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image of Cornstarch-Derived ZnO Nanoparticles: A Promising Antimicrobial Agent Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Introduction

This study evaluates the antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles dispersed in a polyvinylpyrrolidone solution (ZnO-NPs-PVP) synthesized using a green method based on corn starch.

Methods

The ZnO-NPs are characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-vis), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The antibacterial efficacy of ZnO-NPs-PVP is assessed against the Gram-negative bacterium by evaluating reductions in cell viability.

Results

FT-IR analysis reveals peaks typical of ZnO around 500 cm−1, UV-vis spectroscopy shows a characteristic absorption band at 372 nm. TEM analysis indicates an average particle diameter of 23 nm, DLS reporting larger sizes (35 nm) due to the use of PVP as a dispersant. ZnO-NPs-PVP reduces bacterial viability by 3.75 log10 CFU/mL compared to the control. The antibacterial activity is concentration-dependent, with a 50% reduction in metabolic activity observed at 15 µg/mL. The SEM analysis shows the formation of pores in the bacterial cell wall, leading to intracellular component leakage and cell death.

Discussion

ZnO-NPs-PVP could serve as an effective alternative to conventional antibiotics, particularly in the context of increasing antimicrobial resistance.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that ZnO-NPs-PVP exhibits significant antibacterial activity and potential for use in antimicrobial treatments. Its ability to disrupt bacterial membranes and reduce metabolic activity suggests its utility as a promising candidate for future biomedical applications.

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2026-01-26
2026-01-31

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Cornstarch-Derived ZnO Nanoparticles: A Promising Antimicrobial Agent Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0115680266392141251008072947
/content/journals/ctmc/10.2174/0115680266392141251008072947
/content/journals/ctmc/10.2174/0115680266392141251008072947
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: Nanotechnology ; Metal oxide Nanoparticles ; Antimicrobial activity ; ZnO nanoparticles ; Gram-negative ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa

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