TEHRAN, Jul. 26 (MNA) – Iranian and Malaysian researchers have discovered that zinc oxide nanoparticles can serve as an appropriate replacement for antibiotics, thus circumventing the problem of resistance to certain antibiotics.


According to Iran Nanotechnology Initiative Council (INIC), the nanoparticles can also be used in painting of hospital environment and production of sterilized vessels and equipment.

Antibacterial activity is seen in compounds that can kill bacteria or prevent their growth without harming other tissues. Antibacterial materials are sometimes used as antibiotic drugs. Resistance to antibiotics is very important in the treatment cycle. However, discovery of new antibiotics has not solved the problem of resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, there should be innovative approaches to fight bacterial infections.

In this research, zinc/iron oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized through a simple method. The nanoparticles have high quality and purity and they have almost similar dimensions. This fact signifies the antibacterial effect of these nanoparticles and improves their performance.

High ratio of area to volume in nanoparticles results in easier emission of ions. Emitted ions weaken microbial walls and cellular membranes, which means early death for the cells.

Based on the results, the presence of iron atom at concentrations less than 5% does not affect antibacterial properties of nanoparticles, but antibacterial properties gradually increase when the concentration of iron reaches higher than 5%.

Results of the research have been published in Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, vol. 78, issue 1, 2016, pp. 91-98.

By Mehr News Agency