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Zinc Oxide and Silver Nanoparticle Effects on Intestinal Bacteria
Ami Yoo1, Mengshi Lin1, Azlin Mustapha1
1Food Science Program, Division of Food Systems and Bioengineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 2, 2021
Summary
Zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles show mild inhibitory effects on gut bacteria like E. coli and beneficial microbes. Further research is needed on their impact on the natural gut microflora.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Microbiology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NPs) are explored for food safety applications.
- Zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) NPs possess antimicrobial properties.
- Limited knowledge exists on NP interactions with gut microflora.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ZnO and Ag NPs on intestinal bacteria.
- To assess the impact on Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium animalis.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial cultures were exposed to varying concentrations of ZnO and Ag NPs.
- Characterization of NPs on bacterial cells using SEM, TEM, and EDS.
- Assessed membrane leakage and cell viability.
Main Results:
- Bacterial cell numbers decreased by less than 1 log CFU/mL compared to controls.
- Observed cellular morphological changes, but many cells retained normal shapes.
- Minimal membrane leakage and a higher proportion of live cells were noted post-exposure.
Conclusions:
- ZnO and Ag NPs exhibit mild inhibitory effects on intestinal bacteria.
- Further studies are warranted to understand the long-term impact on gut microflora.
