Effect of nanohydrogel-containing Ferula gummosa resin on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans

Integrating nanoparticles with herbal medicine can enhance drug efficacy and leverage natural antimicrobial properties, addressing concerns related to drug side effects and microbial resistance. Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, key oral pathogens responsible for dental caries and candidiasis, pose significant clinical challenges. This study investigated the potential of Ferula gummosa-based nanoparticles in combating the oral pathogens S. mutans and C. albicans.

In this in vitro study, F. gummosa essential oil was extracted and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A nanogel incorporating this oil was formulated with chitosan and tripolyphosphate (TPP). The physicochemical properties of the nanogel were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against S. mutans, and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against C. albicans were determined through microdilution assays.

The major constituents of F. gummosa essential oil were identified as γ-cadinene (20.44%), T-cadinol (12.03%), sabinene (10.23%), and β-pinene (9.77%). The nanogel demonstrated efficient oil encapsulation, with an average nanoparticle size of 128.89±24.08 nm and a PDI of 0.226. The zeta potential of the nanoparticles increased upon oil incorporation. The MIC against S. mutans was 19.02 μg/mL for the nanogel and 781.25 μg/mL for the oil, while the MIC against C. albicans was 2.37 μg/mL for the nanogel and 195.31 μg/mL for the oil. MBC and MFC assays confirmed the enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of the nanogel.

F. gummosa essential oil exhibited significant antibacterial and antifungal properties. Formulating the oil into a nanostructure significantly enhanced its efficacy against S. mutans and C. albicans, presenting a promising alternative antimicrobial strategy.