Assessment of antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of zinc ferrite nanoparticles against Klebsiella pneumoniae

In response to the emergence of drug resistance and limited therapeutic options, researchers are in action to look for more effective and sustainable antimicrobial practices. Over few years, novel nanoparticles are proving to be potent and promising for effectively dealing with ever- evolving microbial pathogens and diseases. In the present investigation, antibacterial and anti-biofilm efficiencies of zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe 2 O 4 NPs) are explored against opportunistic pathogens Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) . Results of the present study demonstrate that the ZnFe 2 O 4 NPs endow an excellent antibacterial efficiency with a maximum zone of inhibition i.e.16 mm. The reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced bacterial damage is caused by the ZnFe 2 O 4 NPs. Subsequently, intracellular cytoplasmic leakage of sugar and protein confirms their ability to disturb the membrane integrity of bacteria. This study also demonstrates the prominent efficiency of ZnFe 2 O 4 NPs in an anti-biofilm study by inhibiting biofilm formation up to 81.76% and reducing mature biofilm up to 56.22% at 75 μg/mL the minimum inhibitory concentration value. Therapeutic possibilities of the ZnFe 2 O 4 NPs in antimicrobial applications are discussed which are helpful to overcome the challenges associated with biofilm infectivity.