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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
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Preparation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and the Evaluation of their Antibacterial Effects
Published on: September 27, 2024
Tuning Anticancer Activity and Antimicrobial Response of ZnO Nanoparticles Through Halogenosilane Surface
Mariana Bușilă1, Aurel Tăbăcaru2, Andreea Veronica Botezatu2
1Department of Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, "Dunărea de Jos" University of Galați, 111 Domnească Street, 800201 Galați, Romania.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using halogenosilanes enhances their anticancer activity against prostate cancer cells. This functionalization also modulates antimicrobial effects, suggesting tailored nanomaterial design for specific applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is crucial for controlling their properties.
- Organosilane capping agents are effective for ZnO NP functionalization.
- Halogenosilanes offer a novel approach for ZnO NP surface engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To functionalize ZnO NPs using novel halogenosilanes: (3-chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane (CPTMS), (3-bromopropyl)trimethoxysilane (BPTMS), and (3-iodopropyl)trimethoxysilane (IPTMS).
- To evaluate the impact of halogenosilane surface modification on ZnO NP physicochemical and biological properties, including anticancer and antimicrobial activities.
- To investigate the relationship between surface chemistry and the biological selectivity of ZnO NPs.
Main Methods:
- ZnO NPs were synthesized via chemical precipitation.
- Surface functionalization was achieved using CPTMS, BPTMS, and IPTMS.
- Characterization included PXRD, TEM, SEM-EDX, and FTIR.
- Biological evaluation involved cytotoxicity assays against prostate cancer cell lines (PC3, 22Rv1) and antimicrobial assays against various bacteria and fungi.
Main Results:
- Successful surface modification of ZnO NPs with halogenosilanes confirmed by characterization techniques.
- Particle size significantly reduced from ~31 nm (unmodified ZnO) to ~8 nm (BPTMS-modified ZnO, ZnO_b).
- Halogenosilane-modified ZnO NPs demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity against PC3 and 22Rv1 cancer cells, with ZnO_b showing the highest efficacy.
- Moderate antimicrobial activity observed against *Escherichia coli* and *Staphylococcus aureus* at high concentrations; limited activity against *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, *Burkholderia contaminans*, and *Candida* spp.
Conclusions:
- Halogenosilane functionalization effectively modulates the biological profile of ZnO NPs.
- Surface engineering enhances anticancer effects, likely due to increased cellular uptake and ROS generation.
- The study highlights the potential for rational design of ZnO nanoplatforms to achieve tumor-targeted activity over broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects.
