Fabrication and application of hollow ZnO nanospheres in antimicrobial casein-based coatings

ZnO hollow nanospheres with porous shells were prepared successfully via a simple hard-template method and a calcination process. Then the obtained ZnO hollow nanospheres were encapsulated with mildew-proof agent and modified by polydopamine. At last,antimicrobial casein-based coatings were obtained by mixing the drug-loaded ZnO and casein latex. Antimicrobial testing results revealed casein-based hollow ZnO/mildew-proof agent nanocomposite films displayed the better antimicrobial activities, and it still has antimicrobial properties after 1 year.