Pure and multi metal oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, antibacterial and cytotoxic properties

Abstract

Th antibacterial activity of metal oxide nanoparticles has received marked global attention as they can be specifically synthesized to exhibit significant toxicity to bacteria. The importance of their application as antibacterial agents is evident keeping in mind the limited range and effectiveness of antibiotics, on one hand, and the plethora of metal oxides, on the other, along with the propensity of nanoparticles to induce resistance being much lower than that of antibiotics. Effective inhibition against a wide range of bacteria is well known for several nano oxides consisting of one metal (Fe3O4, TiO2, CuO, ZnO), whereas, research in the field of multi-metal oxides still demands extensive exploration. This is understandable given that the relationship between physicochemical properties and biological activity seems to be complex and difficult to generalize even for metal oxide nanoparticles consisting of only one metal component. Also, despite the broad scope that metal oxide nanoparticles have as antibacterial agents, there arise problems in practical applications taking into account the cytotoxic effects. In this respect, the consideration of polymetallic oxides for biological applications becomes even greater since these can provide synergetic effects and unify the best physicochemical properties of their components. For instance, strong antibacterial efficiency specific of one metal oxide can be complemented by non-cytotoxicity of another. This review presents the main methods and technological advances in fabrication of nanostructured metal oxides with a particular emphasis to multi-metal oxide nanoparticles, their antibacterial effects and cytotoxicity.

Effect of Incubation Time, CuSO4 and Glucose Concentrations on Biosynthesis of Copper Oxide (CuO) Nanoparticles with Rectangular Shape and Antibacterial Activity: Taguchi Method Approach

“…Also, synthesis of cupric oxide NPs (CuO NPs) with spherical-like shape was carried out by the planetary ball mill method [22]. In return, NPs synthesis through biological techniques specifically applying microorganisms emerged as an eco-friendly, clean and benefit alternative to physicochemical techniques [23]. In recent years, green methods have attained tremendous attention in synthesis of pure or oxide MNPs [24][25][26][27].…”

Facile Synthesis of ZnO-Cu2O Composite Nanoparticles and Effect of Cu2O Doping in ZnO on Antimicrobial Activity

“…Instead, antibacterial activity of copper and copper oxide nanomaterials have limited research, likely due to fast oxidation of metallic copper nanoparticles in exposure to air and both chemical and physical instability of the copper oxides formed at temperature below 200 °C, particularly if Cu 2 + is formed [13,14]. Also, it has been observed that the composites of metal oxides show superior characteristics than that of single one because of the collective behavior of individual entity [15,16]. This is one of the fast-emerging areas of research.…”

Environmental Aspects of Using Nanomaterials

“…Nanomatter penetration into the environment and the specific activity can cause degradation effects [5]. Accordingly, there is a need of broader studies on the characteristics of the nanoparticles, both in terms of their physicochemical properties and biological activity [6]. It is also necessary to modify the processes for obtaining them, in order to improve the control of these properties or develop such formulas that will not have the harmful activity on living matter or will be limited while maintaining the functionality of materials.…”