Applications of plasma synthesized ZnO, TiO2, and Zn/TiOx nanoparticles for making antimicrobial wound-healing viscose patches

In this study, an environment-friendly, energy-saving, and useful synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs), titanium oxide (TiO2) NPs, and mixed Zn/TiOx-NPs was achieved using underwater pulse discharge plasma. The obtained NPs were characterized by UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In the discharge cell, the viscose patch is impregnated with ZnO, TiO2, and mixed Zn/TiOx-NPs in a one-step process. The adhesive patch is effective against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus albicans, and Bacillus subtilis. The viscose patch containing 0.22% Zn/TiOx-NPs demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity. These antimicrobial patches can be used to treat and cover wounds susceptible to infection.