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

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.