Antimicrobial effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of apple with and without zinc oxide nanoparticles on Streptococcus Mutans
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Maryam Mehrabkhani1, Taraneh Movahhed2, Mohsen Arefnezhad3
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad. mehrabkhanim@mums.ac.ir.
Abstract:
This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of apple (Malus domestica Borkh. Vs.golab, with and without ZnO nanoparticles) on Streptococcus Mutans bacterium compared to 0.2% Chlorhexidine, Persica and suspension of ZnO nanoparticles. Study samples were examined in the groups of apple hydro-alcoholic extract with and without addition of ZnO nanoparticles, a positive control group (Chlorhexidine 0.2%, Persica and suspension of ZnO nanoparticles), and a negative control group (distilled water). In this experiment, a concentration of 500 PPM of ZnO nanoparticles with a diameter of 0.4 nm was used. Agar diffusion method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of apple hydro-alcoholic extract with and without adding ZnO nanoparticles. The concentrations used were 200, 100, 50 and 25 mg/ml. ANOVA statistical test was used to compare the average in the study groups. According to our results, hydro-alcoholic extract of apples alone had no effect on the target bacteria in any of the concentrations. In the group of apple hydro-alcoholic extract with ZnO nanoparticles, the mean inhibition zone was 13 mm at a concentration of 25 mg/ml. 0.2% Chlorhexidine, Persica and suspension of ZnO nanoparticles was observed with the mean inhibition zone of 20 mm, 16 mm and 15 mm, respectively. Hydro-alcoholic extract of apple with addition of ZnO nanoparticles in concentration of 25mg/ml, had growth inhibitory effect on Streptococcus Mutans, but it was not remarkably efficient in comparison with Chlorhexidine.
Insights
Apple extract combined with zinc oxide nanoparticles shows a mild inhibitory effect against Streptococcus Mutans. While not as potent as Chlorhexidine, this combination offers a potential natural alternative for dental applications.
Area of Science:
- Oral Microbiology
- Nanotechnology in Dentistry
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Streptococcus Mutans is a primary causative agent of dental caries.
- Exploring natural antimicrobials is crucial for developing safer oral hygiene products.
- Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) possess known antimicrobial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of apple (Malus domestica Borkh. Vs.golab) hydro-alcoholic extract, with and without ZnO NPs, against Streptococcus Mutans.
- To compare the antimicrobial activity of the apple extract/ZnO NP combination with standard agents like Chlorhexidine and Persica.
Main Methods:
- Agar diffusion method was employed to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC).
- Tested concentrations of apple extract ranged from 25 to 200 mg/ml.
- ZnO NPs (0.4 nm diameter, 500 PPM) were used in combination with the apple extract.
Main Results:
- Apple hydro-alcoholic extract alone exhibited no antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus Mutans.
- The combination of apple extract with ZnO NPs at 25 mg/ml showed a mean inhibition zone of 13 mm.
- Positive controls demonstrated higher inhibition zones: Chlorhexidine (20 mm), Persica (16 mm), and ZnO NPs suspension (15 mm).
Conclusions:
- The combination of apple hydro-alcoholic extract and ZnO nanoparticles demonstrates a growth inhibitory effect on Streptococcus Mutans.
- This combination shows potential, but its efficacy is less remarkable compared to 0.2% Chlorhexidine.
- Further research may optimize this natural-based antimicrobial approach for oral health applications.
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