Bactericidal Capacity of a Heterogeneous TiO2/ZnO Nanocomposite against Multidrug-Resistant and Non-Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Strains Associated with Nosocomial Infections

• Published in: ACS Omega
• Main Author: Harun N.H.; Mydin R.B.S.M.N.; Sreekantan S.; Saharudin K.A.; Basiron N.; Aris F.; Zain W.N.W.M.; Seeni A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Chemical Society 2020
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85085756624&doi=10.1021%2facsomega.0c00213&partnerID=40&md5=fda62e89d7c21065b6ebc3cf2628f7b3

The surge of medical devices associated with nosocomial infection (NI) cases, especially by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, is one of the pressing issues of present health care systems. Metal oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) have become promising antibacterial agents against a wide range of bacterial strains. This work study is on the bactericidal capacity of heterogeneous TiO2/ZnO nanocomposites with different weight percentages and concentrations against common MDR and non-MDR bacterial strains. The profiles on disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, tolerance determination, time-kill, and biofilm inhibition assay were determined after 24 h of direct contact with the nanocomposite samples. Findings from this work revealed that the heterogeneous TiO2/ZnO nanocomposite with a 25T75Z weight ratio showed an optimal tolerance ratio against Gram-positive and-negative bacteria, indicating their bactericidal capacity. Further observation suggests that higher molar ratio of Zn2+ may possibly involve generation of active ion species that enhance bactericidal effect against Gram-positive bacterial strains, especially for the MDR strains. Nano-based technology using MNPs may provide a promising solution for the prevention and control of NIs. Further work on biocompatibility and cytotoxicity profiles of this nanocomposite are needed. © 2020 American Chemical Society.