Zinc caproate: Ecofriendly synthesis, structural characterization, and antibacterial action

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Microbiology
• Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

• Diarrhea is a major cause of human morbidity and mortality, often caused by bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).
• Antimicrobial resistance poses significant challenges to conventional antibiotic treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel zinc-based agent for bacterial inactivation as a potential alternative to antibiotics.
• To synthesize and characterize zinc caproate (ZnCA) for its antibacterial properties.

Main Methods:

• Zinc caproate (ZnCA) was synthesized using caproic acid (CA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) via a solvothermal method.
• Structural and physical properties were analyzed using techniques like FTIR, X-ray diffraction, and NMR spectroscopy.
• Antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus was evaluated, along with mechanisms of action.

Main Results:

• ZnCA was successfully synthesized with a confirmed bidentate bridging coordination of zinc atoms with caproic acid, forming a 2D lamellar network.
• ZnCA exhibited potent antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, surpassing that of ZnO.
• The antibacterial mechanism involved inhibiting biofilm formation, disrupting cell membranes, and altering intracellular Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity.

Conclusions:

• Zinc caproate (ZnCA) demonstrates significant potential as a novel antibacterial agent.
• ZnCA could serve as a promising antibiotic substitute for treating bacterial diarrhea.
• Further research into ZnCA is warranted for its therapeutic applications.