Development of core-shell-shell nanoparticles based on UCNP, ZnO and ZIF-8 coupled to a bacterial cellulose membrane to combat microbial resistance through photoactivation

• Grant number: 24/01900-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Agreement: CNPq
• Principal Investigator: Sidney José Lima Ribeiro
• Grantee: Sidney José Lima Ribeiro
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/08111-2 - Development of rare earth based light converters: luminescent markers, optical sensors, and amplifiers, AP.TEM
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/13104-3 - Development of core-shell-shell nanoparticles based on UCNP, ZnO and ZIF-8 coupled to a bacterial cellulose membrane towards microbial resistance through photoactivation, BP.JD

Abstract

This project aims to develop a new composite with antimicrobial properties, based on the use of hybrid materials of upconversion NPs (UCNPs) and ZnO NPs. The highlight of this material is the possibility of overcoming bacterial resistance through the application of near-infrared (NIR) lasers. UCNPs absorb photons in the near infrared region and emit a higher energy photon in the ultraviolet (UV) and/or visible (vis) region, capable of sensitizing ZnO NPs to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a controlled manner, being very interesting for combating microbial resistance. The associated inorganic NPs, together with a conventional drug, will be incorporated into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), in this case ZIF-8, forming a core-shell-shell structure, and coupled to a bacterial cellulose membrane, as a matrix. , ensuring greater stability of these molecules, protection of metabolism, and enabling controlled release. The materials obtained will be characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS); thermogravimetric analysis (TG); scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM); zeta potential; and evaluation of photoluminescent properties. Using the spectroscopy technique in the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) region, it will be possible to quantify the ZnO NPs and the drug incorporated and released from the developed system. The quantification of reactive oxygen species with and without photoactivation will be compared using the E-BC-K138-F colorimetric kit. Antimicrobial activity will be evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (CBM) methods against Staplylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The cellular viability of the synthesized material will also be evaluated to study the biocompatibility of the system. (AU)