Growth of nano- and micro-scale ZnO particles as a platform for studies of antibacterial action in ZnO

Abstract

Antimicrobial action of micro- and nanoscale ZnO particles has been documented, but the fundamental physical mechanisms driving this action is still relatively unknown. We hypothesize that antibacterial action of ZnO is rooted in interactions between ZnO surfaces and extracellular material. This study builds a platform upon which a study of unique surface properties of micro- and nanoscale ZnO can be studied in conjunction with antibacterial action. Using a bottom-up hydrothermal chemical method we established the ability to grow morphologically different ZnO micro-crystals to isolate and study the two characteristically different surfaces (polar and nonpolar) in crystalline ZnO. SEM and EDX studies confirmed the growth of ZnO microcrystals of different morphologies based on chemical precursor. Photoluminescence revealed changes in emission spectra as reaction parameters change. To build on this platform, various optoelectronic methods and antibacterial testing techniques will be used to connect different morphologies, surface polarity, optoelectronic properties, and antibacterial activities.