Analysis of the physicochemical properties of antimicrobial compositions with zinc oxide nanoparticles

In this study, an antimicrobial composition based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and zinc oxide (ZnO) was developed. The aim of the work was to obtain a film-forming product for antimicrobial treatment of surfaces. To improve the physical, mechanical, and film-forming properties of the compositions, three natural stabilizing agents were added to the formulation: gelatine, guar gum and hydroxyethyl cellulose. Formulations with different concentrations of each stabilizer were tested, and the physicochemical properties of the obtained products were measured. The size of zinc oxide particles in obtained compositions varied from 232 to 692 nm. The compositions had a slight acidic nature. Their pH ranged from 6.84 to 6.99. The average density of products was equal to 1.37 × 10³ (kg/m³). It was confirmed that zinc oxide nanoparticles do not penetrate through a model dermal membrane which is a desired effect concerning their toxicity. The antimicrobial activity of the obtained compositions was assessed against Aspergillus niger strain. After 24 h of studying, the growth inhibition was in 71% greater than in reference material. After statistical analysis of the results, it was concluded in order to achieve the most desirable physicochemical and utilitarian properties, the concentrations of gelatine, guar gum and hydroxyethylcellulose should be equal to 0.5%, 0.03% and 0.055%, respectively.