A multipurpose 1DZnO nanoplatform to combat ampicillin-resistant E. coli

Nanomaterials can provide versatile alternatives for accurate biodetection and treatment to prevent the rapid propagation of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) microorganisms. Nevertheless, a characterization of their global effects must be conducted before management and experimental use, particularly for in vivo applications. In this work, we evaluated the multifunctional properties of one-dimensional ZnO nanowires (ZnO NWs) for optical biodetection of ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli (ampr-E. coli). In addition, we assessed the antibacterial effects against these bacteria and biocompatibility after interaction with mammalian cells, providing new insights into the novel functionalities of ZnO NWs. From our experimental design, we obtained quenching of photoluminescence (PL) after 10 s of contact with biofunctionalized ZnO NWs across bacterial concentrations of 10²-10⁴ CFU/mL, demonstrating a proof-of-concept design for further development of optical biosensors. Afterwards, the moderate antibacterial activity of raw ZnO NWs under controlled conditions was confirmed by the presence of inhibition halos against ampr-E.coli, providing updated behavior on the effects of the interaction of nanowires with bacterial membranes. Finally, a biocompatible contact with mammalian HEK-293 cells was observed, highlighting its potential for broad applications in nanobiomedicine.