Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticle and Evaluation of its Potential to Enhance the Activity of Antibiotics

The properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) vary with its crystallite size or particle and often nanocrystalline ZnO is seen to exhibit superior physical and chemical properties due to their higher surface area and modified electron structure. This paper aims at synthesizing nanosized ZnO particles and the evaluation of its potential to enhance the activity of antibiotics. ZnO is prepared by using both hydrothermal and solvothermal methods. The sample was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The nanosize of particles was further confirmed by using TEM studies. The average crystal size of the prepared ZnO nanoparticles was determined by TEM. The synthesized nanoparticle was used to enhance the antibacterial efficacy of antibiotics such as Ampicillin and Streptomycin. It was found effective in both drugs against the clinically important bacterial strains tested. Drug resistance is an emerging crisis and becoming a menace to the public. As the bacterial strains showing antibiotic resistance are escalating day by day, application of these nanoparticles that enhance the antibacterial property will be promising for the development of new drugs.