Efficacy of highly water-dispersed fabricated nano ZnO against clinically isolated bacterial strains

Versatile use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs) in semiconductors, optical device and solar cells has already been established. Herein we describe synthesis of surface-functionalized ZNP to highly water dispersible constituent and its antibacterial efficiency against clinically isolated bacterial system. ZNP was synthesized by single-step microwave-assisted route using an aqueous buffer solution. Surface of ZNP was functionalized by grafting of phosphonoacetic acid as the coupling agent. Transmission electron microscopy image suggested that functionalized ZNP was smaller in size in comparison with unfunctionalized one. Antibacterial activity against clinically isolated bacterial strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebseilla sp. was detected with dose dependency. Functionalized ZNP claimed hexagonal crystal structure and exhibited higher dispersibility in aqueous solution which resulted in the production of greater reactive oxygen species and hence destruction of cell membrane leading to its biocidal efficacy. It is worth mentioning that functionalized dispersed fabricated ZNP would be used as potent biocides in medical as well as agricultural sector.