ZnO has a wide range of applications in everyday life, including skincare products, anti-cancer agents, anti-fungal agents, and other health products. ZnO Applications is an inorganic compound derived from zinc oxide. It appears as a white powder but is insoluble in water.
When exposed to heat, ZnO changes color to lemon yellow. After cooling, it returns to its original color (white).
ZnO Applications and Benefits
ZnO has unique properties. How come? ZnO nanoparticles are non-toxic, and when stored in a container, they do not react with food, or have a bland taste or alter taste.
Because of these characteristics and properties, ZnO has a wide range of applications in everyday life. Here are some of them.
- Sunscreen
ZnO has the characteristic of absorbing UV light very well. Because of this ability, ZnO is used as an ingredient in sunscreen.
ZnO can also be used as a UV-protective material in textiles and packaging. This function is due to its ability to destroy harmful microorganisms.
Furthermore, ZnO also functions as a physical UV filter in sunscreen. Its ability to absorb UV rays is reflected by small mirrors.
- Antibacterial
ZnO applications have provided positive advancements in the food processing industry. This is due to ZnO’s antibacterial properties.
ZnO can combat food contamination and various types of pathogens found in food. For example, a mixture of ZnO and magnesium can reduce E. coli bacteria.
- Anticancer Therapy
In medicine, ZnO is useful as an anticancer agent. ZnO can produce cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Furthermore, it can induce oxidative stress, resulting in cancer cell death.
More interestingly, ZnO can repair and enhance DNA, thereby preventing the growth and apoptosis of cancer cells. ZnO can maintain the balance between cell death and cell survival. This function is due to its ability to control intracellular zinc moments.
- Antifungal
ZnO’s applications are not only in the beauty and medical fields, but also in the food and agriculture sectors. ZnO can fight plant pathogens, such as Alternaria saloni and Sclerotium.
Furthermore, ZnO has a concentration that can inhibit fungal visibility. Its ability to absorb light can kill yeast cells.
Although ZnO has many benefits, its use must comply with regulations. This is because of the potential risks if its use exceeds its limits.
For example, in medicine, ZnO can exhibit toxic effects on several cell lines and organs. This effect can occur due to its soluble nature. Because of this, ZnO applications must be used cautiously.
