Zinc oxide‑selenium heterojunction composite: Synthesis, characterization and photo-induced antibacterial activity under visible light irradiation

The designing of new antibacterial agents with high and long-lasting activities are urgently needed in order to cope with the fast-emerging bacterial resistance. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) have shown a significant promise as broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, and are efficient material in compromising bacterial membrane stability that leads to an increased cell permeability to nano-products. However, further engineering is required to improve their biological activities and to minimize their toxicity to healthy cells. In an attempt to resolve this issue, two semiconductor materials, ZnO and selenium (Se), were fabricated into a unique structural composite by a newly developed facile green method, and the designed composite was applied as an antibacterial nanomedicine. The developed methodology involves the initial preparation of ZnO, followed by its fabrication with Se at different temperatures (70 °C to 95 °C). Our experimental data showed that well defined interpenetrated crystalline Se network on ZnO (ZnO-Se) can be obtained at 80 °C for 180 min. The as-prepared ZnO-Se showed promising results in inhibiting the challenged bacterial strains under light irradiation (visible light) as compared to free ZnO. The enhanced biocidal property of ZnO-Se could be ascribed to its improved light-harvesting ability for sustainable induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an active contact killing mechanism. Thus, ZnO-Se composite with a novel architecture could be a promising material in the treatment of bacterial infections by a mutual antibacterial synergy from the incorporated elements. Interestingly, the ZnO-Se has the ability to scavenge the overproduction of hydroxyl radicals, thus protecting the healthy cells from oxidative damage. Preparation of the ZnO and ZnO-Se composite and their antibacterial activity under visible light irradiation. [Display omitted] •Preparation of ZnO-Se based composite with a novel architecture.•Visible light harvesting characteristics of the designed composite.•Enhanced antibacterial activity under visible light irradiation.•Scavenging of overproduced hydroxyl radicals.