Achievement

Treatment of infectious diseases is of great importance because they impact public health on a large scale and the spread of infectious diseases leads to an unhealthy environment and increased mortality rates. Nanotechnology-based platforms are currently being developed to help fight infectious diseases. IGERT trainee Myisha Roberson has developed a novel antimicrobial composed of a hybrid silver/zinc oxide nanoparticles. Silver in the nanoparticulate form is known for its antibacterial property and nano-zinc oxide for its antifungal property. Thus by creating a composite or hybrid material with these components, a novel and effective antimicrobial can be developed. Preliminary studies show that these hybrid nanoparticles have excellent antimicrobial properties and have potential as an alternative to current therapies due to its enhanced antibacterial and antifungal properties.