Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial, Photocatalytic, and Food Packaging Applications
This community focuses on the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using plant-based methods and their application in killing bacteria, degrading organic pollutants, and enhancing the functionality of food packaging materials.
The research is dominated by the production of zinc oxide nanoparticles through green synthesis using leaf extracts, essential oils, and other plant-based reductants. A significant portion of the work evaluates the antibacterial and antimicrobial activity of these nanoparticles against various pathogens, including drug-resistant strains. Concurrently, the community investigates the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes, such as methylene blue, and other pollutants using visible-light-active zinc oxide structures. A distinct strand of research integrates these nanoparticles into biodegradable films and coatings made from chitosan, sodium alginate, and starch, specifically for use in food packaging to improve preservation, antioxidant properties, and freshness monitoring.
The largest share of the community's output is found in zinc research, accounting for 5.5% of all zinc research, and comprising 14,766 papers within this group. Magnesium and titanium research also contribute significantly, with shares of 0.7% and 0.4% respectively, reflecting the use of magnesium oxide and titanium dioxide in related nanocomposite studies.
The community comprises 22,101 papers, with the highest publication volume in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Inorganic Chemistry Communications, and Ceramics International.
Recent work continues to center on the antimicrobial mechanisms of zinc oxide nanoparticles against resistant bacteria and their integration into smart packaging technologies for food freshness monitoring and preservation.