New biomaterial composed of zinc oxide nanoparticles and polyacrylic acid for future use as an antimicrobial device

• Grant number: 24/02991-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Biophysics of Processes and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Angela Mitie Otta Kinoshita
• Grantee: Dailson Rodrigues dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Dr Domingos Leonardo Ceravolo. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex process and is often compromised by the presence and multiplication of microorganisms, resulting in potential danger to the body. In this context, the use of various antimicrobial drugs, such as ²-lactams and quinolones, is required in an attempt to combat these microorganisms and facilitate healing. However, bacterial resistance against existing drugs is a current challenge and warned by the World Health Organization. The present study explores the antimicrobial and photocatalytic potential of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as an alternative to available antimicrobial drugs, in an attempt to combat growing microbial resistance, proposing the creation of a biomaterial composed of ZnO-NPs and Polyacrylic Acid (Carbopol®) for use in dressings. The research will be carried out via the synthesis of ZnO-NPs using the simple precipitation method, and tests for antimicrobial and photocatalytic activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii will be carried out using the Kirby-Bauer diffusion disk method, measuring the halo of inhibition, in the absence and presence of light, since nanoparticles exhibit photocatalytic property. With its effectiveness, low cost and potential for preventing bacterial resistance, this material can represent an affordable and effective alternative for wound treatment.