1 Introduction

The increase in the frequency of diseases caused by fungi is due to the easy and quick reproduction of these microorganisms. Their pathogenic activity causes various types of infections on the skin surface, in internal tissues and blood, and can also take the form of systemic mycosis. It is estimated that more than 1.5 million to over a billion people are killed by diseases caused by fungi [1]. Places where there is high humidity and elevated temperature constitute favourable environments for the development of these microorganisms. Such places include swimming pools, saunas, jacuzzis and other public places.

Aspergillus niger is a common fungus around the world. It is commonly called the Black mould and is a mould fungus considered to be one of the most toxic found in nature. Aspergillus niger has the ability to create fibres, so its structure resembles that of a plant and is distinguished by the dark brown colour of its spores [2, 3]. The rapid development of A. niger mycelia depends on temperature, environmental pH, water content and percentage relative humidity. The temperature for fungal growth ranges from 6 to 47 °C, but the most favourable temperature is 35–37 °C. Mildew develops best in a slightly acidic environment (pH around 6.0) with increased humidity [4, 5]. Aspergillus is toxic to the environment by interfering with the functioning of plants and animals. Toxins produced by Aspergillus cause damage to internal organs in animals. They attack the lungs, the liver, the circulatory system and, above all, the heart. The impact and reproduction of toxins in animals is a common cause of death [6, 7]. The harmful effect of the fungus on the human body is based mainly on its ability to produce toxic substances, pathogens and to cause allergic reactions. During breathing, the human body introduces fungal spores into the respiratory system. Allergies are caused by hyphae, conidia and mould spores formed by asexual reproduction of the fungus [8,9,10].

A number of serious human and animal diseases are also caused by Candida. Some Candida species may be strong pathogens that cause a number of diseases, including painful superficial infections such as vaginitis in healthy women, and severe oral and oesophageal infections in immunocompromised patients. Candida albicans is the most pathogenic fungus appearing in the human body, and the one most often causing superficial fungal infections. The C. albicans strain has 178 antigens, which explains the occurrence of immunological cross-reactions with antigens of various yeasts and moulds as well as antigens of human tissues [11, 12].

Treatment of fungal infections usually involves the use of a suitable pharmaceutical. Due to the huge scale of occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms, the best solution seems to be prevention of infections by direct control of microorganisms in the place of their occurrence. According to current trends in science and technology, the use of nanomaterials is an effective method of combating microorganisms. Nanocompositions are very popular due to their mechanical, optical, electrical and thermal properties, which are much better than those of traditional compositions. The improved properties are related to, among others, the increased interaction surface between the components of the composition and the specific properties of the nanocomponents [13, 14]. The biocidal properties of silver nanoparticles and nanometric zinc oxide, which result from damage to the bacterial cell membrane caused by these nanoparticles, have been widely described in the literature. This damage leads to a disruption of the electron transport chain and thus a metabolic disorder [15]. In addition, nanoparticles can accumulate within the bacterial cell membrane, causing an increase in its permeability and cell death [16]. As a result of oxidative stress, damages to lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and DNA may occur [17], lipid peroxidation being the most significant process in the disruption of cellular function [18].

Different fillers using in the functionalization of properties of various polymer matrixes are described in the literature. Rag Son et al. provided the studies on the combination of thermally reduced graphene with different types of polyesters such as poly (butylene terephthalate) and poly (tetramethylene ether) glycol. This filler improved the physicochemical properties of the obtained composites [19]. In order to enhance the thermal stability of poly (ortho-toluidine) Reddy et al. proposed the incorporation of either gold or palladium nanoparticles into its structure. Studies have shown that such composites become more crystalline and their electrical conductivity was two times higher than in the case of pure polymer [20]. Embedding of iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles into the structure of poly (aniline‐co‐aminonaphthalenesulfonic acid) gave similar results. The pure polymer is characterised by a much lower conductivity in comparison with modified composite [21]. An incorporation of silver nanoparticles in the poly (o-toluidine) matrix gave a hybrid organo-inorganic composite material. This resulted in increased electrical conductivity of the as-prepared product [22]. Lee et al. presented very interesting research results. The authors used graphite oxides existing on a various oxidation state as a filler in epoxy resin. Thanks to the presence of such nanoparticles it was possible to achieve an anti-flammable effect. The solid remnant char acts as a fire retardant. Thus it is highly desired that the distribution of graphite nanoparticles was homogenous in the whole resin matrix [23]. Khan et al. presented a new method for obtaining a composite of carbon nanotubes combined with poly (styrene). The process resulted in formation of nanostructured brush. Prior of combining carbon nanotubes were functionalized with oleic acid and (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane which allowed achieving cross-linking properties. It was confirmed that carbon nanotubes were well integrated with polymer matrix. Thanks to the fact that the prepared material was characterised by a high surface area it is expected that it may be applied in gases separation processes [24]. Another functionalizing processes were performed by Choi et al. [25] and Reddy et al. [26]. Both enhanced electrical conductivity and thermal resistance were achieved in an obtained material. It was possible due to the combination of waterborne polyurethane with functionalized graphene sheets [25].

The literature reports the antifungal activity of metal nanoparticles (silver, copper, gold) and metal oxides (titanium, zinc and magnesium oxides) probably resulting from the disruption of cell membrane continuity [27,28,29,30]. Exposure of fungi to nanoparticles reduces the level of antioxidative mechanisms and oxidative enzymes, and disturbs osmotic balance and cellular integrity [31]. Fungicidal effectiveness was confirmed in relation to, among others Cladosporium cladosporioides, A. niger, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Erythricium salmonicolor Raffaelea spp., and Candida spp. [32,33,34].

This paper presents the results of research on the antimicrobial effectiveness of compositions containing silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles. The assumption was that the prepared nanocompositions solidify when applied at the place of occurrence of microorganisms, which will allow the removal from the infected surface of the composition in the form of a film containing dead organic matter. Nanocompositions in the suspension form that are characterized with biocidal properties have been developed. The products have the ability to neutralize biofilm and remove dead biological material. Nanocompositions are dedicated to be used in facilities with increased temperature and humidity, such as recreational or sanitary-hygienic facilities. Their destination may also be infected surfaces in other utility objects. In particular, poly (vinyl alcohol) based nanocomposites were obtained. The biocidal properties of the produced materials were achieved by enriching their structure with metallic nanoparticles (nanoAg) or metal oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO). It is possible to apply the product in the suspension form on a microbiologically infected surface, so that after it solidifies, it can be removed along with dead biological material. PVA has many advantages over other polymers. After application in its liquid form, the PVA-based compositions are able to solidify very quickly. This feature is highly desired when considering the above mentioned application. PVA forms a materials that are characterized by a high biocompatibility. They are also safe for humans. What is more, it is possible to easily embed other crucial substances such as nanoparticles or some organic matter in its structure. Studies have shown that the PVA-based coatings adhere well to most types of surfaces which is also needed.

2 Materials and Methods

2.1 Materials

The following compounds were used in this study: poly (vinyl alcohol) (M = 72 kg/mol,  ≥ 99.0%), sucrose (≥ 99.5%), 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose (M = 90 kg/mol, p.p.a.), guar gum (p.p.a.), gelatine (p.p.a.), chitosan (M = 100–300 kg/mol, high purity), glycerol (d = 1.26 × 103 kg/m3, p.p.a.), casein (p.p.a.), zinc nitrate (≥ 99.9%), silver nitrate (≥ 99.0%), tannic acid (ACS reagent), sodium hydroxide (≥ 98.0%) and acetic acid (≥ 99.0%). All compounds were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich. The strains of A. niger and C. albicans used in the study were taken from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). The following compounds were used in the microbiological tests: pancreatic tryptone, sodium chloride (≥ 99.5%), Dey–Engley neutralising broth, Polysorbate 80 (ACS reagent), yeast extract, soy peptone and agar. All aqueous solutions were prepared using deionised water (Polwater, 0.18 µS).

2.2 Methods

2.2.1 Preparation of PVA-Based Compositions

Compositions with either silver (A) or zinc oxide (B) nanoparticles were prepared. The compositions are shown in Table 1. Forty grams of product was obtained with each process.

Table 1 Components of the PVA-based compositions
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The processes were conducted in a water bath at 80 °C. All ingredients were dissolved in water with the exceptions of chitosan, which was dissolved 1.5% of acetic acid and casein, which was dissolved in 3 mol/L aqueous sodium hydroxide. Glycerol was added in pure form. The solutions of the components, glycerol and zinc oxide powder were added into the basic aqueous PVA solution. The order of introduction was according to those shown in Table 1. The reaction mixture was mixed constantly by mechanical stirrer (1000 rpm). After introducing the last ingredient, the composition was mixed for further 10 min in the case of products containing nanosilver and 30 min for compositions containing zinc oxide nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles were obtained in situ during the formation of the product. Tannic acid was used to both reduce the silver ions and to stabilise the nanoparticles formed. Aqueous sodium hydroxide was applied to dissolve casein; as a result, it was not necessary to introduce additional activating factors because sodium hydroxide also played the role of activating the tannic acid used as a reducing agent. Additional steric stabilisation was achieved by applying gelatine, guar gum and hydroxyethyl cellulose. In particular, aqueous silver nitrate solution at a concentration of 0.3708 mol/L and aqueous tannic acid solution at a concentration of 0.1855 mol/L were prepared. In the process of PVA-based composition formation, equal amounts of both solutions were taken (0.2 mL). Thus, the molar ratio of tannic acid to silver ions was equal to 0.5:1.0.

In the case of Composition B, the zinc oxide nanoparticle powder was prepared according to previously described methods [35, 36]. Initially, zinc oxide nanoparticles were obtained in a separate process. The nanoparticles were formed in a two-step process. In the first step, zinc hydroxide was precipitated by reaction of zinc nitrate with sodium hydroxide. Aqueous solutions of zinc nitrate at a concentration of 0.2 mol/L and sodium hydroxide at a concentration of 0.4 mol/L were prepared. Then 160 mL of zinc nitrate solution and 40 mL of sodium hydroxide solution were mixed in a Parr 4525 pressure reactor to obtain zinc hydroxide. The process of dehydration of zinc hydroxide to zinc oxide was carried out for 30 min at the temperature of 180 °C. After the end of the process, the obtained nanometric zinc oxide was filtered under reduced pressure on Sartorius Stedim nitrate-cellulose filters with a pore diameter of 0.45 µm. The solid was washed several times with deionized water to rinse out the nitrate and sodium ions, and after the filtration was completed, the product was left to dry at 110 °C, and then triturated in an agate mortar. As obtained powder of zinc oxide nanoparticles was taken to the process of PVA-based nanocomposition formation. The concentrations and amounts of the introduced solutions were chosen so that the final concentrations of the individual ingredients were equal to the values shown in Table 1.

In the obtained compositions, pH, density, size of nanosilver particles and their electrokinetic potential were determined. The pH was measured with using an Elmetron pH electrode, density by means of weighing methods, and the size of nanosilver particles by dynamic light scattering (DLS) (Zetasizer Nano, Malvern). Identification of silver nanoparticles in the obtained compositions was carried out using the UV–Vis method (UV 1800, Rayleigh). The DLS method also served to assess the electrokinetic potential, which defines the stability of the particles. The presence of both silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles in the solidified compositions, as well as their distributions, were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX; 1430 VP microscope, LEO Electron Microscopy). The solid compositions were also examined by FT-IR (Nicolet 380 spectrophotometer, Thermo Fisher). The crystal structure of the solidified composition containing zinc oxide nanoparticles was determined by X-ray diffractometry (XRD; X’Pert PW 1752/00, Philips).

2.2.2 Analysis of Antimicrobial Properties

The antimicrobial properties of both products were assessed according to the Polish Standard PN-EN 1650 [37].

Tested suspensions of C. albicans and A. niger strains were used in the studies. The activity of composition with silver nanoparticles was assessed against A. niger and the composition with zinc oxide nanoparticles was tested as an agent against C. albicans. In order to prepare the starting test suspension of C. albicans, a pinch of initial cultivation of microorganisms was suspended in a mixture of 90 mL of autoclaved water and 10 mL of diluting agent. The starting tested suspension of A. niger was prepared by introducing a pinch of initial cultivation of microorganisms into a mixture consisted of 90 mL of autoclaved water and 10 mL of autoclaved Polysorbate 80 solution at a concentration of 0.05% (w/v). The starting tested suspensions were shaken for 3 min. After this time, the concentration of microorganisms was measured using a Fuchs-Rosenthal chamber by microscopy. When using an autoclaved diluting agent, the tested suspensions of microorganisms were so dilute that the final concentrations in the suspensions were in the range (1.5 – 5.0) × 107 cfu/mL. One litre of diluting agent consisted of 1.0 g of pancreatic tryptone, 8.5 g of sodium chloride and autoclaved water.

Both compositions were diluted with deionised water so that the final concentration of silver nanoparticles were 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 ppm and 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% in the case of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Dey–Engley neutralising agent was also prepared by dissolving 39 g of Dey–Engley compound in 1000 mL of water and then autoclaving.

The next step of the procedure was to put 8 mL of testing material (PVA-based composition at different nanoparticle concentrations), 1 mL of autoclaved water and 1 mL of test suspension of microorganisms (A. niger or C. albicans) into autoclaved tubes. The tubes were shaken for a specific time: 5, 15, 30 or 60 min. After this specific time, 1 mL of analysed suspension was taken and introduced into the previously prepared tube with neutralising agent (8 mL) and autoclaved water (1 mL). The tubes were shaken vigorously. The neutralisation processes took 5 min. After this time, 1 mL of suspension was placed onto a Petri dish previously prepared with solid medium. In both microorganism strains, the growth medium consisted of pepton (8.0 g), yeast extract (4.0 g), sucrose (8.0 g), agar (8.0 g) and water (up to 400 mL). The dishes were incubated in 30 °C for 24, 48 and 72 h. After this time the cultivations were evaluated and the share of growth area assessed. Pure water was used as the test agent in the reference sample.

3 Results and Discussion

3.1 PVA-Based Compositions

Solidified PVA-based compositions with silver (A) and zinc oxide (B) nanoparticles are shown in Fig. 1. The brown colour of the nanosilver composition was visual proof of the presence of Ag nanoparticles. The intensity of the colour was consistent with a silver concentration of 200 ppm. The presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles was indicated by the white colour of the composition.

Fig. 1
figure 1

PVA-based compositions with silver (a) and zinc oxide (b) nanoparticles

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The pH values of the obtained compositions were 6.1  ±  0.2 (for composition with nanoAg) and 7.0  ±  0.1 (for composition with nanoZnO). The density of the composition is a crucial factor in the context of its application to a microbiologically contaminated surface. The composition with silver nanoparticles had a density of 1.27  ±  0.05 g/mL. Due to the fact that the second product contained zinc oxide, its density was greater, at 1.67  ±  0.17 g/mL.

Figure 2 shows the UV–Vis spectra of the silver nanoparticle composition. The peak with maximum absorbance at λ = 460 nm corresponds to the plasmon resonance of nanosilver [38, 39]. The proposed mechanism of formation of silver nanoparticles is presented in Fig. 3. In alkaline environment phenolic form of tannic acid is transformed into quinone form. In this process free electrons are released. When contacting with silver ions they reduce them into zero oxidation state. Thus formation of metallic silver starts occurring. Both tannic acid and the rest of organic matter which is present in the reaction system play the role of the stabilizing agents. By adsorbing on the nanosilver surface they inhibit their further agglomeration.

Fig. 2
figure 2

UV–Vis UV–vis spectra of nanoAg composition (50 ppm)

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Fig. 3
figure 3

Schematic mechanism of silver nanoparticles formation

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The size of silver nanoparticles was determined by DLS. Prior to analysis, the silver nanoparticle composition was diluted with water to 50 ppm. It was found that 55.3% of particles had a size of 259 nm and the mean size of the rest was 26 nm. The electrokinetic potential ξ determines the stability of the nanoparticles. It is assumed that if the absolute value of the electrokinetic potential is greater than 20 mV then the tested system is stable. The electrokinetic potential of the composition containing silver nanoparticles was 19.2  ±  0.1 mV; therefore, the tested product exhibited moderate stability.

Figure 4 presents the diffractogram of the solid composition with zinc oxide nanoparticles (5%), from which the presence of zinc oxide may be identified. The presence of 2θ reflections at 31.6°, 34.4°, 36.1°, 47.6° and 56.6° are characteristic for zinc oxide [40,41,42], while 2θ peaks at 19.5° and 40° correspond to the semi-crystalline and amorphous phases of PVA [43]. Their intensity, especially at around a 2θ angle of 20° may be enhanced by other organic matter [44,45,46,47,48,49]. The mechanism of zinc oxide nanoparticles formation is provided in Eqs. 1 and 2. In the first stage of the process zinc hydroxide is precipitated. The reaction mixture has been put into the high pressure reactor in which the dehydration process occurred. Thanks to the applying of high temperature and high pressure it was possible to obtain stable nanometric particles.

$$Zn(NO)_{3} + 2NaOH \to Zn(OH)_{2} \downarrow + 2NaNO_{3}$$
(1)
$$Zn(OH)_{2} \mathop{\longrightarrow}\limits^{\Delta }ZnO + H_{2} O$$
(2)
Fig. 4
figure 4

XRD diffractogram of PVA-based coating with zinc oxide nanoparticles

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The FTIR spectra of both products are presented in Fig. 5. The specific wavenumbers at which characteristic absorption bands occur are provided in Table 2. It may be observed that both spectra overlap, which is the proof of matrix similarity. The identified groups are characteristic of the applied organic material. The spectrum of Composition B contains an additional peak at 473 cm–1, which confirms the presence of zinc oxide in the product [50].

Fig. 5
figure 5

FTIR spectra of obtained compositions

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Table 2 Identification of functional groups in FTIR spectra [44, 50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58]
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Figure 6 presents the results of SEM-EDX studies. The presence of silver and zinc in Compositions A and B, respectively, was confirmed. The EDX spectra contain peaks characteristic of both elements. Elemental analysis also confirmed the organic matter content. The peak at approx. 1.5 keV indicates the presence of aluminum. This element originates from the apparatus background. One may observe that both silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles were well dispersed in the analysed structures. The agglomeration of nanoparticles visible in the SEM microphotography of Composition A are due to insufficient mixing of the liquid composition prior to its solidification.

Fig. 6
figure 6

SEM, mapping and EDX spectra of obtained compositions (a – Composition a, b – Composition b)

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3.2 Antimicrobial Properties

The results of analysis of antimicrobial properties of both compositions are presented in Figs. 7 and 8. The activities of the composition with silver nanoparticles against A. niger (Fig. 6a) and the composition with zinc oxide nanoparticles against C. albicans (Fig. 6b) were monitored after 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. The growth area measured for reference sample was always treated as 100%.

Fig. 7
figure 7

Antimicrobial properties of compositions with a silver nanoparticles against Aspergillus niger strain and b zinc oxide nanoparticles against Candida albicans after 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation

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Fig. 8
figure 8

Average growth area shares for compositions with silver nanoparticles (a) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (b)

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The antifungal activity of the composition with nanosilver was manifest in that an increase in its contact time with A. niger resulted in weaker development of the tested strain. The highest inhibition rate was observed in up to 30 min of contact. The difference in inhibition rate between 30 and 60 min was less significant. This fact results from the polynomial character of the curves. From a technical point of view, this result is appropriate in the context of the solidification properties of the composition. This time (30 min) is long enough to solidify the liquid product. After its solidification the composition may easily be detached along with the microbiological film. One may observe that a higher concentration of silver nanoparticles in the composition resulted in a reduction in growth of A. niger. This observation is in line with predictions. After 24 h of incubation the activity of Composition A with silver nanoparticles at a concentration of 12.5 ppm was the lowest. However, after 60 min of contact, compared to the reference sample, the reduction rate was lower by almost 46% (the growth area share was equal to 54.2%). The activities of the other compositions with higher concentrations of nanosilver were similar and showed much higher activity than that of the composition with silver at a concentration of 12.5 ppm. After a longer time of incubation, one may observe a greater difference in the antifungal activity of the nanosilver compositions. This is due to the fact that the fastest development of A. niger occurs after 24 h if incubation. After 48 h of incubation the lowest growth area share (18%) was observed with 60 min contact with A. niger of the 200 ppm nanosilver composition. The 5 min contact resulted in the dishes being covered with the fungi cultures, which means that this contact time was not enough for significant destruction of the test strain, even with higher concentrations of the active agent. The most reliable results were observed after 72 h of incubation. Compared to the reference, the other samples exhibited enhanced inhibition of the development of A. niger. The most significant differences were visible after 30- and 60 min contact times. The best results were achieved when composition with a silver concentration of 200 ppm was applied. Despite the progressive growth of the colony, compared to the reference sample (100%), the inhibition rates after 60 min contact were higher by 48% and 71% when applying 100 ppm and 200 ppm, respectively. Considering all contact times, the average growth area shares are shown in Fig. 7. It is clearly seen that applying the composition containing both types of nanoparticle resulted in reductions in the development zones. Higher concentrations of active agent led to decreased colony growth. Compared to the reference, the composition with nanosilver at a concentration of 200 ppm was more effective by almost 58%.

The weaker development of C. albicans was also observed in contact with the zinc oxide composition for longer times. After 48 and 72 h of incubation the inhibition rate was rather constant at each contact time. This is shown by the less polynomial character of the curves. Considering Fig. 7a, which presents results obtained after 24 h of incubation, one may conclude that the activity of compositions with zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibited excellent antifungal properties. However, the obtained results are misleading. This is due to the full growth of the strain not being initiated. The reference dishes were indeed covered, but the plates were not representative. Only after 48 h and 72 h of contact was it possible to assess honestly the antifungal properties of the zinc oxide compositions. Similarly, a higher concentration of zinc oxide resulted in in better antimicrobial activity. The highest destruction activity was achieved by zinc oxide compositions at concentrations of 4% and 5%, which could be observed even after 15 min. The slight increase in the growth area share observed after 72 h of incubation was due to the fact that the development of the colonies were of a progressive nature. Nevertheless, almost complete inhibition of the growth of C. albicans was maintained. The composition with 1% zinc oxide content was not able to inhibit efficiently the development of C. albicans. Zinc oxide at a concentration of 2% was better than the reference product by almost 58% after 60 min of contact with the test strain. Compared to the reference, the compositions containing zinc oxide nanoparticles at concentrations of 4% and 5% ppm were more effective by 81.3% and 93%, respectively. In general, an increased concentration of zinc oxide resulted in more varied antifungal activity.

The antifungal properties of silver nanoparticles have been assessed by other researchers. Their activity against A. niger was evaluated in studies by Essa and Khallaf [59]. The authors examined methods for preventing the microbial contamination of archaeological stones. Nanosilver was incorporated in the structure of sandstone and limestone blocks by mixing it with consolidation polymers. Thanks to that, the development of A. niger was rapidly inhibited; 93.8% of A. niger was inhibited by a suspension of silver nanoparticles at a concentration of 40 ppm. The minimum concentration necessary to inhibit the growth completely was 60 ppm.

In the studies by Naghsh et al. [60] the activity of nanosilver against A. niger was assessed. The authors tested various concentrations of silver, i.e., 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ppm. The concentration that efficiently inhibited the growth of the strain was 150 ppm, measured by disc diffusion tests. The authors suggest that the inhibition mechanism of nanosilver may be explained by production of free radicals. Due to their formation, the strain is given to oxidative stress which results in programmed cell death.

Studies have shown that the effectiveness of antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles is dependent on different factors. The group of the most important ones includes among others the shape and size of nanoparticles. It was confirmed that both spherical and triangular particles whose size does not exceed 30 nm destroy the microorganisms in a most effective way [61,62,63,64,65,66]. Larger particles are not able to effectively penetrate into the cell of bacteria or fungi. What is more, the bacterial strain and cell wall structure play a huge role in the determination of nanoparticles activity [67]. The proper functioning of the respiratory chain in Gram positive bacteria cell wall is conditioned by the presence of peptidoglycans which are located on the cells surface. After contacting with metallic nanoparticles, peptidoglycans lose their properties which are responsible for oxygen respiration which result in death of the microorganism [68]. Hosseini et al. [69] studied the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on C. albicans. The average size of the nanoZnO particles was 30 nm, incorporated onto a catheter surface. The formation of the biofilm on the catheters was evaluated. The nanoparticles exhibited very a strong effect in destroying C. albicans, which is a fluconazole-resistant strain. Zinc oxide at a concentration of 50 ppm was able to inhibit formation of biofilm in 100% fluconazole-resistant isolates.

Talal and Abbas performed in vitro studies on properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles against C. albicans isolated from human saliva [70]. The tests were conducted by a disc diffusion method. All tested concentrations of the active agent (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 mg/mL) were strong enough to destroy the strain to various degrees. Also, some other novel materials have been developed in order to ensure the antimicrobial effect [71, 72]. The application of hybrids of metal oxide nanoparticles gives good antimicrobial effect. Besides that, such products may also be used in the field of photocatalysis and some bomedical applications. In the group of valuable metal oxide nanoparticles one may distinguish TiO2, NiO, ZnO, ZrO2, WO3, CuO and iron oxide nanoparticles [73]. The matrix for that oxides may differ. Three basic matrixes matter most. These are ceramic, metallic and polymeric matrixes [74]. Misra et al. synthesized a series of pyrimidine (8, 14, 18 and 23) embellished analogues of 1, 5-benzodiazepines. The antibacterial properties of the products were assessed against both Gram positibe and Gram negative bacteria. It was found out obtained products damaged the inerternal structure of bacteria cells which made them not able to stay alive anymore [75]. Also, maleic anhydride may be the base for formation polymers that exhibit antimicrobial properties. These are copolymers/terpolymers, polymaliamides/maleimides, polymaleats/polyhemiesters and macromolecule with quaternary ammonium groups. Beside antimicrobial effect, they have a great potential to be used in coating systems, water purification systems, drug targeting systems and many others [76].

4 Conclusions

It was possible to obtain stable liquid PVA-based compositions with the addition of either silver or zinc oxide nanoparticles. Nanosilver was formed in situ during the formation of the composition, and the composition showed inhibitory properties in the development of Aspergillus niger. The composition containing zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibited destructive activity against Candida albicans. Biocidal effectiveness was determined by the content of nanoparticles in the compositions and the time of contact of the microorganism with the composition. Thanks to the use of PVA and other dense and viscous agents, it was possible to apply the liquid form of the compositions easily onto microbiologically contaminated surfaces. After solidification, the composition in coating form may be detached along with the microbial film.