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

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials science
• Microbiology
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat.
• Nanomaterials offer potential solutions for biodetection and treatment of AMR microorganisms.
• Comprehensive characterization of nanomaterial effects, especially in vivo, is crucial before application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the multifunctional properties of one-dimensional ZnO nanowires (ZnO NWs).
• To assess ZnO NWs for optical biodetection of ampicillin-resistant E. coli (ampr-E. coli).
• To investigate the antibacterial effects and biocompatibility of ZnO NWs.

Main Methods:

• Optical biodetection using photoluminescence (PL) quenching.
• Assessment of antibacterial activity via inhibition halos.
• Evaluation of biocompatibility with HEK-293 mammalian cells.

Main Results:

• Photoluminescence quenching observed within 10 seconds upon contact with biofunctionalized ZnO NWs and ampr-E. coli (10^2-10^4 CFU/mL).
• Moderate antibacterial activity of raw ZnO NWs demonstrated against ampr-E. coli.
• Biocompatible interaction observed between ZnO NWs and HEK-293 cells.

Conclusions:

• ZnO NWs show potential as a proof-of-concept for optical biosensors.
• ZnO NWs exhibit moderate antibacterial effects and biocompatibility.
• These findings highlight the potential of ZnO NWs for diverse nanobiomedicine applications.