Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
08:20
Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries
Published on: March 31, 2021
5.7K
A Nanophytomedicine Approach Including Tea Tree Essential Oil for Possible Dental Applications: In vitro and In
Yasemin Budama-Kilinc1,2, Nisanur Cakmakci3,4, Serda Kecel-Gunduz5
1Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemistry and Metallurgy, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, 34220, Türkiye.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
|April 30, 2026
Summary
Tea tree essential oil (TTO) encapsulated in polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles show potent antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. These TTO-PLGA nanoparticles are non-mutagenic and offer a promising solution for preventing dental caries.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Oral Microbiology
Background:
- Dental caries is a prevalent oral disease caused by pathogenic bacteria.
- Tea tree essential oil (TTO) possesses antimicrobial properties but lacks stability and targeted delivery.
- Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles offer a suitable platform for controlled release of active compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize TTO-PLGA nanoparticles (TTO-NPs) for enhanced oral antiseptic applications.
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of TTO-NPs against cariogenic bacteria.
- To assess the safety and release profile of TTO from PLGA nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- TTO-PLGA nanoparticles (TTO-NPs) synthesized via single emulsion technique.
- Characterization included particle size, PdI, zeta potential, FTIR, and TEM.
- In vitro release, DNA binding, Ames test, susceptibility assay, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics were performed.
Main Results:
- TTO-NPs exhibited optimal particle size (221.6 nm), PdI (0.103), and zeta potential (-5.22 mV).
- High encapsulation efficiency (59.25%) and loading capacity (25.65%) were achieved.
- Sustained TTO release observed over 72 hours; TTO-NPs demonstrated non-mutagenicity and potent antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria.
Conclusions:
- TTO-NPs are non-mutagenic and effectively inhibit oral pathogens like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei.
- The study confirmed interactions between terpinen-4-ol and bacterial enzymes.
- TTO-NPs present a promising, stable, and effective strategy for dental caries prevention.
