Surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with organosilane capping agents represents an effective strategy to control their physicochemical and biological properties. In a multidisciplinary study recently published in the journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Jorge H. Leitão and Jeremias Muazeia from IBB contributed with the characterization of the antimicrobial activities of the newly described halogenosilane-surface functionalized ZnO nanoparticles. The study supports the concept that rational surface engineering of ZnO-based nanoplatforms can be exploited to favor tumor-targeted activity over broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects, providing new perspectives for the design of application-oriented nanomaterials. See more.