Antibacterial properties of bioengineered silver nanoparticles from Pastinaca sativa against Enterococcus faecalis...

Endodontic therapy often faces the challenge of complete infection eradication and preventing recurrence, with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) being the most significant cause of treatment failure. Using materials with antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties can increase the success rate of endodontic treatment. Therefore, this study investigated the properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Pastinaca sativa (P. sativa) root extract (Ag@PSR).

In this study, P. sativa root extract was used as both the reducing and stabilizing agent. Synthesis parameters (silver nitrate concentration, time, and temperature) were optimized using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Characterization analyses, including XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and TEM, were performed on the Ag@PSR nanoparticles. The antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidant properties of Ag@PSR nanoparticles were also investigated.

Optimal reaction conditions were determined to be a 15 mM silver nitrate concentration, a temperature of 85 °C, and a reaction time of 15 min for the synthesis of Ag@PSR nanoparticles. XRD analysis confirmed the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups from the extract within the Ag@PSR structure. Morphological and size analysis using FESEM and TEM images revealed the formation of spherical, uniform nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 15 to 40 nm. Antibacterial assays revealed that Ag@PSR exhibited an MIC of 500 µg/mL against E. faecalis. Similar inhibitory activity was also observed against other tested strains. Moreover, Ag@PSR reduced E. faecalis biofilm formation by 86.7%. These nanoparticles also scavenged 91% of DPPH radicals at a concentration of 500 µg/mL.

These results indicate the high potential of Ag@PSR nanoparticles as a multifaceted agent for treating oral infections and improving dental materials, especially in endodontics.