Zinc oxide Definition - Microbiology Key Term

Definition

Zinc oxide is a chemical compound often used as an antimicrobial agent. It is effective in inhibiting the growth of various microorganisms.

Zinc oxide works by disrupting the cell membrane of microorganisms, causing cell death.
It is commonly incorporated into ointments and creams to prevent bacterial infections.
Zinc oxide has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.
Its antimicrobial action makes it useful in medical applications such as wound dressings and diaper rash treatments.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles are increasingly studied for their enhanced antimicrobial efficacy.

Antimicrobial Agent: A substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial: An agent effective against a wide range of microbes including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Nanoparticles: Ultrafine particles between 1-100 nanometers in size with unique properties compared to their larger-scale counterparts.