Effect of TiO-ZnO-MgO Mixed Oxide on Microbial Growth and Toxicity against .

Mixed oxide nanoparticles (MONs, TiO-ZnO-MgO) obtained by the sol-gel method were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, (TEM, HRTEM, and SAED) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTGA-DTA). Furthermore, the effect of MONs on microbial growth (growth profiling curve, lethal and sublethal effect) of , , and , as well as the toxicity against by the lethal concentration test (LC) were evaluated. MONs exhibited a near-spherical in shape, polycrystalline structure and mean sizes from 17 to 23 nm. The thermal analysis revealed that the anatase phase of MONs is completed around 480-500 °C. The normal growth of all bacteria tested is affected by the MONs presence compared with the control group. MONs also exhibited a reduction on the plate count from 0.58 to 2.10 log CFU/mL with a sublethal cell injury from 17 to 98%. No significant toxicity within 24 h was observed on . A bacteriostatic effect of MONs on bacteria was evidenced, which was strongly influenced by the type of bacteria, as well as no toxic effects (LC >1000 mg/L; TiO-ZnO (5%)-MgO (5%)) on were detected. This study demonstrates the potential of MONs for industrial applications.