Influence of transition metal doping on physiochemical and antibacterial properties of ZnO-Nanoparticles: A review

Bacterial infections are considered a genuine health challenge worldwide. The resistance against antibiotics by these microorganisms is seen as a more serious health challenge. Multidrug resistance bacteria-pathogens have led to an increase in proliferation of opportunistic microorganism. The vast majority of these bacterial cell sizes are range from hundreds of nanometers (nm) to tens of micrometers (mm), hence making it difficult to visualize on surfaces. Because of these challenges scientists are exploring nanomaterials that can mitigate the impact of bacterial infections within hospital and health care facilities. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit unique antibacterial properties because of its potential to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release of Zn2+in aqueous media. Antibacterial properties of ZnO-NPs depend on its physiochemical properties such as size, morphology and surface defects. ZnO-NPs are effective against bacterial pathogens such as Aspergillus niger, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This review discussed ZnO-NPs antibacterial mechanisms and its limitations. Update on frequent techniques used in synthesis of undoped and transition metal (TM) doped ZnO-NPs were provided. Furthermore, the influence of TM doping on the physiochemical properties ZnO-NPs as well as their impact on its antibacterial mechanisms were also discussed.

Automated summary

Bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance pose significant health challenges worldwide. Scientists are exploring nanomaterials, like ZnO nanoparticles, to mitigate the impact of bacterial infections in healthcare facilities.