I have synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles by the method of co-precipitation. But it is not showing any zone of inhibition for S.aureus and E.coli. What can be the possible reasons? I have tried conecnetrations from 0.1mg/ml to 100mg/ml.
Antimicrobial activity of the iron oxide nanoparticles is not very high and you could miss effect. Moreover, bulk iron oxide is not bactericide at all. Ultrafine particles can 1) directly damage the bacterial membrane 2) indirectly act via ROS as donor of iron ions and Fenton-like reactions. Thus, probably, you have big thoroughly purified particles and/or the conditions for their ionization are absent. Perhaps, you can solve your problem by the modification of nanoparticles by the organics, for increase of bacterial attraction (such as chitosan) as a variant.
Best regsrds
I agree with Dr Shcherbakov. Iron oxide may not be the best material if you want to develop a bactericidal agent. That said, if you want to test why your particles are not producing the desired effect, you may want to compare it with a well characterised product (commercial or reference) that has been shown to have inhibitory effect. Because you are based in India, you may want to get hold of IO particles from other centres working in this field. This reference may help you. Rafi, M. M. et al., Malaysian Polymer Journal, Vol. 10, No. 1, p 16-22, 2015 (from Tamil Nadu, South India). Hope that helps you.
just go for synergistic effect. use iron NPs along with some antibiotics like gentamycin. it will have dual effect since it will rupture cell membranes of bacteria and have have greater potency. clear zones will be appear soon
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