| Summary: | A novel, three-dimensional filter based on corn stalk (CS) was prepared by in-suit growing ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) for potential water sterilization. The hierarchical mesostructure consisting of vessels and parenchymas facilitated the diffusion of Zn2+ and immobilization of ZnO NPs. The different zinc sources influenced various morphology and chemical characteristics of ZnO loaded in CS, leading to a variety of antibacterial activities. The nanocomposites from Zn(NO3)2, exhibited high rates for killing both Escherichia coli (>99.2%) and Staphylococcus aureus (>95.4%) through the short-time filtration. The antimicrobial mechanism of CS/ZnO was owed to interception of the bacteria by a porous architecture of CS. Thus, it enhanced the bactericidal efficiency of nano ZnO through physical friction, chemical reactions with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and penetration of zinc-hydrated ions. Consequently, deformation of the cell membranes, leakage or damage of intercellular components caused the death of bacteria.
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