Unlocking the Potential of Nanostructured ZnO on PPC Membranes: High-Throughput Synthesis, Morphology Tailoring, and Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

The development of nanostructured ZnO (nano-ZnO) with tailored morphologies is critical for creating effective antibacterial materials. This study introduces a high-throughput platform for the in situ synthesis of PPC/nano-ZnO composites, enabling precise control over the morphology of nano-ZnO to optimize antibacterial performance. By leveraging electrospinning, heat treatment, and hydrothermal synthesis, we fabricated diverse nano-ZnO structures, including nanoparticles, nanorods, and nanoflowers, on PPC nanofiber membranes. The large experimental data set generated through high-throughput synthesis facilitated the creation of a phase diagram that correlates key synthetic parameters, such as Zn²⁺ concentration, heat treatment temperature, and hydrothermal conditions, with nano-ZnO morphology and antibacterial efficacy. Tailoring the morphology of nano-ZnO is essential for maximizing antibacterial activity, and our results demonstrate that nanorods exhibit the highest efficacy against <i><i>Escherichia coli</i></i> due to their enhanced surface area and physical penetration capabilities. Phase diagram analysis revealed that increased Zn precursor concentrations promoted the growth of rod- and flower-like structures, which were linked to superior antibacterial performance. The sample with the highest antibacterial efficacy showed a maximum inhibition zone of 17.88 mm. A mechanistic model suggests that the mechanical disruption of bacterial membranes by sharp nano-ZnO structures is a key contributor to antibacterial action. This work underscores the significance of morphology control in designing effective antibacterial nanomaterials and provides a systematic approach to optimizing their properties.