Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand


Antibacterial action and target mechanisms of zinc oxide nanoparticles against bacterial pathogens

Full text
Author(s):
Mendes, Carolina Rosai ; Dilarri, Guilherme ; Forsan, Carolina Froes ; Ruy Sapata, Vinicius de Moraes ; Matos Lopes, Paulo Renato ; de Moraes, Peterson Bueno ; Montagnolli, Renato Nallin ; Ferreira, Henrique ; Bidoia, Ederio Dino
Total Authors: 9
Document type: Journal article
Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 12, n. 1, p. 10-pg., 2022-02-16.
Abstract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are one of the most widely used nanoparticulate materials due to their antimicrobial properties, but their main mechanism of action (MOA) has not been fully elucidated. This study characterized ZnO NPs by using X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs against the clinically relevant bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the Gram-positive model Bacillus subtilis was evaluated by performing resazurin microtiter assay (REMA) after exposure to the ZnO NPs at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1.4 mM. Sensitivity was observed at 0.6 mM for the Gram-negative and 1.0 mM for the Gram-positive cells. Fluorescence microscopy was used to examine the interference of ZnO NPs on the membrane and the cell division apparatus of B. subtilis (amy::pspac-ftsZ-gfpmut1) expressing FtsZ-GFP. The results showed that ZnO NPs did not interfere with the assembly of the divisional Z-ring. However, 70% of the cells exhibited damage in the cytoplasmic membrane after 15 min of exposure to the ZnO NPs. Electrostatic forces, production of Zn2+ ions and the generation of reactive oxygen species were described as possible pathways of the bactericidal action of ZnO. Therefore, understanding the bactericidal MOA of ZnO NPs can potentially help in the construction of predictive models to fight bacterial resistance. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/50162-2 - Protecting plants with antimicrobial peptides and gallates - Pro-Planta
Grantee:Henrique Ferreira
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 17/07306-9 - Protection of citrus with antibacterial peptides and gallates
Grantee:Guilherme Dilarri
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate