Effect of Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Praseodymium-Doped Variants on Bacteria with Different Antioxidant Protection

Summary

This study evaluated the antimicrobial potency of four types of green-synthesised zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), including praseodymium-doped variants, synthesised using lavender and thyme essential oils via Pluronic-assisted co-precipitation. Testing against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria revealed differential susceptibility, with stronger effects observed for Arthrobacter nicotianae, Oerskovia paurometabola, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli, whilst reduced inhibition was noted for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The authors identified a correlation between bacterial susceptibility to ZnO-NPs and the microorganisms' inherent antioxidant enzyme activity levels, with praseodymium doping enhancing the bactericidal effect.

UK applicability

As a fundamental laboratory study on nanoparticle antimicrobial mechanisms, the findings may inform development of novel antimicrobial agents applicable to UK clinical and agricultural contexts where antibiotic resistance poses increasing concerns. However, translation to field or clinical practice would require further studies on safety, efficacy in complex biological environments, and regulatory compliance.

Key measures

Antimicrobial effectiveness via Resazurin Microtiter Assay; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme production; bacterial susceptibility across Risk 1 and 2 groups and ESKAPE pathogens

Outcomes reported

The study measured the antimicrobial effectiveness of four types of green-synthesised zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using Resazurin Microtiter Assay. It also assessed the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) antioxidant enzymes in tested microorganisms and investigated correlations between bacterial susceptibility to ZnO-NPs and antioxidant enzyme activity.

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