| Popis: |
Bruna Lallo da Silva,1 Marina Paiva Abuçafy,1 Eloisa Berbel Manaia,1 João Augusto Oshiro Junior,1 Bruna Galdorfini Chiari-Andréo,1,2 Rosemeire CL R Pietro,1 Leila Aparecida Chiavacci1 1Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, SP, Brazil; 2Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade De Araraquara, UNIARA, Araraquara, SP, BrazilCorrespondence: Leila Aparecida ChiavacciDepartment of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara Jaú, km 1 – s/n Campos Ville, Araraquara, SP, BrazilTel +55 16 33016966Fax +55 16 33016900Email leila@fcfar.unesp.brAbstract: The inappropriate use of antimicrobials has resulted in the selection of resistant strains. Thus, a great number of studies have focused on the investigation of new antimicrobial agents. The use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) to optimise the fight against microbial resistance has been receiving increased attention due to the non-specific activity of inorganic antimicrobial agents. The small particle size and the high surface area of ZnO NPs can enhance antimicrobial activity, causing an improvement in surface reactivity. In addition, surface modifiers covering ZnO NPs can play a role in mediating antimicrobial activity since the surface properties of nanomaterials alter their interactions with cells; this may interfere with the antimicrobial effect of ZnO NPs. The possibility of using surface modifiers with groups toxic to microorganisms can improve the antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs. Understanding the exact toxicity mechanisms is crucial to elucidating the antimicrobial activity of ZnO NPs in bacteria and fungi. Therefore, this review aims to describe the mechanisms of ZnO NPs toxicity against fungi and bacteria and how the different structural and physical-chemical characteristics of ZnO NPs can interfere in their antimicrobial activity.Keywords: nanoparticles, zinc oxide, antimicrobial activity, toxicity mechanisms |
