Neutrophil-inspired Zn and Zn@ZnO microparticles decorated with Cu nanoparticles self-release oxidized halogen antimicrobials

Abstract

Oxidized halogen antimicrobials, such as hypochlorous acid, have been widely used for microbial control, successfully eliminating waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and hepatitis A in developed countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these acids were used extensively for air and surface disinfection. However, they require repeated applications as they only offer one-time disinfection. To address this issue, we have developed Cu nanoparticles decorated Zn and Zn@ZnO (denoted as Zn@Cu and Zn@ZnO/Cu), mimicking the neutrophils NADPH oxidase (NOX) system. This novel system utilizes zinc metal to produce H₂O₂, and a catalytic copper shell to convert H₂O₂ and Cl⁻/Br⁻/I⁻ to hypohalous acid, which has good antimicrobial and antiviral properties along with enhanced durability. The addition of Zn@Cu onto painted surfaces shows good disinfection properties. The application of Zn@ZnO/Cu in diabetic wound healing yields superior outcomes to the conventional silver-based commercial products.