Poster: Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of tin oxide nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method

The unique physical, chemical, and biological properties of nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered global interest, positioning them as promising agents in various applications. Tin oxide (SnO₂) nanoparticles exhibit notable optical, electrochemical, and catalytic characteristics, making them valuable across biomedical, pharmaceutical, food preservation, and environmental fields. Recent studies highlight their potential as antimicrobial agents, effectively inhibiting microbial growth. This study explores the antibacterial activity of SnO₂ nanoparticles, synthesized via the cost-effective Sol-Gel method, and evaluates how nanoparticle size—controlled through synthesis conditions—impacts antimicrobial efficacy.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between nanoparticle size and antibacterial efficacy, SnO₂ NPs were synthesized using the Sol-Gel method at two calcination temperatures, 500°C and 600°C, to produce different particle sizes. Lower temperatures resulted in smaller particles, whereas higher temperatures yielded larger particles. To assess antibacterial activity, we tested Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis strains. The bacterial viability was assessed by quantifying resorufin 24 hours after exposure to tin oxide.

Preliminary findings, indicate that smaller SnO₂ nanoparticles exhibit enhanced antibacterial efficacy, suggesting that reduced particle size improves interactions with microbial cells. This insight supports the potential application of SnO₂ nanoparticles as effective antimicrobial agents across multiple fields.