Comprehensive biosafety assessment of Ag-ZnO/talc nanomaterials: Implications for antibacterial applications

Abstract

Given the global proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, there exists a pressing imperative to cultivate efficacious nanomaterials possessing antimicrobial attributes, thereby impeding the transmission of infectious diseases. Clay-based nanoparticles, due to their inherent properties, serve as optimal candidates for the creation of innovative antimicrobial agents, particularly for coating materials. In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized on talc surfaces and doped with Ag+, yielding an effective antimicrobial composite (Ag-ZnO/talc). The primary aim was to comprehensively evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness, material compatibility, and biosafety of Ag-ZnO/talc, as well as its potential applications in antibacterial coatings. The finding underscored the remarkable antibacterial properties of Ag-ZnO/talc composites, chiefly through the generation of reactive oxygen species, leading to impairment of the bacterial membrane and leakage of nucleic acid content. A biosafety evaluation indicated minimal cytotoxicity, a low hemolysis rate, and negligible skin tissue reactions, thereby suggesting its suitability for human application. Furthermore, the incorporation of the antimicrobial agent Ag-ZnO/talc did not significantly alter the physicochemical characteristics of the coating, while maintaining an enduring antimicrobial effect for a duration of two months. These findings establish the potential of clay-based antimicrobials for effective and safe application in coatings, facilitating the development of antimicrobial coatings in diverse industrial and public health environments.