Hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanostructures with different morphologies and their antimicrobial activity against Escherihia coli and Staphylococus aureus bacterial cultures

Abstract

Considering that many very important properties that determine the use of material for a range of purposes depend on size and morphology of the particles of which the material is made up of exceptional importance is the synthesis of particles of controlled morphology and dimensions. Nanoparticle metal oxides represent a new class of important materials that are increasingly being developed for use in research and health-related applications. Zinc oxide is currently being investigated as an antimicrobial agent in both microscale and nanoscale formulations. Results have indicated that ZnO nanoparticles show antibacterial activity apparently greater than for microparticles. In this study, we generally attempt to examine influence of size and particularly shape of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized through a controlled hydrothermal method, on the antibacterial activity toward Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria). Characterization of the prepared ZnO nanopowders was performed using experimental technique such as XRD analysis, FE SEM, HR TEM, UV VIS and Malvern’s Master Sizer instrument for particle size distribution. The antibacterial properties of synthesized ZnO nanostructures were done using a colony count method. Apart from different forms of prepared ZnO nanoparticles, antimicrobial tests showed impressive antibacterial properties, above 99% microbial cells reduction, toward gram positive bacteria S. Aureus and gram negative bacteria E. Colli.