Growth Inhibition Effect of Zeolite/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite Against Foodborne Gram-Positive Bacteria Publisher



Soltan Dalal MMS ; Partoazar A ; Dargahi Z ; Samimirad K ; Karimaei S
Source: Nanomedicine Research Journal Published:2025

Abstract

The overuse of antibiotics has led to the increase of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, so there is a need to develop alternatives. Producing nanoparticles with physical and chemical effects and limited resistance is one of the promising methods to combat pathogens, especially foodborne ones. The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of Nanocomposites of zinc oxide loaded on a zeolite (ZnONCs/Zeolite) and to determine its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against some Gram-positive foodborne pathogens. Two techniques were used for the ZnONCs/ Zeo characterization, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The antibacterial potential of ZnONCs/ Zeo against common foodborne pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis) was investigated with disk diffusion and broth microdilution assay. SEM images showed good distribution of ZnO-NPs on the zeolite framework, and the cubic structure of the zeolite was well preserved. ZnONCs/Zeo had significant antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria. Thus, significant antibacterial activity was recorded for ZnONCs/Zeo with an inhibition zone (8-25 mm). The results showed that the MIC value of biogenic ZnONCs/Zeo against S. aureus was 2 mg/mL, while this value was 4 mg/ mL for other bacterial strains. The MBC values of ZnONPs/Zeo against the studied bacteria were varied. Given the promising results of the antibacterial activity of ZnONPs/Zeo, it is suggested that this compound can be used in the food industry as a preservative agent, although further investigations and risk assessment are needed. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.