Antibacterial and bactericidal activity of nitric oxide-releasing natural zeolite

The zeolitic tuff from Gördes (Western Anatolia) was used as adsorbent for nitric oxide (NO) storage and release purposes. The NO loading of the zeolite was performed under 20 mL min− 1 NO flow at 30 °C and then the zeolite was purged with inert gas in order to remove the species that were reversibly adsorbed and in the gas phase (desorption). The total and reversible adsorption capacities of the zeolite were determined from the adsorption and desorption breakthrough curves, respectively. The NO-loaded zeolite exhibited antibacterial and bactericidal activities against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) under physiological conditions. From the NO release kinetics, the diffusion coefficient of NO in the zeolite particle was determined.

Research Highlights
► Nitric oxide was adsorbed reversibly and irreversibly by the zeolite.
► NO-loaded zeolite released irreversibly adsorbed NO when being contacted with water.
► Zeolite gained antibacterial and bactericidal activity after being loaded with NO.