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This study presents a comprehensive look into the potential therapeutic, antibacterial, and anticancer properties of a nanocomposite (NC) of gold (Au) and zinc oxide (ZnO). In this study, we analyzed the adherence between Au nanoparticles (NPs) and ZnO NPs. X-ray diffraction analysis showed high crystallinity and small crystallite sizes of Au NPs and ZnO NPs, while transmission electron microscopy showed spherical NPs. Furthermore, histogram analysis showed that the average particle size of Au NPs is 27 nm, while that of ZnO NPs is 35 nm. The adherence of ZnO NPs on the surface of Au NPs increased their combined particle size to 51 nm and revealed a high-population core-shell structure. The activity of Au/ZnO NCs against Escherichia coli was more potent when compared to that of elemental Au and ZnO NPs alone. The cytotoxic effects of Au NPs, ZnO NPs, and Au/ZnO NCs against human breast cancer cells (AMG13) and human esophageal adenocarcinoma cancer cells (SK-GT4) were investigated in this study. We found that AMG13 is more sensitive than SK-GT4 to the activity of Au/ZnO NCs. The cytotoxicity of Au/ZnO NCs against AMG13 was 89%, while that against SK-GT4 was 85%. Less cytotoxic effects were recorded against normal cells (MCF7) when compared with those of cancer cells. Based on these findings, the synthesized Au/ZnO NCs could be used as a promising strategy for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles of gold with zinc oxide (Au@ZnO NPs) were prepared by laser ablation and then capped with curcumin nanoparticles (Cur-Au@ZnO NPs). The synthesized NPs were characterized using different techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. In addition, the ability of NPs as a promising antibacterial agent was tested against Staphylococcus aureus through the agar well diffusion method and AO/EtBr staining assay. The results showed that the prepared nanoparticles (Cur-Au@ZnO) served as an antibacterial agent and can destroy the bacterial cells by losing the cell wall integrity and penetrating the cytoplasmic membrane. Moreover, the findings confirmed the role of the formed NPs in attenuation of the adherence and invasion of S. aureus to rat embryonic fibroblast (REF) cells. Furthermore, the activity of Cur-Au@ZnO NPs against the S. aureus α-hemolysin toxin was evaluated using the western blot technique, using human alveolar epithelial cells (A549), and through histopathology examination in a mouse model. In conclusion, the built Cur-Au@ZnO NPs can be used as a potential antibacterial agent and an inhibitor of α-hemolysin toxin secreted by S. aureus. These NPs may offer a new strategy in combating pathogen infections and in the future for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, prepared Au:ZnO core-shell nanoparticles (CSNPs) by pulse laser ablation in liquid (PLAL), and succeed to control of growth the ZnO NPs and play a role as a shell decorated on surface of Au NPs as a core. The structure, morphology and visual qualities were examined. The XRD result explained the phase of ZnO NPs was wurtzite structure, and for Au NPs as a cubic crystal. The morphology of structures illuminates the agglomerated and adherent ZnO NPs on Au NPs. TEM image is clearly show the spherical particles for Au NPs with mean size 12 ± 1 nm, and the mean size for ZnO NPs is 29 ± 2 nm, while, its clearly show increased for size of Au:ZnO CSNPs to 45 ± 2 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, synthesis and characterizing of Gold:Zinc Oxide (Au:ZnO) as a core:shell nanoparticles (CSNPs) has been prepared via Laser Ablation at various Laser Pulses Energy 400, 600, and 800 mJ with 200 strokes. Further confirmation of the production of Au:ZnO CSNPs by analyzing the structural and optical properties from aggregated Au:ZnO. CSNPs obtained via drop casting Au:ZnO CSNPs colloidal solutions into silicon wafers. Nanoparticles were identified via X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrum. It was found particle size increased with energy, and the shell of ZnO on the surface of gold nanoparticles is strongly affected on absorptions, while the absorption of Au:ZnO CSNPs decreased when the decorated surface of Au by ZnO corresponding to Au and ZnO as an individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]