Zinc nanomaterials: Toxicological effects and veterinary applications

Abstract The worldwide biomedical applications of nanotechnology today enable the delivery of novel tools and devices for diagnosis and therapies of human and animal diseases. The synthesis of metal nanoparticles has gained significant interest, particularly for zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). There are several methods for ZnO NP synthesis: physical, chemical, and green biosynthesis using fungi, bacteria, and plant extracts. Green biosynthesis is safer and more environmentally friendly than other methods of synthesis. ZnO NPs have numerous uses, in gas sensors, cosmetics, diagnostics, and drug delivery, among many others. They have potential as antibacterials, antineoplastics, in mycotoxin degradation, ultraviolet scattering, tissue repair, food preservatives, and feed additives. It is suggested that these nanoparticles enhance cell membrane permeability, oxidative stress, cell growth inhibition, destruction of DNA and mitochondria, and finally cell death. Today, ZnO NPs can be used as an alternative to antibiotics and antioxidants in animal feed. Moreover, ZnO NPs can be applied in the food packaging industry as an antibacterial agent toward foodborne diseases.