The development of ZnO@Schiff base hybrid nanoparticles represents a promising strategy for the visible-light-driven photocatalytic inactivation of foodborne pathogens, offering a sustainable solution to food safety challenges. In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were functionalized with Schiff base ligands to engineer a novel hybrid nanostructure with enhanced light absorption, charge separation efficiency, and antibacterial activity under visible light irradiation. The incorporation of Schiff bases not only improved the surface chemistry of ZnO by increasing active sites and reducing electron-hole recombination but also imparted selective interactions with microbial membranes, amplifying the antimicrobial effect. Characterization techniques such as FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed successful hybridization and indicated a significant redshift in light absorption into the visible range. Photocatalytic tests against common foodborne pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes demonstrated over 95% inactivation within a short time frame under visible light, attributed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This nanohybrid approach not only enhances the photocatalytic potential of ZnO but also introduces a biocompatible, cost-effective route for ensuring microbial food safety, paving the way for its application in smart packaging and surface disinfection in the food industry.
