Sol-gel synthesis of thorn-like ZnO nanoparticles endorsing mechanical stirring effect and their antimicrobial activities: Potential role as nano-antibiotics

“…500 rpm, 1000 rpm, 1500 rpm and 2000 rpm) were tested for bactericidal and fungicidal activity by disc-diffusion method25 as well as growth inhibition studies against both Gram-positive ( Bacillus subtilis ) and Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli ) bacteria as well as fungi ( Candida albicans ) as standardized in our lab16. In paper disc diffusion, diluted bacterial culture (0.1 mL) was plated uniformly with the help of a spreader on nutrient agar (NA) plates.…”

Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activities of plant-mediated synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using Punica granatum (pomegranate) fruit peels extract

“…Numerous methods including precipitation technique [9], microwave decomposition [10], hydrothermal process [11], wet chemical method [12] and solgel method [13] have been adopted to produce ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with different morphologies and characteristics. Studies have reported the production of ZnO-NPs in different forms like flowershaped [14], spherical [15], cubic [16], rice-shaped [10] and nanorods [17]. ZnO-NPs synthesis from diverse resources such as Ziziphus nummularia leaf extract [5], starch [18], gum tragacanth [13], Catharanthus roseus leaf extract [19], honey [7], brown microalga [20] and seaweed [21] have been described previously.…”

“…ZnO-NPs synthesis from diverse resources such as Ziziphus nummularia leaf extract [5], starch [18], gum tragacanth [13], Catharanthus roseus leaf extract [19], honey [7], brown microalga [20] and seaweed [21] have been described previously. The properties of ZnO-NPs have been investigated in a wide range of targeted applications including electrical property [22], antibacterial activity [23], antifungal activity [14], catalytic activity [15] and cosmetic industry [21].…”