Anti-biofilm activity of coated zinc oxide nanoparticles in a water-in-oil formulation against Cutibacterium acnes.

Coated ZnO-NPs demonstrated antibacterial and biofilm-disrupting activities against Cutibacterium acnes in a high-viscosity, skincare-mimicking water-in-oil formulation. They reduced viable biofilm-embedded cell count by more than 100-fold compared to the control formulation. The sebum-exposed in vitro biofilm model provides a practical platform for evaluating anti-biofilm skincare products.