Ali Shakerimoghaddam - Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
Ezzat Ghaemi - Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
Ailar Jamalli - Laboratory Sciences Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran

Objective(s): This study aimed to investigate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-np) on biofilm formation and expression of the flu gene in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains. Materials and Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnO-np was determined by agar dilution method. The effect of MIC and sub-MIC concentrations of ZnO-np on biofilm formation were determined by microtiter plate assay. The expression level of the flu gene was assessed by Real-Time PCR assay. Results: MIC and sub-MIC ZnO-np concentrations reduced biofilm formation by ۵۰% and ۳۳.۴%, respectively. Sub-MIC ZnO-np concentration significantly reduced the flu gene expression in the UPEC isolates (P<۰.۰۰۰۱). Conclusion: The sub-MIC concentration of ZnO-np reduces biofilm formation and flu gene expression in UPEC isolates. It is suggested to use nanoparticles for coating medical devices to prevent bacterial colonization.

Biofilm, Urinary tract infection, Uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Zinc oxide nanoparticle