Work

Commercial Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Mechanistic Investigation into the Bacterial Leaf Blight Pathogen of Rice and Evaluation of Their Biocompatibility

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), a destructive disease of rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), continues to limit rice productivity worldwide. Although biologically synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been extensively investigated, knowledge regarding the antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of commercially available ZnO NPs is still limited. In this study, commercial ZnO NPs were systematically characterized and evaluated for their antibacterial mechanisms and biocompatibility in mammalian cells. FE-SEM and TEM analyses revealed irregular polyhedral, hexagonal, and short rod-like morphologies with an average particle size of ~33 nm, consistent with crystallite sizes estimated by XRD. The nanoparticles exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity against Xoo, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 µg/mL and a clear dose-dependent response. Mechanistic assays confirmed multifaceted bactericidal actions involving membrane disruption, ROS generation, Zn2+ release, and ultrastructural damage. Biocompatibility testing in human dermal fibroblasts showed enhanced proliferation at 8–32 µg/mL, no cytotoxicity up to 256 µg/mL, and reduced viability only at ≥512 µg/mL. These findings represent the first mechanistic evaluation of commercial ZnO NPs against Xoo, together with cytotoxicity assessment in mammalian cells, highlighting their structural distinctness and dual functionality that combine potent antibacterial activity with minimal mammalian cytotoxicity. Overall, the results underscore their potential as safe nanobiocontrol agents for sustainable rice disease management.

Source: Applied Nano

DOI: 10.3390/applnano6040026

Authors: Thanee Jaiyan, Paweena Rangsrisak, Kanchit Rahaeng, Duagkamol Maensiri, Wuttipong Mahakham

Institutions: Khon Kaen University, Suranaree University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207