Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Ocimum Tenuiflorum and Ocimum Gratissimum Herbal Formulation Against Oral Pathogens

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-02, Vol.16 (2), p.e53562-e53562
• Main Authors: Varghese, Remmiya Mary, S, Aravind Kumar, Shanmugam, Rajeshkumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antimicrobial agents; Bacteria; Dentistry; Drug resistance; Ethics; Herbal medicine; Microorganisms; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Natural products; Nitrates; Oral Medicine; Other; Pathogens; Zinc oxides
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53562

Background This study deals with the antimicrobial efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) synthesized through green methods employing extracts from  and assessed for their antimicrobial properties against a range of oral pathogens. Methods Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using extracts from  and  through a green synthesis approach. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the agar-well diffusion assay to evaluate the consistency of inhibition zones against oral pathogens. Variations in sensitivity were assessed through the time-kill curve assay, quantifying the response of oral pathogens to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) exposure over time. Results The agar-well diffusion assay revealed uniform 9-mm zones of inhibition against all oral pathogens, signifying consistent antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). In the time-kill curve assay, Candida albicans exhibited the highest sensitivity, followed by  displayed lower sensitivity, suggesting potential selectivity. Discussion The observed variation in sensitivity implies the potential selectivity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) against specific oral pathogens, which may have significant implications for oral health applications. These findings underscore the versatility of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) as promising antimicrobial agents, particularly for oral health applications. Conclusion This study provides promising results for the antimicrobial potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) synthesized using . The consistent antimicrobial activity and variations in sensitivity among oral pathogens highlight their promising utility in oral health care.