Antibacterial ZnO@CeO₂ nanocrystals: Prospective material for control of foodborne pathogens

Foodborne microbial infections are leading cause of many deadly illnesses. As a result, there is an anticipated need for the development of innovative packaging materials with effective antibacterial potential. This article describes preparation and characterization of innovative ZnO@CeO₂ nanocrystals through a facile hydrothermal method, as well as their outstanding antibacterial properties. The ZnO@CeO₂ nanocrystals used were prepared using precursors zinc acetate and cerium nitrate at 180°C. Various sophisticated physicochemical parameters were used to assess nanocrystals. The antibacterial activity was examined using minimum inhibitory concentration technique against four major foodborne pathogenic bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive), Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Klebsiella pneumoniae (Gram negative) at four distinct concentrations (0-400 µg/mL). The in vitro cell compatibility test was done on fibroblasts. According to our findings, the lowest concentration of ZnO@CeO₂ nanocrystals limiting development of tested strains is 100 µg/mL. Additionally, the results show that the combination of ZnO and CeO₂ can be synergistic, resulting in ZnO@CeO₂ nanocrystals with enhanced antibacterial activity. To summarize, unique ZnO@CeO₂ nanocrystals with a high surface-to-volume ratio with outstanding antibacterial activity and no harmful impact to mouse fibroblasts were shaped. The ZnO@CeO₂ can be utilized to competently suppress microbial growth spoiling the food and could be utilized as economical and efficient future packaging material for food industries.