The Biological Activity of ZnO Nanostructures Doped by Mg and Co

Pure, Mg-doped and Co-doped ZnO nanostructures were grown by atmospheric pressure metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The influence of magnesium and cobalt contained in ZnO on microstructure, cytotoxicity, and virucidal and antibacterial activities under non-irradiated conditions was investigated. The incorporation of Mg and Co impurities into the crystal lattice of ZnO nanostructures modifies their electronic structure, surface morphology, and the concentration of point defects, which have some influence on the biological activity of the prepared ZnO nanostructures. The addition of magnesium and cobalt to ZnO nanostructures did not inhibit the reproduction of type 2 adenovirus, but an increased virucidal action for Mg- and Co-doped ZnO nanostructures against influenza A (H1N1) virus (strain FM/1/47) was observed. The titer of influenza virus was reduced by 1.92 lg for Mg-doped ZnO nanostructures. At the same time, Co-doped ZnO nanostructures showed the best results: the titer reduction was 3.57 for ZnO-Co (10 wt%) and 3.14 lg for ZnO-Co (5 wt%), indicating their good virucidal action. All tested ZnO nanostructures exhibited toxicity towards E. coli cells.