Recent Advances in ZnO Nanomaterial-Mediated Biological Applications and Action Mechanisms

Abstract

In recent years, with the deepening research, metal zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials have become a popular research object in the biological field, particularly in biomedicine and food safety, which is attributed to their unique physicochemical properties such as high surface area and volume ratio, luminescence effect, surface characteristics and biological activities. Herein, this review provides a detailed overview of the ZnO nanomaterial-mediated biological applications that involve anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, skin care, biological imaging and food packaging applications. Importantly, the corresponding action mechanisms of ZnO nanomaterials are pointed. Additionally, the structure and structure-dependent physicochemical properties, the common synthesis methods and the biosafety of ZnO nanoparticles are revealed in brief. Finally, the significance and future challenges of ZnO nanomaterial applications are concluded.

ZnO based 0–3D diverse nano-architectures, films and coatings for biomedical applications

“…For example, several recent published reviews are focused on green synthesis of ZnO materials and biomedical applications 38–44 with major emphasis on the eco-friendly approach of the green synthesis route. Several reviews are focused on some particular biomedical applications such as antibacterial, 45–48 wound healing, 49 cancer therapy, 40,48 drug delivery, 50 bioimaging, 47,51 etc . Some reviews are focused on ZnO/polymer nanocomposites and their biomedical applications.…”

Synthesis and Characterization of Naproxen Intercalated Zinc Oxide Stacked Nanosheets for Enhanced Hepatoprotective Potential

“…Furthermore, it is essential to note that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designates ZnO as Generally Recognized As Safe “GRAS.” Given these characteristics, ZnO-based nanomaterials have garnered increased attention in biomedical applications. In comparison to other metal oxide nanomaterials, ZnO-based counterparts are not only cost-effective but also relatively less toxic. , Consequently, they have demonstrated remarkable potential in diverse biomedical applications, including anticancer therapies, drug delivery systems, antibacterial agents, diabetes treatment, anti-inflammatory interventions, wound healing, and bioimaging. ,, …”

Functionalized ZnO-Based Nanocomposites for Diverse Biological Applications: Current Trends and Future Perspectives

“…In the latest bibliography, ZnO-based nanocomposites have various beneficial antibacterial properties against bacterial strains, such as E. coli [ 45 ], S. enterica , S. paratyphi , S. aureus , K. pneumoniae [ 46 ], Bacillus subtilis [ 47 ] and fungal strains, such as A. flavus , A. nidulans , T. harzianum , and R. stolonifer [ 48 ]. Notably, these structures can be very efficient not only in the diagnosis of tumors, but also in the treatment of them, since they are very effective as drug delivery systems [ 49 ]. Moreover, numerous studies conducted recently have suggested that ZnO nanoparticles may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory illnesses [ 50 ] and as theranostic materials, like in the study of Wu et al, where they created a nanomaterial by linking ZnO quantum dots to polyethylene glycol-based nanogel chains and growing metallic Au [ 51 ].…”