Zinc oxide quantum dots as an alternative to conventional ZnO: Physicochemical characterization and its application in weaned piglets
Abstract
High-dose zinc oxide (ZnO) is effective in preventing diarrhea in piglets, but its use is limited by several concerns, including impaired intestinal barrier function, increased bacterial resistance, and the risks of heavy metal residues and environmental pollution. This study aimed to investigate whether zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs), a novel nanomaterial with diameters of less than 10 nm, could serve as an alternative to ZnO. In vitro, ZnO QDs were used to characterize the structure and evaluate antibacterial activity. In vivo, a total of 150 piglets (24 ± 1 d old, 7.45 ± 0.41 kg weight) were randomly divided into five groups: negative control group (CON), positive control group (ZnO; 1500 mg/kg Zn as ZnO), and 3 levels of ZnO QDs groups (250, 500, or 750 mg/kg Zn as ZnO QDs). Each group consisted of 10 replicates of 3 piglets for a 28-d trial. Results showed that ZnO QDs (size = 3.82 ± 0.38 nm, specific surface area = 17.65 m2/g) exhibited superior antibacterial activity in vitro due to their small size, large surface area, and high Zn release when compared to ZnO (size = 239.48 ± 78.02 nm, specific surface area = 0.91 m2/g). In vivo, the ZnO, ZnO QDs 250 and ZnO QDs 500 groups improved average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.003), while only the ZnO QDs 500 group decreased the feed to gain ratio (F/G; P = 0.038) compared with the CON group. Supplementation with ZnO QDs at 250 to 750 mg/kg also reduced diarrhea incidence in piglets (P < 0.05), with effects comparable to those…
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