Synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles for applications as antimicrobial agent

Abstract

Nanotechnology materials have numerous applications in electronics, catalysis, solar cells, among others. In the biomedical area, we highlight the application of nanostructures with antimicrobial properties, such as zinc oxide. These are efficient in the control of microorganisms presenting biocompatibility, low toxicity and resistance to heat, being a great candidate for biomedical applications. The properties conferred to any nanoparticle can undergo changes depending on the method of synthesis applied, as it will cause changes in its crystalline structure, morphology and composition. In the case of the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles, the most commonly used methods are: co-precipitation, sol-gel, plasma deposition in microwaves, deposition by thermal evaporation of microwaves, chemical vapor deposition, thermal oxidation, hydrothermal and hydrothermal-assisted microwave. The present work aims to analyze, by means of a comparison between the conventional hydrothermal method and the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, which is the most suitable for the synthesis of the zinc oxide nanoparticles, in order to obtain particles of smaller size and with lower energy expenditure. After choosing the best method, the antimicrobial potential against Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus will be evaluated through the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test because they are microorganisms of great importance in the health area.