Bacterial toxicity of biomimetic green zinc oxide nanoantibiotic: insights into ZnONP uptake and nanocolloid–bacteria interface

Abstract

ions in a nutrient medium increased as a result of interaction with the bacterial surface and metabolites. Substantial surface binding of ZnONPs followed by intracellular uptake disrupted the cell morphology and caused obvious injury to the cell membrane. Interrupted bacterial growth kinetics, loss of cell respiration, enhanced production of intracellular ROS, and the leakage of the cytoplasmic content unequivocally suggested a strong interaction of ZnONPs with the exterior cell surface and intracellular components, eventually leading to cell death and destruction of biofilms. Overall, the results elucidated eco-friendly production of ZnONPs expressing a prominent interfacial correlation with bacteria and hence, prospecting the use of green ZnONPs as effective nanoantibiotics.