Zinc phosphate nanoparticles as an antimicrobial agent and their impact on rats microbiota

Abstract

Nano minerals, especially trace minerals, are widely used in different fields, but mostly in animal systems. They can improve overall immunity and also a digestive efficacy in livestock. In this case, nanometals as nano mineral substances were synthetized, particular the zinc phosphate-based nanoparticles (ZnNPs). The antibacterial activity against three bacterial strains – E. coli, S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus was determined using different methods. After promising in vitro testing, the impact of these zinc nanoparticles on rats after oral exposure during 30 days of treatment was investigated. The antibacterial effects on rats gut microbiota were monitored, with the aim to reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria.