BIOSYNTHESIS OF ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES BY ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI ASPERGILLUS NIGER AND THEIR POTENTIAL ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTS ON PROPIONIBACTERIUM ACNES

Abstract

Acne is a worldwide chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) majorly affecting teenagers and adults worldwide. P. acnes is a Gram positive, non-motile, non-sporulating and micro-aerophilic bacillus normally present on human skin. Elevated production of sebum by hyperactive sebaceous glands or blockage of the follicle can cause P. acnes to grow and multiply causing pimple or acne. The side effects of chemical substances in topical ointments and growing resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics has renewed a great interest in investigating bactericidal properties of potent nanoparticles and their nanocomposites as an alternative treatment method. Zinc has always been preferred to treat skin ailments in its various forms. Topical creams made up of Zinc sulfates and oxides have been used to treat acne but skin irritation posed a major setback. Since permeation increases at “nano” levels, Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have been used in sunscreens for their ability to block UV rays without leaving white residue when applied on the skin. The present study evaluated the efficacy of the antimicrobial activity of ZnONPs against acnecausing bacterium P. acnes. ZnONPs were produced by green synthesis utilizing the endophytic fungi, Aspergillus niger. Produced ZnONPs were characterized by UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, FTIR, EDAX and SEM for confirmation. The antibacterial effect against P. acnes was significant and if incorporated in sunscreens and other skin care products,ZnONPs can be a boon to cosmetic industry.