Antibacterial zinc oxide hybrid with gelatin coating

•Biocompatible gelatin was successfully grafted on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles and thus prevent the aggregation of ZnO.•The prepared ZnO@Gelatin showed low cytotoxicity and can be used as biocompatible antibacterial agent.•The surface coating method was universal, and can be used to conecct other amino contained polymer or peptide onto the surface of ZnO.

ZnO has been widely investigated as important biomaterials and antibacterial materials. However, the aggregation of nanoparticles and its potential toxicity may hinder its final application. Herein, biocompatible gelatin chains were grafted on the surface of ZnO via mussel inspired method to prevent the aggregation of the ZnO nanoparticles. The in vitro test showed that the gelatin can greatly improve the biocompatibility of ZnO, while the antibacterial properties of ZnO against both E. coli and S. aureus were maintained.