Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and ROS-Mediated Efficacy Against Multidrug-Resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, such as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, necessitates the development of alternative antimicrobial agents. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have garnered significant attention for their potential in overcoming antibiotic resistance due to their broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using a simple sol-gel method and characterized by a variety of techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis spectroscopy, among others. The antimicrobial activity of these nanoparticles was evaluated against S. maltophilia using a dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The ZnO nanoparticles exhibited an average particle size of 40 nm, with spherical morphology and high crystallinity, as confirmed by XRD and TEM. The UV-Vis spectra revealed a bandgap of approximately 3.3 eV, characteristic of ZnO in its wurtzite phase, which is crucial for ROS generation. The ROS assay showed a direct correlation between ZnO concentration and ROS production, with higher concentrations resulting in greater fluorescence intensity. The results suggest that ZnO nanoparticles exert their antimicrobial activity by generating ROS, which damage bacterial cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, leading to cell death. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO nanoparticles as an effective alternative to traditional antibiotics for combating MDR infections, offering a promising approach for future therapeutic applications.
How to Cite
Asha, Suman, "Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and ROS-Mediated Efficacy Against Multidrug-Resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia", Vol. 3, Issue 4, 11-07-2025, pp. 30-49.
