Advances in MgO Nanoparticle Synthesis: Pathways to Future Antimicrobial Applications

Abstract

Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles (NPs) have gathered significant attention in recent years due to their promising antimicrobial properties and potential applications in various fields. These nanoparticles exhibit unique physicochemical characteristics, including a high surface area-to-volume ratio and exceptional stability. These attributes enable MgO nanoparticles to interact effectively with microorganisms, making them potent agents against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. The antimicrobial activity of MgO nanoparticles is primarily attributed to their ability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon contact with moisture or biological fluids. These ROS, such as superoxide ions and hydroxyl radicals, inflict oxidative stress on microbial cells, leading to membrane damage, protein denaturation, and DNA disruption. Furthermore, MgO nanoparticles have shown low toxicity towards mammalian cells, making them attractive candidates for biomedical applications, including wound healing, drug delivery systems, and surface coatings for medical devices. The crystal size of MgO nanoparticles plays a crucial role in their antimicrobial properties, as smaller particles tend to exhibit enhanced antimicrobial activity due to their larger surface area, which facilitates greater interaction with microorganisms. Overall, MgO nanoparticles possess immense potential as antimicrobial agents, offering a novel approach against microbial infections. Based on the above, the present paper describes the development of a reproducible and cost-effective size-controlled synthesis route for nanoscale MgO as a function of crystal size. Nanoscale MgO was produced through the thermal decomposition of Mg-carbonate hydrate precursor (hydromagnesite) synthesized in aqueous phase and 80:20 ethanol:water mixture. The formation of the MgO phase, with an average crystallite size between 14.7 and 25.9 nm, was evidenced by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analyses. Thermogravimetric analyses were used to monitoring the weight loss percentage and the evolution from the precursor to the desired structure.