Magnesium-doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Alter Biofilm Formation of <i>Proteus Mirabilis</i>

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b><i>Proteus mirabilis</i> biofilms colonize medical devices, and their role in microbial pathogenesis is well established. Magnesium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO:MgO NPs) have potential antimicrobial properties; thus, we aimed at evaluating the antibiofilm activity of ZnO:MgO NPs against <i>P. mirabilis</i> biofilm. <b>Materials & methods:</b> After synthesis and characterization of ZnO:MgO NPs and their addition to a polymer film, we evaluated the stages of <i>P. mirabilis</i> biofilm development over glass coverslip covered by different concentrations of ZnO:MgO NPs. <b>Results:</b> Low concentrations of ZnO:MgO NPs affect the development of <i>P. mirabilis</i> biofilm. Descriptors showed reduced values in bacterial number, bacterial volume and extracellular material. <b>Conclusion:</b> Our results highlight this new application of ZnO:MgO NPs as a potential antibiofilm strategy in medical devices.