| Summary: | Mixed oxide nanoparticles (MONs, TiO<sub>2</sub>−ZnO−MgO) obtained by the sol-gel method were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, (TEM, HRTEM, and SAED) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTGA−DTA). Furthermore, the effect of MONs on microbial growth (growth profiling curve, lethal and sublethal effect) of <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Salmonella paratyphi</i>, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>, as well as the toxicity against <i>Artemia salina</i> by the lethal concentration test (LC<sub>50</sub>) were evaluated. MONs exhibited a near-spherical in shape, polycrystalline structure and mean sizes from 17 to 23 nm. The thermal analysis revealed that the anatase phase of MONs is completed around 480−500 °C. The normal growth of all bacteria tested is affected by the MONs presence compared with the control group. MONs also exhibited a reduction on the plate count from 0.58 to 2.10 log CFU/mL with a sublethal cell injury from 17 to 98%. No significant toxicity within 24 h was observed on <i>A. salina</i>. A bacteriostatic effect of MONs on bacteria was evidenced, which was strongly influenced by the type of bacteria, as well as no toxic effects (LC<sub>50</sub> >1000 mg/L; TiO<sub>2</sub>−ZnO (5%)−MgO (5%)) on <i>A. salina</i> were detected. This study demonstrates the potential of MONs for industrial applications.
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