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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
06:42
Preparation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and the Evaluation of their Antibacterial Effects
Published on: September 27, 2024
Antimicrobial Systems Based on Essential Oils Advanced by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Greta Kaspute1,2, Urte Prentice1,3, Roman Viter4
1Department of Nanotechnology, State Research Institute Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC), Sauletekio Av. 3, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania.
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science
|June 18, 2026
Summary
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) combined with essential oils (EOs) offer enhanced antimicrobial properties. This hybrid material shows potential for food packaging, medicine, and agriculture, providing natural alternatives.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Essential oils (EOs) possess antimicrobial properties but suffer from low bioavailability and oxidation.
- Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) offer chemical stability, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial efficacy.
- Combining ZnO NPs with EOs can create advanced materials with synergistic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the integration of ZnO NPs and EOs into polymeric matrices.
- To explore the enhanced antimicrobial effectiveness, stability, and controlled release of these hybrid systems.
- To highlight applications in food packaging, medicine, and agriculture as natural alternatives.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advances in ZnO NP and EO hybrid systems.
- Analysis of the properties and performance of ZnO NP-EO composites.
- Exploration of challenges and opportunities in their application.
Main Results:
- ZnO NP and EO combinations demonstrate improved antimicrobial activity.
- Integration into polymeric matrices enhances stability and enables controlled release.
- These hybrid materials show promise for extending food shelf life and therapeutic applications.
Conclusions:
- ZnO NP and EO systems represent advanced materials with significant potential.
- They offer natural solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance and synthetic chemical use.
- Further research can unlock broader applications in public health and industry.
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