Biosynthesis of Cissus rotundifolia Stem-Mediated Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and Their Anticariogenic Activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus sp

Introduction: The green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles using plant extracts has emerged as an eco-friendly method. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) were synthesized using Cissus rotundifolia in this study. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were utilized in restorative medicine for enhanced medicinal properties and in dental composites for their antimicrobial activities. Cissus rotundifolia is recognized as a medicinal plant due to its diverse properties, including mild laxatives, anti-inflammatory, and hyperglycemic activities.

Materials and methods: The antimicrobial activity of the prepared nanoparticles against Lactobacillus Sp. and Streptococcus mutans was evaluated using agar well diffusion method. The bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity of the prepared TiO2NPs was examined using time-kill kinetic analysis.

Results: The prepared nanoparticles exhibited potential antimicrobial activity against Lactobacillus sp. (12 mm) at the highest concentration of 100 μg/mL. The prepared nanoparticles also exhibited excellent bactericidal activity against Lactobacillus Sp. and mild bacteriostatic activity against Staphylococcus mutans at the highest concentration of 100 μg/mL.

Conclusion: The synthesized TiO2NPs showed significant antimicrobial activity against dental pathogens. The observed anticariogenic activity shows the potential of nanoparticles for dental applications. Hence, the prepared nanoparticles can be used in the field of dentistry as an antimicrobial agent instead of synthetic drugs causing more side effects.