Antibacterial Activity of Nanostructured Zinc Oxide Tetrapods

Cutting-edge developments in zinc oxide nanoparticles: synthesis and applications for enhanced antimicrobial and UV protection in healthcare solutions

This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent advancements in utilizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to enhance antimicrobial and UV protective properties in healthcare solutions. It delves into the synthesis techniques of ZnO NPs and elucidates their antimicrobial efficacy, exploring the underlying mechanisms governing their action against a spectrum of pathogens. Factors impacting the antimicrobial performance of ZnO NPs, including size, surface characteristics, and environmental variables, are extensively analyzed. Moreover, recent studies showcasing the effectiveness of ZnO NPs against diverse pathogens are critically examined, underscoring their potential utility in combatting microbial infections. The study further investigates the UV protective capabilities of ZnO NPs, elucidating the mechanisms by which they offer UV protection and reviewing recent innovations in leveraging them for UV-blocking applications in healthcare. It also dissects the factors influencing the UV shielding performance of ZnO NPs, such as particle size, dispersion quality, and surface coatings. Additionally, the paper addresses challenges associated with integrating ZnO NPs into healthcare products and presents future perspectives for overcoming these hurdles. It emphasizes the imperative for continued research efforts and collaborative initiatives to fully harness the potential of ZnO NPs in developing advanced healthcare solutions with augmented antimicrobial and UV protective attributes. By advancing our understanding and leveraging innovative approaches, ZnO NPs hold promise for addressing pressing healthcare needs and enhancing patient care outcomes.

Mechanistic understanding of green synthesized cerium nanoparticles for the photocatalytic degradation of dyes and antibiotics from aqueous media and antimicrobial efficacy: A review

In recent years, extensive research endeavors are being undertaken for synthesis of an efficient, economic and eco-friendly cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) using plant extract mediated greener approach. A number of medicinal plants and their specific parts (flowers, bark, seeds, fruits, seeds and leaves) have been found to be capable of synthesizing CeO2 NPs. The specific key phytochemical constituents of plants such as alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavones and tannins can play significant role as a reducing, stabilizing and capping agents in the synthesis of CeO2 NPs from their respective precursor solution of metal ions. The CeO2 NPs are frequently using in diverse fields of science and technology including photocatalytic degradation of dyes, antibiotics as well as antimicrobial applications. In this review, the mechanism behind the green synthesis CeO2 NPs using plant entities are summarized along with discussion of analytical results from characterization techniques. An overview of CeO2 NPs for water remediation application via photocatalytic degradation of dyes and antibiotics are discussed. In addition, the mechanisms of antimicrobial efficacy of CeO2 NPs and current challenges for their sustainable application at large scale in real environmental conditions are discussed.

3D-printed wound dressing platform for protein administration based on alginate and zinc oxide tetrapods

Wound treatment requires a plethora of independent properties. Hydration, anti-bacterial properties, oxygenation and patient-specific drug delivery all contribute to the best possible wound healing. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a set of techniques to realize individually adapted wound dressings with open porous structure from biomedically optimized materials. To include all the desired properties into the so-called bioinks is still challenging. In this work, a bioink system based on anti-bacterial zinc oxide tetrapods (t-ZnO) and biocompatible sodium alginate is presented. Additive manufacturing of these hydrogels with high t-ZnO content (up to 15 wt.%) could be realized. Additionally, protein adsorption on the t-ZnO particles was evaluated to test their suitability as carriers for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Open porous and closed cell printed wound dressings were tested for their cell and skin compatibility and anti-bacterial properties. In these categories, the open porous constructs exhibited protruding t-ZnO arms and proved to be anti-bacterial. Dermatological tests on ex vivo skin showed no negative influence of the alginate wound dressing on the skin, making this bioink an ideal carrier and evaluation platform for APIs in wound treatment and healing.