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Surgical meshes were modified with zinc oxide (ZnO) using a chemical bath deposition method (CBD) at 50 °C, 70 °C, or 90 °C, in order to biologically activate them. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mass changes, and X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that at low temperatures Zn(OH)2 was formed, and that this was converted into ZnO with a temperature increase. The antimicrobial activity without light stimulation of the ZnO modified Mersilene™ meshes was related to the species of microorganism, the incubation time, and the conditions of the experiment. Generally, cocci (S. aureus, S. epidermidis) and yeast (C. albicans) were more sensitive than Gram-negative rods (E. coli). The differences in sensitivity of the studied microorganisms to ZnO were discussed. The most active sample was that obtained at 90 °C. The mechanism of antimicrobial action of ZnO was determined by various techniques, such as zeta potential analysis, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, SEM studies, and measurements of Zn(II) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration. Our results confirmed that the generation of free radicals was crucial, which occurs on the surface of crystalline ZnO.

The developing field of bio-nanotechnology aims to advance colloidal research via the introduction of multifunctional nanoparticles to augment the dermal effectiveness of active substances. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS)—isotropic mixtures of oils, surfactants, solvents and co-solvents or surfactants—are attracting interest in the cosmeceutical field. As part of this study, SEDDS systems containing vitamin C or vitamin E and curcumin were developed, whereby the bioavailability of the active compounds increased by enhancing their permeability to deeper layers of the skin. A composition consisting of 50% surfactin from Bacillus subtilis, 30% Transcutol and 20% oil phase was designed to encapsulate the active substances, i.e., vitamin C or vitamin E and curcumin, contained in the oil phase. The developed carriers were characterized by average particle sizes of 69–183 nm. The formulations with the vitamins were found to be physically and chemically stable for 6 months. Transdermal tests were carried out, showing that the carriers enable the transport of active substances deep into the skin, stopping at the dermis border. The formulations with vitamin C and vitamin E reduced the discoloration, the vascular lesions, and the depth of the wrinkles on the tested skin, which can be useful in cosmetics in the treatment of problem skin, including capillary and sensitive skin.

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