# Antimicrobial mechanisms of action zinc oxide nanoparticles

> **NIH NIH K08** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2020 · $194,400

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY:
Despite a decade of engineering advancements and clinical process improvements, 1 million healthcare-
associated infections in the U.S. can be attributed to indwelling medical devices annually. Zinc oxide
nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are one of the most promising emerging antimicrobials with potential to combat
device related infection. ZnO-NPs are inexpensive, stable, and easy to prepare with broad antimicrobial
spectrum and wide therapeutic window. However, the antimicrobial mechanism of action of ZnO-NPs remains
elusive. This proposal is specifically motivated to better understand the mechanism of action of ZnO-NPs.
Such understanding is necessary to guide the design of device coatings that preserve antibacterial function in
vivo. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation or membrane disruption are hypothesized mechanisms of
action. However the literature is inconsistent and our preliminary data suggests that these NP effects are not
sufficient. We recently demonstrated that ZnO-NPs have shape-dependent, biomimetic, reversible, enzyme
inhibition properties. The central research question for this career development grant is: To what extent does
ZnO-NP behavior as an enzyme inhibitor contribute to antimicrobial activity?
I have multidisciplinary training in medicine, engineering, and molecular biology that is well-suited to address
this question. My ultimate career goal is to become a clinician-scientist. I plan to have a clinical interest in
sepsis as it relates to indwelling medical devices and an independently funded research program focused on
the development of novel biomaterials to resist microbial contamination and infection. This proposal was
developed to solidify my expertise, formalize my research niche, and garner the resources for the next phase
of career development. My specific career development objectives for the next four years are to:
1. Solidify my expertise in microbiology (including biofilm microbiology), microbial-surface interaction,
 nanoparticle technology, and translational research.
2. Master techniques in evaluating mechanisms of action of antimicrobial and anti-biofilm materials.
3. Generate sufficient preliminary data and publication record to obtain independent research funding.
4. Secure my niche as an expert in bacterial-nanomaterial interactions.
5. Obtain secondary appointment in the College of Engineering so that I can work with and mentor
 graduate students in their research and career development.
I have assembled a mentorship team of experts co-localized at the University of Michigan North Campus
Research Complex with experience in clinical medicine, microbiology, material science and engineering, and
product development/commercialization. Together we have devised a highly-individualized, project-oriented
training plan that includes regular mentorship meetings, formal didactic education, career development
workshops, and presentation at local and national conferences.
Partnered with this career d...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9918245
- **Project number:** 5K08AI128006-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** J SCOTT VANEPPS
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $194,400
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-05-23 → 2021-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9918245

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9918245, Antimicrobial mechanisms of action zinc oxide nanoparticles (5K08AI128006-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9918245. Licensed CC0.

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