Antifungal properties of nanosized ZnS particles synthesised by sonochemical precipitation

Abstract

Zinc Sulphide (ZnS) nanoparticles, synthesised by sono-chemical route employing zinc chloride and sodium sulphide, displayed significant anti-fungal property against the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans (MTCC 227) at a minimum fungicidal concentration of 300 g/ml. The antifungal property of zinc sulphide particles is attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species due to the interaction of nanoparticles with water. Additionally, the presence of Zn and S in the zone of inhibition area and the absence of antifungal effects for large micron sized particles of ZnS suggests size induced effects leading to perturbation of fungi cell membranes resulting in growth inhibition.