Cu-ZnO and Fe-ZnO nanoparticles with potential antimicrobial activity

• Grant number: 21/05176-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Leila Aparecida Chiavacci Favorin
• Grantee: Mariah Roberta Ferreira da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Nanostructured inorganic materials have some advantages such as chemical stability, high electrical and thermal conductivity, catalytic activity, relatively low production cost, and, in some cases, potent antimicrobial action against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. In this context, nanoparticles based on zinc oxide are highlighted by their physical, optical, and biological properties, due to their proven bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic action. In addition, it is known that metals such as copper and iron also have antibacterial and antiviral activities that can cause irreversible damage to microorganisms. In view of the benefits of these inorganic nanomaterials, the present work aims to synthesize, modify and characterize zinc oxide nanoparticles doped with copper and iron, in order to compare their effectiveness against different microorganisms. The synthesis of the doped ZnO nanoparticles will be performed by the sol-gel method. The surface of the nanoparticles will be modified by silane-based polymers to promote incorporation into biological systems. The characterization will be performed byX-ray diffraction, spectroscopy in the infrared region, and thermogravimetric analysis. Finally, the antimicrobial evaluation is performed by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) in strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacterial and viral family Coronaviridae. With the study of synthesis and efficiency, these materials are expected to be recognized and used in products and services of populations, humiliating in the hyalinization and sterilization against bacterial, showing selective toxicity to the same.(AU)