A Review on Enhancing the Antibacterial Activity of ZnO: Mechanisms and Microscopic Investigation

An eco-friendly lignin sulfonate-stabilized ZnO nanoflowers with inherent antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer activities and effect on seed germination

Herein, we report the eco-friendly and cost-effective synthesis of bionanocomposites comprising zinc oxide nanoflowers (ZnONFs) encapsulated with lignin sulfonate (LS) as a stabilizing agent. The as-synthesized LS-ZnONFs were comprehensively characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). FE-SEM and HR-TEM imaging elucidated a well-defined nanoflower-like morphology. The antioxidant potential of LS-ZnONFs was evaluated via DPPH and ABTS assays, demonstrating significant radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 2.84 μg/mL and 4.38 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, LS-ZnONFs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against clinically relevant pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli, alongside notable anti-biofilm effects. In vitro cytotoxicity assessment against HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells revealed dose-dependent antiproliferative activity (IC50 = 180 μg/mL), as confirmed by MTT assay and apoptosis analysis. Furthermore, LS-ZnONFs were investigated for their influence on seed germination and growth in Raphanus sativus (radish), demonstrating their potential as a sustainable agrochemical agent. Collectively, these findings highlight the multifunctional capabilities of LS-ZnONFs as an antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial agent, underscoring their promise for biomedical and agricultural applications.

Photocatalytic effect of gold-zinc oxide composite nanostructures for the selective and controlled killing of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the removal of resistant bacterial biofilms from the body

Infections involving antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become a major problem. Pathogenic bacteria use mechanisms such as drug target bypass, target modification, and biofilm formation to evade treatment. To respond to these problems, antibacterial research using metal and metal oxide nanoparticles is currently active. Nanoparticles treat bacterial infections through reactive oxygen species generation or antibacterial ion release. However, their application has faced problems related to human compatibility, as they react non-specifically, targeting both mammalian and bacterial cells. In addition, ZnO nanoparticles show low antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Thus, the demand for antibacterial substances with enhanced specificity and improved efficacy is increasing. We bound gold to the surface of ZnO nanoparticles, enabling photocatalytic and photothermal actions through visible light irradiation. To improve bacterial specificity, Concanavalin A (Con A), a lectin that can specifically target bacterial membrane lipopolysaccharides, was conjugated with the nanoparticles. We showed that Con A-conjugated Au/ZnO nanoparticles (Au/ZnO-Con A) exhibit photocatalytic and photothermal effects under white light, enhancing their antibacterial ability, and through enhanced specificity, increased antibacterial and anti-biofilm abilities were confirmed. The developed particles showed the potential to alleviate antibiotic resistance in a bacterial skin infection model, presenting a new platform for treating bacterial infections.

Zinc Oxide@Tetracycline Spiky Microparticles Design for Persistent Antibacterial Therapy

Antibiotics have revolutionized medical treatment by effectively combating bacterial infections, particularly those associated with chronic wounds and implant complications. Nevertheless, the persistent use of these drugs has resulted in an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria and biofilm infections, highlighting the urgent need for alternative therapies. This study presents an approach for combating persistent bacterial and biofilm infections through the integration of biomimetic design and advanced nanotechnology. Inspired by the natural defense mechanisms of pollen grains and lotus leaves, we engineered zinc oxide spiky microparticles combined with tetracycline-loaded beads mimicking the structure of lotus leaf papillae. This biomimetic design exhibits a multifaceted antimicrobial strategy, leveraging hierarchical micro/nanostructures and the inherent antibacterial properties of their natural counterparts. ZnO microparticles, which mimic the morphology of pollen grains, provide topological cues to rupture adhered bacteria, whereas tetracycline beads, inspired by lotus leaf papillae, deliver a controlled release of antibiotics to target persistent bacteria. Using a synergistic multimodal approach, our biomimetic materials demonstrated exceptional efficacy in eradicating persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli infections, offering promising prospects for the development of advanced antibacterial therapies. This study not only underscores the importance of biomimicry in material design but also highlights the potential of integrating nature-inspired strategies with nanotechnology for biomedical applications.

Bacterial responses to Ephedra aphylla stem extract and green-synthesized Ag-TiO2 and Ag-SeO2 core/shell nanocomposites: unveiling antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

This study reports an efficient and green protocol for the green synthesis of Ag-TiO2 and Ag-SeO2 nanocomposites using the extracted stems of Ephedra aphylla. Results of spectroscopic and analytical analyses confirmed the successful synthesis, stability, and crystalline nature of the nanomaterials. The phytochemical profile and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the E. aphylla extract and the nanocomposites were also studied. E. aphylla extract and both the nanomaterials exhibited significant levels of active phytochemical compounds. These compounds contributed to their potent antioxidant activity, with E. aphylla extract and Ag-TiO2 NC demonstrating the highest antioxidant activity. Besides, Ag-SeO2 NC displayed remarkable antibacterial properties against different pathogenic bacteria with 31.0 ± 1.27 mm against K. pneumonia, 31.0 ± 1.72 mm against S. aureus, and 44.0 ± 1.09 mm against B. subtilis, and antifungal properties against Candida glabrata and Aspergillus niger. The enhanced antimicrobial activity of Ag-SeO2 NC can be attributed to the synergistic effects of silver and selenium nanoparticles, which can disrupt cell membranes, induce oxidative stress, and interfere with essential cellular processes. The minimum inhibitory concentration values of Ag-SeO2 NC against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae were found to be 0.2956 mg mL-1 and 4.73 mg mL-1, respectively. The mechanism of action of Ag-SeO2 NC against both fungal strains was investigated using FTIR and HR-TEM analyses.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles as a Promising Nanomedicine Approach for Anticancer, Antibacterial, and Anti-Inflammatory Therapies

Background and Aim

The rapid advancement of nanotechnology has opened new avenues for biomedical applications, particularly in antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer therapies. Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using plant extracts offers an eco-friendly and biocompatible alternative to traditional chemical methods. This study explores the synthesis of ZnO-NPs using Syzygium aromaticum (clove) bud extract (CBE) and evaluates their multifaceted biomedical potential, including anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

Clove bud extract-zinc oxide nanoparticles (CBE-ZnO-NPs) were synthesized and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses to confirm their size, morphology, elemental composition, and surface properties. The anticancer efficacy was tested against tongue carcinoma (HNO-97) cells using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus cereus, while anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated using a mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7).

Results

The SEM analysis confirmed a non-uniform shape of ZnO-NPs, while FTIR revealed functional groups responsible for stabilization and bioactivity. DLS measurements indicated an average particle size of 249.8 nm with a zeta potential of -3.38 mV, ensuring moderate colloidal stability. BET analysis demonstrated a high porosity (30.039 m²/g) and a mean particle size of 19.52 nm. CBE-ZnO-NPs exhibited moderate anticancer activity against tongue carcinoma cells (IC50 > 100 µg/mL), potent antibacterial activity (MIC = 62.5-125 μg/mL), and anti-inflammatory effects (IC50 = 69.3 µg/mL).

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of CBE-ZnO-NPs as a promising multi-functional nanomaterial with potent antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. The findings pave the way for further exploration of ZnO-based nanotherapeutics in biomedical applications, particularly in cancer therapy, infection control, and inflammatory disorders.

Controllable Fabrication of ZnO Nanorod Arrays on the Surface of Titanium Material and Their Antibacterial and Anti-Adhesion Properties

The adhesion of deleterious bacteria on titanium substrates not only causes economic losses but also endangers human life and health. The study is expected to address the challenging issues of using ZnO as an antibacterial material, including low bactericidal efficiency without lighting, susceptibility to ZnO cluster formation, and easy adhesion of bacteria to its surface. It is proposed that the prepared ZnO nanorod arrays with a hexagonal wurtzite structure on the surface of titanium-based materials can address the issue of ZnO cluster formation. Remarkably, a mere 3.49 g cm-2 of decorated Ag/AgCl achieves over 99% sterilization efficiency without lighting. The incorporation of FAS (1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane) molecules with low surface energy enables the prepared Ti@ZnO@Ag/AgCl@FAS to attain a Cassie-Baxter wetting state, thereby imparting exceptional bacterial anti-adhesion properties exceeding 99.50%. Furthermore, antibacterial and anti-adhesion models have been proposed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. This innovative approach is anticipated to be adaptable for application across various material substrates, which opens up a new avenue for the application of the antibacterial and bacterial anti-adhesion properties on the surface of ZnO materials.

Evaluation of a multifunctional orthodontic adhesive incorporating zinc oxide quantum dots

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to further evaluate the long-term antibiofilm and fluorescence properties as well as enamel demineralization prevention ability, removal efficiency, and biocompatibility of an orthodontic adhesive modified with zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnQDs).

METHODS

ZnQDs were synthesized and characterized by transmission electron microscope and fluorescence observation. Minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of ZnQDs against Streptococcus mutans were evaluated. ZnQDs (20% by weight) were incorporated into Transbond XT adhesive paste to form the multifunctional orthodontic adhesive (quantum dots adhesive 20 [QDA20]). Long-term antibiofilm capability and fluorescence properties were evaluated after saliva storage aging. A biofilm demineralization model was constructed, and the enamel demineralization degree was evaluated by color analysis, Raman analysis and microcomputed tomography. Bracket bonding and debonding procedures were performed on a head simulator, and the effectiveness of adhesive removal was assessed. Subcutaneous tissue, blood, and organ compatibility assays were performed on a rat subcutaneous tissue implant model.

RESULTS

ZnQDs had a diameter of approximately 5 nm, and the minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration against S mutans were 0.32 and 1.25 mg/mL. ZnQDs showed long-lasting antibiofilm and fluorescent properties and could reduce the color change and mineral loss of enamel during the biofilm demineralization process. On the head simulator, QDA20 could help the operator remove adhesive more thoroughly without damaging enamel. Histologic analysis of subcutaneous tissue and organs, and blood analysis proved that QDA20 was well-biocompatible.

CONCLUSIONS

ZnQDs showed excellent antibiofilm and fluorescent properties and thus could be a multifunctional adhesive to overcome the 2 major challenges of enamel demineralization and difficulty in recognizing adhesives during fixed orthodontic treatment.

Development of hybrid bionanocomposites of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) with zinc oxide and silicon-doped hydroxyapatite nanocrystals and machine learning for predicting dynamic mechanical properties

The development of hybrid materials that integrate bioactive and antimicrobial properties within a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer matrix is a key focus in current biomedical research and applications. A significant research gap exists in the field of PHBV nanocomposites, particularly concerning those that simultaneously incorporate both ZnO and HAP particles. This study focuses on the fabrication and characterization of innovative hybrid bionanocomposites composed of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) combined with zinc oxide (ZnO) and silicon-doped hydroxyapatite (SiHAP) nanocrystals. The hybrid nanocomposite with 5 wt% ZnO and 0.1 wt% SiHAP exhibited the highest storage modulus, suitable for load-bearing applications. DMA analysis at 20 °C showed significant increases in storage (50.8 %) and loss (92 %) moduli for this composition. This particular group demonstrated cellular viability of approximately 100 %. Our results suggest that these newly developed novel composites demonstrate exceptional biocompatibility, bioactivity, and antimicrobial properties. As a result, they show significant potential as tissue engineering tools for addressing bone tissue disorders. Various Machine learning (ML) algorithms were applied to model the dynamic mechanical properties of nanocomposites based on experimental data. The study shows that these models provide accurate insights into the dynamic mechanical behavior of nanocomposites, offering a reliable method for optimizing their properties.

Equal volume impregnation-air calcination synthesis of lithium-doped MgO nanoplates for enhanced antibacterial performance

Magnesium oxide nanomaterials (nano-MgO) have many advantages, such as environmentally benign, high thermal stability, no need of illumination, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and more. However, its low activity has restricted the application in environmental purification and antibacterial disinfection. Herein, the equal volume impregnation-air calcination method was first used in the synthesis of nano-MgO and a series of nano-MgO with varying amounts of Li doping were prepared to enhance their antibacterial properties. Li doping leads to the distortion of MgO lattice structure and the presence of oxygen vacancies, enhancing oxygen absorption and alkalinity. This enhancement effectively promotes the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintains its high chemical reactivity. The Li doped nano-MgO at 100 μg mL-1 showed a significant improvement in antibacterial activity, achieving the antibacterial ratio of 99.6% against Escherichia coli (E. coli). Moreover, the contribution of alkalinity, ROS, physical morphology effect, and dissolved ions (Mg2+ and Li+) to the antibacterial ability was further discussed. Especially, the results of dialysis tube test indirectly indicated that ROS played the crucial role in enhancing the antibacterial performance of nano-MgO. This study lays an essential foundation for further investigation into the antibacterial performance and mechanism of nano-MgO.

Engineering antibacterial plasma-polymerized polyethylene glycol-ZnO nanocomposite coatings for extending pork sausage shelf life

Recently, interest in eco-friendly techniques for producing antibacterial food packaging films has surged. Within this context, plasma polymerization is emerging as a promising approach for applying degradable antibacterial coatings on various plastic films. This research therefore employs an atmospheric pressure aerosol-assisted plasma deposition technique to create polyethylene glycol (PEG)-like coatings embedding zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) of varying sizes on polyethylene (PE) substrates. The antimicrobial efficacy of these plasma-polymerized PEG-ZnO coatings against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is assessed, demonstrating a robust antibacterial effect, particularly when using smaller ZnO NPs (35-45 nm). The deposition of uniform, conformal PEG-ZnO nanocomposites with a chemical composition akin to standard PEG polymers has been achieved. In addition, ZnO NPs are homogeneously dispersed within the PEG matrix, up to a concentration of 1 wt%. To assess the antibacterial performance in contact with real food, pasteurized pork sausages inoculated with a mixture of L. monocytogenes or LAB strains are wrapped in plasma-coated PE and vacuum-packed. Bacterial growth is monitored during storage at 7 °C over time, demonstrating that the developed plasma-polymerized PEG-ZnO nanocomposite effectively inhibits bacterial growth during refrigerated storage, with a more pronounced effect on LAB. The release of Zn from the developed PEG-ZnO nanocomposite into various food simulants also remains below the specific migration limit (5 mg kg-1 or L-1 food), confirming coating safety. Overall, plasma-polymerized PEG-ZnO nanocomposite coatings thus show great promise as effective degradable antimicrobial films for food packaging applications.

Quinolone scaffolds as potential drug candidates against infectious microbes: a review

Prevalence of microbial infections and new rising pathogens are signified as causative agent for variety of serious and lethal health crisis in past years. Despite medical advances, bacterial and fungal infections continue to be a rising problem in the health care system. As more bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics used in therapy, and as more invasive microbial species develop resistance to conventional antimicrobial drugs. Relevant published publications from the last two decades, up to 2024, were systematically retrieved from the MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and WOS databases using keywords such as quinolones, anti-infective, antibacterial, antimicrobial resistance and patents on quinolone derivatives. With an approach of considerable interest towards novel heterocyclic derivatives as novel anti-infective agents, researchers have explored these as essential tools in vistas of drug design and development. Among heterocycles, quinolones have been regarded extremely essential for the development of novel derivatives, even able to tackle the associated resistance issues. The quinolone scaffold with its bicyclic structure and specific functional groups such as the carbonyl and acidic groups, is indeed considered a valuable functionalities for further lead generation and optimization in drug discovery. Besides, the substitution at N-1, C-3 and C-7 positions also subjected to be having a significant role in anti-infective potential. In this article, we intend to highlight recent quinolone derivatives based on the SAR approach and anti-infective potential such as antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antitubercular, antitrypanosomal and antiviral activities. Moreover, some recent patents granted on quinolone-containing derivatives as anti-infective agents have also been highlighted in tabular form. Due consideration of this, future research in this scaffold is expected to be useful for aspiring scientists to get pharmacologically significant leads.

Dye Adsorbent from Natural Rubber Latex Foam: Efficiency and Post-Utilization

This study examined the feasibility of using natural rubber (NR) latex foam as a dye adsorbent and antibacterial foam. The dyes used in this experiment were Methylene Blue (MB) and Alizarin Yellow (AY). Foams with that optimum density were further evaluated for adsorption isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamic data. The dye adsorption occurred in two steps: the initial and the stabilized stages where an increase in dye concentrations boosted the adsorption capacity. Based on the prediction, the maximum adsorptions of MB and AY from the solution were 3.15 and 10.31 mg/g, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm fits better with the adsorption of MB while AY is better matched by the Freundlich isotherm. Moreover, the adsorption behavior fits well with the pseudo-second-order model. MB took much longer to reach the stabilized stage, especially at high dye concentrations. The thermodynamic study revealed that physical adsorption accounted for most of the adsorption. Later, the foam after use as an adsorbent was further utilized as an antibacterial foam. Based on the qualitative and quantitative aspects, the results indicate that the dye-carrying foam could inhibit the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It can be concluded that NR latex foam can be applied as a dye adsorbent and further utilized as an antibacterial foam.

Fluorescence Analysis of Antibacterial Activity of ZnO/TiO2 Electrospun Nanofibers: A Molecular Approach to Reveals the Insights of Physiochemical Interactions of Materials with Bacteria

Fluorescence spectroscopy employed to compute the antibacterial potential of pure ZnO and Titania (TiO2) loaded ZnO (TiO2: 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) electrospun nanofibers. The study of electrospun nanofibers followed by their structural, morphological and antibacterial properties has been revealed through fluorescence spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of nanofibers calcinated at 600 °C revealed the presence of polycrystalline wurtzite hexagonal crystallographic planes of ZnO with preferred orientation along (101) direction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that calcination of electrospun nanofibers resulted in smooth and pure ZnO nanofibers due to ethanol evaporation and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) decomposition. Two bacterial strains Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used for fluorescence spectroscopy-based evaluation of antibacterial activity of ZnO and TiO2-ZnO nanofibers. Agar well technique was employed to investigate the antibacterial activity and functioning mechanism of nanofibers against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The consistent zones of inhibition have been observed for pure ZnO and Titania loaded ZnO nanofibers. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed the insights of bacterial killing with nanofibers. The mechanistic study of interaction between nanofibers and bacterial cells leads to cell membrane breakdown and confirmed with SEM imaged micrographs. Furthermore, the nanofibers calcinated at 600 °C efficiently ruptured the bacteria resulting in higher antibacterial phenomenon as compare to the other nanofiber structures.

A Versatile Composite Hydrogel with Spatiotemporal Drug Delivery of Mesoporous ZnO and Recombinant Human Collagen for Diabetic Infected Wound Healing

Diabetic wounds are increasingly common and challenging to treat due to high infection risks in a high-glucose environment. Effective treatment requires wound dressings that combat infections, while promoting angiogenesis and skin regeneration. This study presents a hydrogel-based drug delivery system made from cellulose designed to accelerate diabetic wound healing by eliminating bacterial infections. The hydrogel, formed by linking phenylboronic acid-grafted oxidized methylcellulose (POMC) with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), exhibits self-healing and injectable properties. It is further enhanced by adding type I recombinant human collagen (rhCOL1) to stimulate cell growth and angiogenesis and mesoporous zinc oxide (mZnO) for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Upon application, the hydrogel degrades under pH/ROS stimuli, releasing mZnO and rhCOL1 in a controlled manner that matches the wound healing stages. In vivo tests show that the hydrogel effectively eliminates bacteria, reduces inflammation, and promotes rapid skin regeneration, making it a promising solution for treating diabetic wounds.

Antimicrobial and Oxidative Activities of Different Levels of Silver-Exchanged Zeolites X and ZSM-5 and Their Ecotoxicity

OBJECTIVES

The antimicrobial, oxidative activities, and ecotoxicity of synthesized silver-loaded zeolites (X and ZSM-5(MFI), Si-to-Al ratios 12 and 25) were studied, linking antimicrobial properties to material structure and released active silver species.

METHODS

The materials were characterized by SEM, EDX, TEM, and XRPD. All materials, with a silver content of 1-3%wt for the Ss and about 35%wt for the X-zeolites, were tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Redox activity was studied in physiological (pH 7.4/37 °C) and optimal (pH 8.5/37 °C) conditions in chemiluminescent model systems. In the ecotoxicity tests, we used Daphnia magna. Results: A proportional correlation was observed between the bactericidal effect of and the silver content in the zeolites. AgX with a Si/Al ratio of ~1.23 and 35% silver showed a higher antimicrobial efficiency, particularly against Gram-negative E. coli versus Gram-positive S. aureus. The concentration thresholds were as follows: AgXas had a bactericidal effect at 0.003 g/L-1, with an MIC at 0.0015 m/L-1 for E. coli; SA25-Ag, AgXcl, AgXrc had a bactericidal effect at 2.5 g/L-1. The bacteria were more resilient than Daphnia magna, which showed a 90-100% lethality at Ag-zeolite concentrations of 0.00625 to 0.0125 g/L-1. AgXas and AgXrc demonstrated strong reactive oxygen species generation at both the physiological and optimal pH, explaining their bactericidal effects. In general, the tested materials showed an inhibition of the generated reactive oxygen species depending on the model system and conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The silver species leached from the new materials explain their higher oxidation and bactericidal activity. While suitable for stringently controlled biological applications, their release into the environment, in concentrations higher than 0.01g/L-1, should be avoided.

Optical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Si/PVP Hybrid Material Combined with Antibiotics

Silica-poly (vinylpyrrolidone) hybrid material was prepared using the sol-gel method. Tetramethyl ortosilane (TMOS) was used as a silica precursor. XRD analysis established that the as-prepared material is amorphous. The morphological structure of the final product was determined by the incorporated PVP. The UV-Vis analysis showed that the obtained hybrid exhibited absorption in the ultraviolet range. The antimicrobial activity of the SiO2/15PVP hybrid material was tested on Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 14990, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC BAA-2162, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in combination with the following antibiotics: Vancomycin for Gram-positive bacteria, Ciprofloxacin for Gram-negative bacteria, and Nystatin for yeast. The results confirmed a concentration-dependent synergistic effect of the antibiotic in combination with the TM15/PVP hybrid particles, especially at their highest concentration of 100 mg/mL on Gram-positive bacteria and for the Gram-negative Salmonella. On Candida albicans ATCC 18804 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCY 21-6-3, the effect was synergistic again, and a fungicidal effect was observed at 6.25 and 1.50 mg/mL for the antibiotic concentration and concentrations of hybrid material at 100 mg/mL. The toxicity on Daphnia magna was also tested. The registered prooxidant activity of SiO2/15PVP shows possible applications at very low concentrations. The obtained results demonstrate the possibility of clinical implementations of the newly synthesized hybrid material.

Single-step hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods for potential use as nano-antibiotics without seeding or bases

The alarming global rise in antibiotic resistance, driven by the widespread overuse of traditional antibiotics, has created an urgent demand for new antimicrobial solutions. This study presents zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods as a potential nano-antibiotic agent. ZnO nanorods, with a 2:3 aspect ratio, were synthesized using an efficient one-step hydrothermal method at a low temperature of 100°C, reducing the synthesis time to just 5 hours. The synthesized ZnO nanorods' morphology, structure, and composition were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The potent antimicrobial activity of these nanorods against common bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus was examined through optical density at 600 nm (OD600) measurements and inhibition zone analysis, demonstrating substantial inhibition of bacterial growth. In particular, at a concentration of 5 mg/mL, ZnO nanorods achieved a 96% reduction of B. subtilis bacteria in OD600 and an impressive 99.87% reduction in culturing assays within one day, showcasing bactericidal efficiency on par with tetracycline at 0.003 mg/mL. Furthermore, a predictive model of bacterial growth was developed and validated, providing insights into the time-dependent bactericidal efficiency of the synthesized nanorods. These results highlight the potential of ZnO-based composites as a promising solution to combat antibiotic resistance, paving the way for next-generation antimicrobial materials.

Designing antibacterial materials through simulation and theory

Antibacterial materials have a wide range of potential applications in bio-antimicrobial, environmental antimicrobial, and food antimicrobial fields due to their intrinsic antimicrobial properties, which can circumvent the development of drug resistance in bacteria. Understanding the intricate mechanisms and intrinsic nature of diverse antibacterial materials is significant for the formulation of guidelines for the design of materials with rapid and efficacious antimicrobial action and a high degree of biomedical material safety. Herein, this review highlights the recent advances in investigating antimicrobial mechanisms of different antibacterial materials with a particular focus on tailored computer simulations and theoretical analysis. From the view of structure and function, we summarize the characteristics and mechanisms of different antibacterial materials, introduce the latest advances of new antibacterial materials, and discuss the design concept and development direction of new materials. In addition, we underscore the significance of employing simulation and theoretical methodologies to elucidate the intrinsic antimicrobial mechanisms, which is crucial for a comprehensive comprehension of the control strategies, safer biomedical applications, and the management of health and environmental concerns associated with antibacterial materials. This review could potentially stimulate further endeavors in fundamental research and facilitate the extensive utilization of computational and theoretical approaches in the design of novel functional nanomaterials.

Antibacterial activity and structural properties of gelatin-based sol-gel synthesized Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles; promising material for biomedical applications

This study investigates the antibacterial activity and spectral characteristics of Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized via the gelatin-based sol-gel method, focusing on their potential biomedical applications. Zn₁₋ₓCuₓO nanoparticles (x = 0.0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) were fabricated using this method. The incorporation of copper dopants into the ZnO matrix significantly influences both the crystalline structure and spectral properties of the nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the presence of a wurtzite structure without any pyrochlore phase. The broadening of spectral features indicates modifications in lattice parameters and elastic constants. XRD results reveal that adding Cu to the ZnO lattice causes a decrease in crystallite size from 32 to 18 nm. Transmission electron microscopy shows spherical-shaped ZnO nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 30 to 40 nm. Moreover, Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles exhibit considerable inhibition against bacterial growth. Adding Cu enhances the antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles, suggesting their potential in biomedical applications. Overall, these findings highlight the promising prospects of sol-gel synthesized Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles in the biomedical field.

Effects of Chemically and Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Shelf Life and Sensory Quality of Minced Fish (Pangasius hypophthalmus)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of chemically and green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the shelf life and sensory quality of fish meat. In this study, ZnO-NPs were synthesized by employing the colloidal chemistry (CZnO-NPs) and green synthesis (GZnO-NPs) methods, and they were also characterized to assess their morphology. The synthesized ZnO-NPs, ZnO, and zinc acetate (ZnA) were used for the preservation and fortification of fish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) meat at 20 mg/kg of Zn. In a six-day storage study at 4 °C, the fish samples were evaluated for their sensory attributes (color and odor), physicochemical quality (pH and total volatile base nitrogen), oxidative changes (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and peroxide value), and microbial loads at 0, 3, and 6 days of storage. The fortification of raw fish with the synthesized CZnO-NPs produced better sensory attributes (color and odor) and maintained a pH non-conducive to microbial growth throughout the entire storage period compared with the control, ZnO, and ZnA-fortified samples. The GZnO-NPs largely did not provide any added advantage over CZnO-NPs but sometimes responded better than the control, ZnO, and ZnA samples. Oxidative status and total volatile base nitrogen were lower for CZnO-NPs in refrigerated fish compared with the other treatments. The ZnO-NP-fortified fish had the lowest counts of total viable bacteria, coliforms, Staphylococcus spp., and Vibrio spp. Hence, the fortification of fish with synthesized CZnO-NPs is promising as a food additive to reduce microbial spoilage and lipid peroxidation of fish in storage.

The physico-chemical and antimicrobial properties of nano ZnO functionalised tannic acid

Tannic acid (TA) has been reported as an efficient plant-based compound with inhibitory activity against viruses and bacteria. The combination of TA with Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanostructures with ZnO is one of the most widely used nanoparticles for antimicrobial properties, have not yet fully elucidate especially their mechanisms of overall physicochemical and antimicrobial actions. Hence, to observe the influence of TA adsorption on ZnO, the investigations on the TA concentration and the effect of pH towards the physicochemical, optical and antimicrobial properties are demonstrated. The pure ZnO are synthesised via the chemical reduction method and the ZnO-TA nanostructures are further prepared using the dropwise methods to form variations of pH samples, which causes the formation of different mean particle size distribution, d m . The findings reveal that the performance of physicochemical and optical properties of pure ZnO and ZnO-TA are different due to the wrapped layers of TA which change the charged surface of all the particles. The protonation reactions yield strong pH dependence (pH 3 and 5), with uptake performance becoming more dominant at higher TA concentration loading (pH 3). The detailed optical energy bandgap and Urbach energy that concluded the nanoparticle growth and disorder condition of produced particles are presented. For antimicrobial efficiency, ZnO-TA shows improved effectiveness in growth inhibitions of S. aureus 99.69% compared to pure ZnO nanostructure (99.39%). This work reveals that the TA concentration increases the overall performance, and the discussion gives added support to their potential performance related to the field of ZnO compound.

Antibacterial properties of mesoporous silica coated with cerium oxide nanoparticles in dental resin composite

Cerium oxide nanoparticles are known for their antibacterial effects resulting from Ce3+ to Ce4+ conversion. Application of such cerium oxide nanoparticles in dentistry has been previously considered but limited due to deterioration of mechanical properties. Hence, this study aimed to examine mesoporous silica (MCM-41) coated with cerium oxide nanoparticles and evaluate the antibacterial effects and mechanical properties when applied to dental composite resin. Cerium oxide nanoparticles were coated on the MCM-41 surface using the sol-gel method by adding cerium oxide nanoparticle precursor to the MCM-41 dispersion. The samples were tested for antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans via CFU and MTT assays. The mechanical properties were assessed by flexural strength and depth of cure according to ISO 4049. Data were analyzed using a t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's post-hoc test (p = 0.05). The experimental group showed significantly increased antibacterial properties compared to the control groups (p < 0.005). The flexural strength exhibited a decreasing trend as the amount of cerium oxide nanoparticle-coated MCM-41 increased. However, the flexural strength and depth of cure values of the silane group met the ISO 4049 standard. Antibacterial properties increased with increasing amounts of cerium oxide nanoparticles. Although the mechanical properties decreased, silane treatment overcame this drawback. Hence, the cerium oxide nanoparticles coated on MCM-41 may be used for dental resin composite.

Low-dose zinc oxide nanoparticles trigger the growth and biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a hormetic response

INTRODUCTION

Hormesis describes an inverse dose-response relationship, whereby a high dose of a toxic compound is inhibitory, and a low dose is stimulatory. This study explores the hormetic response of low concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) toward Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

METHOD

Samples of P. aeruginosa, i.e. the reference strain, ATCC 27,853, together with six strains recovered from patients with cystic fibrosis, were exposed to ten decreasing ZnO NPs doses (0.78-400 µg/mL). The ZnO NPs were manufactured from Peganum harmala using a chemical green synthesis approach, and their properties were verified utilizing X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. A microtiter plate technique was employed to investigate the impact of ZnO NPs on the growth, biofilm formation and metabolic activity of P. aeruginosa. Real-time polymerase chain reactions were performed to determine the effect of ZnO NPs on the expression of seven biofilm-encoding genes.

RESULT

The ZnO NPs demonstrated concentration-dependent bactericidal and antibiofilm efficiency at concentrations of 100-400 µg/mL. However, growth was significantly stimulated at ZnO NPs concentration of 25 µg/mL (ATCC 27853, Pa 3 and Pa 4) and at 12.5 µg/mL and 6.25 µg/mL (ATCC 27853, Pa 2, Pa 4 and Pa 5). No significant positive growth was detected at dilutions < 6.25 µg/mL. similarly, biofilm formation was stimulated at concentration of 12.5 µg/mL (ATCC 27853 and Pa 1) and at 6.25 µg/mL (Pa 4). At concentration of 12.5 µg/mL, ZnO NPs upregulated the expression of LasB ( ATCC 27853, Pa 1 and Pa 4) and LasR and LasI (ATCC 27853 and Pa 1) as well as RhII expression (ATCC 27853, Pa 2 and Pa 4).

CONCLUSION

When exposed to low ZnO NPs concentrations, P. aeruginosa behaves in a hormetic manner, undergoing positive growth and biofilm formation. These results highlight the importance of understanding the response of P. aeruginosa following exposure to low ZnO NPs concentrations.

ZnO Nanoparticles Enhance the Antimicrobial Properties of Two-Sided-Coated Cotton Textile

Cotton textiles improved with metal oxide nanoparticles acquire additional features that may enhance their action against antimicrobial-resistant pathogens due to the unique properties and characteristics of the nanoparticles. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the antimicrobial features of two-sided-coated cotton textiles with ZnO nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were deposited using green chemistry technology with low-temperature oxygen plasma. ZnO particles formed stable structures on textile fibers. The optimal deposition parameters (150 W plasma power, 120 min immersion time) achieved the best effects against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and microscopic fungi. Two-sided-coated cotton with ZnO nanoparticles showed high antibacterial action on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Modification with zinc oxide inhibited the growth of Candida albicans by more than half.

Antibacterial Size Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles and Their Role as Additives in Emulsion Waterborne Paint

Nosocomial infections, a prevalent issue in intensive care units due to antibiotic overuse, could potentially be addressed by metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs). However, there is still no comprehensive understanding of the impact of NPs' size on their antibacterial efficacy. Therefore, this study provides a novel investigation into the impact of ZnO NPs' size on bacterial growth kinetics. NPs were synthesized using a sol-gel process with monoethanolamine (MEA) and water. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy confirmed their crystallization and size variations. ZnO NPs of 22, 35, and 66 nm were tested against the most common nosocomial bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative), and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive). Evaluation of minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) revealed superior antibacterial activity in small NPs. Bacterial growth kinetics were monitored using optical absorbance, showing a reduced specific growth rate, a prolonged latency period, and an increased inhibition percentage with small NPs, indicating a slowdown in bacterial growth. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed the lowest sensitivity to ZnO NPs, attributed to its resistance to environmental stress. Moreover, the antibacterial efficacy of paint containing 1 wt% of 22 nm ZnO NPs was evaluated, and showed activity against E. coli and S. aureus.

Tailoring structural and optical properties of ZnO system through elemental Mn Doping through First-principles calculations

In this study, band structure and optical properties of Manganese (Mn) doped ZnO are investigated adopting first-principles study calculations. It is observed that, by addition of Mn in ZnO crystal, the electrical properties like conductivity and dielectric function of material have been improved. The elastic constants for the elements are also calculated which shows that the element is stable after addition of dopant. The computational study is done on CASTEP and Material Studio. The ZnO system is simulated and atoms of Mn has been added replacing Zn atoms. The properties that studied are band structure and optics including conductivity, reflectivity, dielectric function, absorption and refractive index. Furthermore, this study also includes calculation of Elastic constants, XRD Spectra, Phonon dispersion and Temperature profile of doped ZnO systems. The computational study produced promising results and experimental approach can be adopted to reinforce the outcomes of this study.

Photo-catalytic and biological applications of phyto-functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using a polar extract of Equisetum diffusum D

In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were fabricated using Equisetum diffusum D extract and their diverse properties and applications were studied. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of phenols and flavonoids in the plant extract, playing a crucial role in the stabilization and reduction of the synthesized nanoparticles. The greenly synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized through a range of analytical techniques. UV-visible spectrophotometry has been employed to investigate their optical characteristics. FTIR spectroscopy was employed to identify the functional groups responsible for the synthesis of the ZnO NPs. The structural properties were evaluated using XRD. The morphology and size distribution of the synthesized NPs were examined using SEM, DLS, and elemental spectra evaluated using EDX. The charge that develops at the interface was analyzed using zeta potential which accounts for stability of the NPs. The ZnO NPs exhibited excellent photocatalytic degradation of cationic (methylene blue), anionic (methyl orange), and nonionic (p-nitrophenol) dyes under sunlight exposure with photocatalytic degradation of 85.61%, 79.10%, and 89.95% respectively. Additionally, the nanoparticles displayed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and noteworthy antioxidant potential. The anti-inflammatory activity of the ZnO NPs, attributed to their ability to inhibit protein denaturation, was dose-dependent. Overall, our findings highlight the versatile properties of the greenly synthesized ZnO NPs, showcasing their potential in environmental remediation, and antimicrobial formulations, and as promising candidates for further exploration in the biomedical fields, including drug delivery and therapeutics.

Compartmentalization into Outer and Inner Shells of Hollow Nanospheres for Antibiosis Based on Chemistry and Physical Damages

There is a substantially ascending demand for nonantibiotic strategies to overcome the resistance of bacterial infections. Here, the discovery of a distinctive antibacterial structure is reported. The novel structure of nanoparticle strategy is proposed for appreciable bacteria killing by the smart design of the delayed addition of crosslinkers into the reaction mixture. [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride solution (MTCl), a water-soluble ionic liquid (IL), has narrow-size material distribution, good whiteness, and high weather resistance. The quaternary ammonium salt is utilized to efficiently permeate cell membranes through electrostatic interaction, accordingly, boasting a beneficiary of antibacterial properties. More importantly, it allows bacteria to attach the nanomaterials easily, especially the double-shelled nanosphere. In light of the introduction of 9-amino(9-deoxy)ep-quinine (QNNH2) on its inner shell, it blocks the nucleic acid and glucose metabolism in bacteria, which is betterment of the antibacterial activity of double-shelled structure nanoparticle compared to other structure of nanomaterials. This physical/chemical/biological triple antibacterial process eliminates the need for traditional antibiotics, and the fabrication strategies and material properties described here provide insights into the design of antibacterial nanomaterials based on chemical and physical effects.

Synthesis and characterization of Pyrus communis fruit extract synthesized ZnO NPs and assessed their anti-diabetic and anti-microbial potential

The fruit Pyrus communis, owing to its presence of phenolics and flavonoids, was chosen for its nanoparticle's reducing and stabilizing properties. Furthermore, the zinc metal may be nano-absorbed by the human body. As a result, the study involves synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from P. communis fruit extract using the green method. The synthesized nanoparticle was examined with a UV-visible spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). When absorption studies were performed with a UV-visible spectrophotometer, the nanoparticle exhibited a blue shift. The FTIR spectrum revealed the molecular groups present in both the fruit extract and metal. In the SEM analysis, the ZnO NPs appeared as spherical particles, agglomerated together, and of nano-size. The larger size of the ZnO NPs in DLS can be attributed to their ability to absorb water. After characterization, nanoparticles were tested for anti-diabetic (α-amylase and yeast glucose uptake activity) and anti-microbial properties. The α-amylase inhibition percentage was 46.46 ± 0.15% for 100 μg/mL, which was comparable to the acarbose inhibition percentage of 50.58 ± 0.67% at the same concentration. The yeast glucose uptake activity was 64.24 ± 0.80% at 20 mM glucose concentration, which was comparable to the standard of 78.03 ± 0.80. The nanoparticle was more effective against Gram-negative bacteria Shigella sp. and Salmonella typhi than against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Preparation and characterization of Fe-ZnO cellulose-based nanofiber mats with self-sterilizing photocatalytic activity to enhance antibacterial applications under visible light

Bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance have posed a severe threat to public health in recent years. One emerging and promising approach to this issue is the photocatalytic sterilization of nanohybrids. By utilizing ZnO photocatalytic sterilization, the drawbacks of conventional antibacterial treatments can be efficiently addressed. This study examines the enhanced photocatalytic sterilizing effectiveness of Fe-doped ZnO nanoparticles (Fe-ZnO nanohybrids) incorporated into polymer membranes that are active in visible light. Using the co-precipitation procedure, Fe-ZnO nanohybrids (Fe x Zn100-x O) have been generated using a range of dopant ratios (x = 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10) and characterized. The ability to scavenge free radicals was assessed and the IC50 value was calculated using the DPPH test at different catalytic concentrations. PXRD patterns showed a hexagonal wurtzite structure, which indicated that the particle size of the nanohybrid decreased as the dopant concentration rose. It was demonstrated by UV-vis diffuse reflectance experiments that the band gap of the nanohybrid decreased (redshifted) with Fe doping. The photocatalytic activity under sunlight increased steadily to 87% after Fe was added as a dopant. The Fe 5%-ZnO nanohybrid exhibited the lowest IC50 value of 81.44 μg mL-1 compared to ZnO, indicating the highest radical scavenging activity and the best antimicrobial activity. The Fe 5%-ZnO nanohybrid, which is proven to have the best photocatalytic sterilization activity, was then incorporated into a cellulose acetate polymer membrane by electrospinning. Disc diffusion assay confirmed the highest antimicrobial activity of the Fe 5%-ZnO nanohybrid incorporated electrospun membrane against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC 49619), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) under visible light. As a result, Fe 5%-ZnO nanofiber membranes have the potential to be employed as self-sterilizing materials in healthcare settings.

Sol-Gel Synthesis of Silica-Poly (Vinylpyrrolidone) Hybrids with Prooxidant Activity and Antibacterial Properties

The present work deals with the sol-gel synthesis of silica-poly (vinylpyrrolidone) hybrid materials. The nanohybrids (Si-PVP) have been prepared using an acidic catalyst at ambient temperature. Tetramethyl ortosilane (TMOS) was used as a silica precursor. Poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) was introduced into the reaction mixture as a solution in ethanol with a concentration of 20%. The XRD established that the as-prepared material is amorphous. The IR and 29Si MAS NMR spectra proved the formation of a polymerized silica network as well as the hydrogen bonding interactions between the silica matrix and OH hydrogens of the silanol groups. The TEM showed spherical particle formation along with increased agglomeration tendency. The efficacy of SiO2/PVP nanoparticles as a potential antimicrobial agent against a wide range of bacteria was evaluated as bacteriostatic, using agar diffusion and spot tests. Combined effects of hybrid nanomaterial and antibiotics could significantly reduce the bactericidal concentrations of both the antibiotic and the particles, and they could also eliminate the antibiotic resistance of the pathogen. The registered prooxidant activity of the newly synthesized material was confirmative and explicatory for the antibacterial properties of the tested substance and its synergetic combination with antibiotics. The effect of new hybrid material on Crustacea Daphnia magna was also estimated as harmless under concentration of 0.1 mg/mL.

Antimicrobial Packaging for Plum Tomatoes Based on ZnO Modified Low-Density Polyethylene

Food safety and quality are major concerns in the food industry. Despite numerous studies, polyethylene remains one of the most used materials for packaging due to industry reluctance to invest in new technologies and equipment. Therefore, modifications to the current materials are easier to implement than adopting whole new solutions. Antibacterial activity can be induced in low-density polyethylene films only by adding antimicrobial agents. ZnO nanoparticles are well known for their strong antimicrobial activity, coupled with low toxicity and UV shielding capability. These characteristics recommend ZnO for the food industry. By incorporating such safe and dependable antimicrobial agents in the polyethylene matrix, we have obtained composite films able to inhibit microorganisms' growth that can be used as packaging materials. Here we report the obtaining of highly homogenous composite films with up to 5% ZnO by a melt mixing process at 150 °C for 10 min. The composite films present good transparency in the visible domain, permitting consumers to visualize the food, but have good UV barrier properties. The composite films exhibit good antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity from the lowest ZnO composition (1%), against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The homogenous dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles into the polyethylene matrix was assessed by Fourier transform infrared microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The optimal mechanical barrier properties were obtained for composition with 3% ZnO. The thermal analysis indicates that the addition of ZnO nanoparticles has increased thermal stability by more than 100 °C. The UV-Vis spectra indicate a low transmittance in the UV domain, lower than 5%, making the films suitable for blocking photo-oxidation processes. The obtained films proved to be efficient packaging films, successfully preserving plum (Rome) tomatoes for up to 14 days.

High Tensile, Antibacterial, and Conductive Hydrogel Sensor with Multiple Cross-Linked Networks Based on PVA/Sodium Alginate/Zinc Oxide

Hydrogel sensors have attracted a lot of attention due to their great significance for biosensors and human detection, especially their antibacterial properties when in direct contact with the human body. However, it is challenging to improve mechanical and antibacterial performance simultaneously. In this study, by using ultrasonic dispersion technology to attach zinc oxide to cellulose and adding sodium alginate, a multiple cross-linking network is generated, which effectively solves this problem. The proposed poly(vinyl alcohol)/sodium alginate/zinc oxide/hydrogel sensor exhibits not only excellent biocompatibility but also high tensile properties (strain above 2000%). Besides, the sensor also has an antibacterial function (against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). The hydrogel acts as a strain sensor and biosensor; it can also be used as a human health detection sensor; its high tensile properties can detect large tensile deformation and small changes in force, such as finger bending, knee bending, and other joint movements, and can also be used as a sound detection sensor to detect speech and breathing. This study provides a simple method to prepare hydrogel sensors that can be useful for human health detection and biosensor development.

Plant-mediated Z-scheme ZnO/TiO2-NCs for antibacterial potential and dye degradation: experimental and DFT study

Efficient separation of electron-hole pairs remains pivotal in optimizing photogenerated carrier functionality across diverse catalytic and optoelectronic systems. This study presents the fabrication of a novel hollow direct Z-scheme photocatalyst, ZnO/TiO2. A thorough analysis encompassing various techniques such as Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) provided detailed insights into the complex material characteristics of the ZnO/TiO2 heterojunction catalyst. The findings revealed coexisting anatase TiO2 and wurtzite ZnO phases, each retaining distinct attributes within the nanocomposites (NCs) structure. The study showcased the photocatalytic efficacy of ZnO/TiO2-NCs in decomposing Methylene Blue and Acridine Orange under UV irradiation, correlated with their underlying structures. Enhanced degradation of these dyes resulted from the establishment of a direct Z-scheme heterojunction between ZnO and TiO2. Employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) using Quantum ESPRESSO, this research analyzed phase diagrams and band structures, elucidating electronic properties and structural correlations. The study characterized a ZnO/TiO2 composite, revealing a band gap of 3.1-3.3 eV through UV-Visible spectroscopy and confirming its formation without impurity phases via XRD analysis. TEM and EDX showed uniform element dispersion (Zn: 27%, Ti: 29.62%, C: 5.03%, O: 38.35%). Computational analysis using DFT indicated a reduction in stable phases with increasing temperature. Enhanced dye degradation was observed (MB: 88.9%, AO: 84%), alongside significant antibacterial activity. In the future we predict that research will focus on development of scaled up production and photocatalytic activity through surface modification, while unveiling mechanistic insights and environmental applicability for multifunctional use in water treatment and antibacterial applications, leading to further advancement of the field.

Design and Self-Assembly of Peptide-Copolymer Conjugates into Nanoparticle Hydrogel for Wound Healing in Diabetes

Background

Delayed wound healing in skin injuries has become a significant problem in clinics, seriously affecting and even threatening life and health. Recently, research interest has increased in developing wound dressings containing bioactive compounds capable of improving outcomes for complex healing needs.

Methods

In this study, Puerarin-loaded nanoparticles (Pue-NPs) were prepared using the cell-penetrating peptide-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (CPP-PLGA) as a drug carrier by the emulsified solvent evaporation method. Then, they were added into poly (acrylic acid) to obtain a self-assembled nanocomposite hydrogels (SANHs) drug delivery system using the co-polymerization method. The particle size, zeta potential, and micromorphology of Pue-NPs were measured; the appearance, mechanical properties, adhesive strength, and biological activity of SANHs were performed. Finally, the potential of SANHs for wound healing was further evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Results

Pue-NPs were regularly spherical, with an average particle size of 134.57 ± 1.42 nm and a zeta potential of 2.14 ± 0.78 mV. SANHs was colorless and transparent with a honeycomb-like porous structure and had an excellent swelling ratio (917%), water vapor transmission rate (3077 g·m-2·day-1), mechanical properties (Young's modulus of 18 kPa, elongation at break of 307%), and adhesive strength (15.5 kPa). SANHs exhibited sustained release of Pue over 48h, with a cumulative release of 55.60 ± 6.01%. In vitro tests revealed that the SANHs presented a 92.22% antibacterial rate against Escherichia coli after 4h, and a 61.91% scavenging rate of 1.1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH) radical. In vivo experiments showed that SANHs accelerated wound repair by reducing the inflammatory response at the wound site, promoting angiogenesis, and facilitating epidermal regeneration and collagen deposition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we successfully prepared SANHs. Our results show that SANHs have excellent performance and improves wound healing in diabetic mice model, indicating that it can be used to develop an effective strategy for the treatment of diabetic wounds.

Diode characteristics, piezo-photocatalytic antibiotic degradation and hydrogen production of Ce3+ doped ZnO nanostructures

Piezo-photocatalysis of ZnO nanostructures had recently well attracted due to their exceptional potential in degrading the antibiotics and scalable hydrogen production. Here, we have synthesized the Ce3+ doped ZnO nanospheres in a facile wet chemical strategy. Dopant ions induced morphological evolution and optical bandgap tuning had observed in our experiment. Optical absorbance spectrum had confirmed the bandgap shortening occurs with Ce3+ doped ZnO specimens. The bandgap gap value had reduced to 2.82 eV from 3.05eV confirming the visible light responsivity of ZnO nano specimens. Obtained Zn(1-x)CexO nanospheres were utilized to fabricate the p-Si/n- Zn(1-x)CexO heterojunction diodes as well studied the improved electrical conductivity for the Ce3+ specimen-based diodes. Besides, ideality factor and barrier height values of the heterojunction diodes ZnO/p-Si, Zn0.99Ce0.01O/p-Si, Zn0.97Ce0.03O/p-Si, and Zn0.95Ce0.05O/p-Si are 15.97 & 0.43 eV, 15.47 & 0.44 eV, 8.02 & 0.46 eV and 5.21 & 0.47 eV, respectively. Direct sunlight assisted piezo-photocatalytic tetracycline (TC) degradation efficiency of ZnO, Zn0.99Ce0.01O, Zn0.97Ce0.03O, and Zn0.95Ce0.05O nanostructures respectively are 64%, 69%, 74% and 82%. We have produced the hydrogen quantity of 1234 μ mol h-1, 1490 μ mol h-1, 1750 μ mol h-1 and 1980 μ mol h-1 with 0%, 1%, 3% and 5% Ce3+ doped ZnO specimens under the direct sunlight assisted piezo-photocatalytic H2 production from H2S splitting.

Nanomaterial grafted polymorphous activated carbon cloth surface for antibacterial, capacitive deionization and oil spill cleaning applications

This work reports the development of multifunctional or polymorphous surfaces using zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods, silica (SiO2), and fluoropolymer functionalization in a sequential process. Firstly, zinc oxide nanorods were grown on activated carbon cloth (ACC) using a simple low-temperature synthesis process. ZnO nanorods-coated ACC substrate was applied to investigate the antimicrobial properties, and the results showed inhibition of 50% for Escherichia coli (E.coli) and 55% for Bacillus subtilis (B.subtilis) over 48 h of incubation time. Subsequent in-situ modification of silica nanoparticles like layer on ZnO nanorods-coated ACC surface was developed and used as an electrode for brackish water desalination in a capacitive deionization system. ZnO-SiO2 modified ACC surface enhanced the desalination efficiency by 1.6 times, the salt removal rate (SRR) by threefold, and the durability (fouling prevention) for long-term usage compared to pristine ACC. Further modification of the ZnO-SiO2-ACC surface using fluoropolymer rendered the surface superhydrophobic and oleophilic. Vegetable (1.4 g/g) and crude oil (1.6 g/g) adsorption capacities were achieved for modified surface which was 70% enhancement compared with pristine ACC. The dynamic oil spill adsorption test exhibited the complete removal of oil spills on water surfaces within a few seconds, suggesting a potential application in oil spill cleaning.

Antibacterial Efficacy of ZnO/Bentonite (Clay) Nanocomposites against Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has spurred the exploration of therapeutic nanomaterials such as ZnO nanoparticles. However, the inherent nonspecific toxicity of ZnO has posed a significant obstacle to their clinical utilization. In this research, we propose a novel approach to improve the selectivity of the toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles by impregnating them onto a less toxic clay mineral, Bentonite, resulting in ZB nanocomposites (ZB NCs). We hypothesize that these ZB NCs not only reduce toxicity toward both normal and carcinogenic cell lines but also retain the antibacterial properties of pure ZnO nanoparticles. To test this hypothesis, we synthesized ZB NCs by using a precipitation technique and confirmed their structural characteristics through X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Electron microscopy revealed composite particles in the size range of 20-50 nm. The BET surface area of ZB NCs, within a relative pressure (P/P0) range of 0.407-0.985, was estimated to be 31.182 m2/g. Notably, 50 mg/mL ZB NCs demonstrated biocompatibility with HCT 116 and HEK 293 cell lines, supported by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy analysis. In vitro experiments further confirmed a remarkable five-log reduction in the population of MDR Escherichia coli in the presence of 50 mg/mL of ZB NCs. Antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites was also validated in the HEK293 and HCT 116 cell lines. These findings substantiate our hypothesis and underscore the effectiveness of ZB NCs against MDR E. coli while minimizing nonspecific toxicity toward healthy cells.

Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Properties of ZnO and Mg-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Lupinus albus Leaf Extract

Dye effluents discharged from various industries contribute to environmental contamination, making their treatment highly necessary. Infectious diseases also pose a threat to public health worldwide. Nanomaterials have promising features and are potential candidates for overcoming the problems of drug resistance in microbes and environmental pollution. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) and magnesium-doped zinc oxide (Mg-doped ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) using the plant extract of Lupinus albus for applications in photocatalysis and antimicrobial activity. A sample of Lupinus albus leaves was collected from Motta, in the eastern Gojjam zone of Ethiopia. The leaves were air-dried and then ground into a powder. The powdered plant material was extracted using distilled water. The ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs were synthesized using 0.1 M Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, 7.5% 0.1 M Mg(NO3)2.6H2O, and 10 mL of the leaf extract. The nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized using UV-vis, FT-IR, XRD, and SEM. The average crystallite sizes of ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs were determined using the Debye-Scherrer formula and were found to be 28.1 and 34.4 nm, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized NPs was evaluated against four bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus) and one fungal strain (Candida albicans) by using the agar disk diffusion method. The Mg-doped ZnO NPs exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, with a maximum zone of inhibition measuring 24 and 22 mm against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs was investigated by studying the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under sunlight irradiation for 120 min. The results showed that Mg-doped ZnO NPs exhibited higher photocatalytic activity (99.6%) than ZnO NPs (94.1%). In conclusion, the synthesized NPs could serve as viable alternatives for antimicrobial drugs and photocatalysts to mitigate the pollution of the environment caused by organic dyes.

Peptides with Charged Amino Acids Mitigate nZnO-Induced Growth Inhibition of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LRa05

Growing concern is about the potential side effects of nanomaterials from food packaging, notably zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO). Previous research revealed that walnut-derived peptides could mitigate this inhibitory effect, but the mechanism involved is unclear. Here, we found that not all peptides have such an effect. Based on the growth inhibition model of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LRa05 induced by nZnO, we assessed the protective effects of various peptides. Notably, four peptides containing charged amino acids (PPKNW, WPPKN, ADIYTE, and WEREEQE) were found to effectively alleviate the growth inhibition phenomenon. We hypothesize that the peptide-nZnO interaction modifies this effect, as confirmed through infrared, Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Our results highlight amide bonds, amino groups, carboxyl groups, and benzene rings as key peptide binding sites on nZnO, with static quenching primarily due to hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. This study elucidates peptide characteristics in nZnO interactions, facilitating a deeper exploration of food matrix-nanocomposite interactions.

Polyaniline-metal oxide coatings for biocidal applications: Mechanisms of activation and deactivation

Metal oxide (MO) coatings (e.g. TiO2, ZnO, and CuO) have shown great promise to inactivate pathogenic bacteria, maintain self-cleaning surfaces, and prevent infectious diseases spread via surface contact. Under light illumination, the antibacterial performance of photoactive MO coatings is determined by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. However, several drawbacks, such as photo-corrosion and rapid electron-hole recombination, hinder the ROS production of MO coatings and diminish their antibacterial efficiency. In this study, we employed polyaniline (PANI), an inexpensive and easy-to-synthesize conductive polymer, to fabricate polyaniline-metal oxide composite (PMC) films. The antibacterial performance of PMC films was tested using E. coli as the model bacterium and Lake Michigan water (LMW) as the background medium and revealed enhanced antibacterial performance relative to MO coatings alone (approximately 75-90 % kill of E. coli by PMC coatings in comparison to 20-40 % kill by MO coatings), which is explained by an increase in the ROS yields of PMC. However, with repeated use, the antibacterial performance of the PMC coatings is diminished due to deprotonation of the PANI in the neutral/slightly basic aqueous environment of LMW. Overall, PANI can enhance the antibacterial performance of MO coatings, but efforts need to be directed to preserve or regenerate PMC stability under environmental conditions and applications.

Biological mechanism of ZnO nanomaterials

Modern nanotechnology has made zinc oxide nanomaterials (ZnO NMts) multifunctional, stable, and low cost, enabling them to be widely used in commercial and biomedical fields. With its wide application, the risk of human direct contact and their release into the environment also increases. This review aims to summarize the toxicity studies of ZnO NMts in vivo, including neurotoxicity, inhalation toxicity, and reproductive toxicity. The antibacterial and antiviral mechanisms of ZnO NMts in vitro and the toxicity to eukaryotic cells were summarized. The summary found that it was mainly related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by oxidative stress. It also discusses the potential harm to body and the favorable prospects of the widespread use of antibacterial and antiviral in the future medical field. The review also emphasizes that the dosage and use method of ZnO NMts will be the focus of future biomedical research.

ZnO nanostructured matrix as nexus catalysts for the removal of emerging pollutants

Water pollution stands as a pressing global environmental concern, elevating the significance of innovative, dependable, and sustainable solutions. This study represents an extensive review of the use of photocatalytic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for the removal of emerging pollutants from water and wastewater. The study examines ZnO NPs' different preparation methods, including physical, chemical, and green synthesis, and emphasizes on advantages, disadvantages, preparation factors, and investigation methods for the structural and morphological properties. ZnO NPs demonstrate remarkable properties as photocatalysts; however, their small dimensions pose an issue, leading to potential post-use environmental losses. A strategy to overcome this challenge is scaling up ZnO NP matrices for enhanced stability and efficiency. The paper introduces novel ZnO NP composites, by incorporating supports like carbon and clay that serve as photocatalysts in the removal of emerging pollutants from water and wastewater. In essence, this research underscores the urgency of finding innovative, efficient, and eco-friendly solutions for the removal of emerging pollutants from wastewater and highlights the high removal efficiencies obtained when using ZnO NPs obtained from green synthesis as a photocatalyst. Future research should be developed on the cost-benefit analysis regarding the preparation methods, treatment processes, and value-added product regeneration efficiency.

Green Synthesis of Nickel Oxide NPs Incorporating Carbon Dots for Antimicrobial Activities

A biosynthesis composite using the green synthesis of titled metal nanoparticles (nickel oxide nanoparticles, NiO NPs, and carbon dots, C-dots) was produced, characterized, and then applied for antimicrobial activities. NiO NPs were produced using the Croton macrostachyus (Bakkannisa) plant leaf extract and nickel nitrate (III) hexahydrate [Ni(NO3)2·2H2O] as precursors, while C-dots were produced using citric acid and o-phenylenediamine (o-OPD). The distribution of the average particle size of the NiO NPs and NiO NPs@C-dots was 25.34 ± 0.12 and 24.95 ± 0.22 nm, respectively. The antimicrobial effects of the prepared materials were tested against the selected bacterial and fungal strains. Based on the outcomes of the bioassay, it was realized that both the bare and composite materials were effective against all bacterial strains. The composite's high surface area with strong inhibitive effective antimicrobial effects against bacterial and fungal strains were observed. Therefore, strong inhibitive effects of 21-24 and 22-26 mm were observed with NiO NPs and NiO NPs@C-dots, respectively.

Antibacterial Calcium Phosphate Coatings for Biomedical Applications Fabricated via Micro-Arc Oxidation

A promising method for improving the functional properties of calcium-phosphate coatings is the incorporation of various antibacterial additives into their structure. The microbial contamination of a superficial wound is inevitable, even if the rules of asepsis and antisepsis are optimally applied. One of the main problems is that bacteria often become resistant to antibiotics over time. However, this does not apply to certain elements, chemical compounds and drugs with antimicrobial properties. In this study, the fabrication and properties of zinc-containing calcium-phosphate coatings that were formed via micro-arc oxidation from three different electrolyte solutions are investigated. The first electrolyte is based on calcium oxide, the second on hydroxyapatite and the third on calcium acetate. By adding zinc oxide to the three electrolyte solutions, antibacterial properties of the coatings are achieved. Although the same amount of zinc oxide has been added to each electrolyte solution, the zinc concentration in the coatings obtained vary greatly. Furthermore, this study investigates the morphology, structure and chemical composition of the coatings. The antibacterial properties of the zinc-containing coatings were tested toward three strains of bacteria-Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Coatings of calcium acetate and zinc oxide contained the highest amount of zinc and displayed the highest zinc release. Moreover, coatings containing hydroxyapatite and zinc oxide show the highest antibacterial activity toward Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and coatings containing calcium acetate and zinc oxide show the highest antibacterial activities toward Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Influence of Synthesis Conditions on the Properties of Zinc Oxide Obtained in the Presence of Nonionic Structure-Forming Compounds

This work investigated the influence of synthesis conditions, including the use of nonionic structure-forming compounds (surfactants) with different molecular weights (400-12,600 g/mol) and various hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics, as well as the use of a glass substrate and hydrothermal exposure on the texture and structural properties of ZnO samples. By X-ray analysis, it was determined that the synthesis intermediate in all cases is the compound Zn5(OH)8(NO3)2∙2H2O. It was shown that thermolysis of this compound at 600 °C, regardless of the physicochemical properties of the surfactants, leads to the formation of ZnO with a wurtzite structure and spherical or oval particles. The particle size increased slightly as the molecular weight and viscosity of the surfactants grew, from 30 nm using Pluronic F-127 (MM = 12,600) to 80 nm using Pluronic L-31 (MM = 1100), PE-block-PEG (MM = 500) and PEG (MM = 400). Holding the pre-washed synthetic intermediates (Zn5(OH)8(NO3)2∙2H2O) under hydrothermal conditions resulted in the formation of hexagonal ZnO rod crystal structures of various sizes. It was shown that the largest ZnO particles (10-15 μm) were observed in a sample obtained during hydrothermal exposure using Pluronic P-123 (MM = 5800). Atomic adsorption spectroscopy performed comparative quantitative analysis of residual Zn2+ ions in the supernatant of ZnO samples with different particle sizes and shapes. It was shown that the residual amount of Zn2+ ions was higher in the case of examining ZnO samples which have spherical particles of 30-80 nm. For example, in the supernatant of a ZnO sample that had a particle size of 30 nm, the quantitative content of Zn2+ ions was 10.22 mg/L.

Bioinspired palladium-doped manganese oxide nanocorns: a remarkable antimicrobial agent targeting phyto/animal pathogens

Microbial pathogens are known for causing great environmental stress, owing to which emerging challenges like lack of eco-friendly remediation measures, development of drug-resistant and mutational microbial strains, etc., warrants novel and green routes as a stepping stone to serve such concerns sustainably. In the present study, palladium (Pd) doped manganese (II, III) oxide (Mn3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using an aqueous Syzygium aromaticum bud (ASAB) extract. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of ASAB extract indicates the presence of polyphenolics such as phenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids that can act as potential capping agents in NPs synthesis, which was later confirmed in FTIR analysis of pure and Pd-doped Mn3O4 NPs. XRD, Raman, and XPS analyses confirmed the Pd doping in Mn3O4 NPs. FESEM and HRTEM study reveals the mixed morphologies dominated by nanocorns appearance. Zeta potential investigation reveals high stability of the synthesized NPs in colloidal solutions. The developed Pd-doped Mn3O4 NPs were tested against two fungal phytopathogens, i.e., Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, known for causing great economic losses in yield and quality of different plant species. The antifungal activity of synthesized Pd-doped Mn3O4 NPs displayed a dose-dependent response with a maximum of ~92%, and ~72% inhibition was recorded against S. sclerotiorum and C. gloeosporioides, respectively, at 1000 ppm concentration. However, C. gloeosporioides demonstrated higher sensitivity to Pd-doped Mn3O4 NPs upto 500 ppm) treatment than S. sclerotiorum. The prepared NPs also showed significant antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. The Pd-doped Mn3O4 NPs were effective even at low treatment doses, i.e., 50-100 ppm, with the highest Zone of inhibition obtained at 1000 ppm concentration. Our findings provide a novel, eco-benign, and cost-effective approach for formulating a nanomaterial composition offering multifaceted utilities as an effective antimicrobial agent.

Optically amended biosynthesized crystalline copper-doped ZnO for enhanced antibacterial activity

The emergence and re-emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a potential threat to treating infectious diseases. This study employed a nanometer-scale green synthesis using an extract of Solanum incanum leaves to obtain nanoparticles (NPs) and nanocomposites (NCs) possessing antibacterial properties. The FESEM-EDS elemental mapping analysis proved the novelty of the green synthesis approach in synthesizing a copper-doped ZnO NCs with good dopant distribution. The crystallinity and ZnO bandgap were adjusted by extrinsic copper doping in the ZnO lattice. The optical property adjustments from 3.04 to 2.97 eV for indirect Kubelka-Munk functions were confirmed from DRS-UV-vis analysis. The dopant inclusion in the host lattice was also confirmed by the angle shift on the XRD pattern analysis relative to single ZnO. In addition to doping, the XRD pattern analysis also showed the development of CuO crystals. The lattice fringe values from HRTEM analysis confirmed the existence of both CuO and ZnO crystals with local heterojunctions. Doping and heterojunctions have crucial values in charge transfer and visible light harvesting behaviour, as proved by the PL analysis. The synergistic effects of the doped NCs showed greater antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as a result of more ROS generation through the bacteria-cell-catalyst interaction and release of metal ions. The antioxidant potential of the doped NCs was found to be higher than that of single NPs, using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay and is expected to impart protective effects to the host cells by scavenging destructive free radicals. Thus, the overall analysis leads to the conclusion that the potentiality of synthesized materials has a future outlook for biological applications, especially in the development of antimicrobials to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and microbes.

ZnO-Doped gC3N4 Nanocapsules for Enhancing the Performance of Electroless NiP Coating-Mechanical, Corrosion Protection, and Antibacterial Properties

A carbon nitride (C₃N₄) nanomaterial has superior mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties, which make them attractive for various applications, including corrosion-resistant coatings. In this research, newly synthesized C₃N₄ nanocapsules with different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 wt %) of ZnO as a dopant were incorporated into the NiP coating using an electroless deposition technique. The nanocomposite coatings either ZnO-doped (NiP-C₃N₄/ZnO) or undoped (NiP-C₃N₄) were heat-treated at 400 °C for 1 h. The as-plated and heat-treated (HT) nanocomposite coatings were characterized by their morphology, phases, roughness, wettability, hardness, corrosion protection, and antibacterial properties. The results indicated that the microhardness of as-plated and heat-treated nanocomposite coatings was significantly improved after the incorporation of 0.5 wt % ZnO-doped C₃N₄ nanocapsules. The outcomes of electrochemical studies revealed that the corrosion resistance of the HT coatings is higher than the corresponding as-plated ones. The highest corrosion resistance is achieved on the heat-treated NiP-C₃N₄/1.0 wt % ZnO coatings. Although the presence of ZnO in the C₃N₄ nanocapsules increased its surface area and porosity, the C₃N₄/ZnO nanocapsules prevented localized corrosion by filling the microdefects and pores of the NiP matrix. Furthermore, the colony-counting method used to evaluate the antibacterial behavior of the different coatings demonstrated superior antibacterial properties, namely, after heat treatment. Therefore, the novel perspective C₃N₄/ZnO nanocapsules can be utilized as a reinforcement nanomaterial in improving the mechanical and anticorrosion performance of NiP coatings in chloride media, together with providing superior antibacterial properties.