Introduction: Dental caries is a widespread issue in today’s world. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are an extensively explored form of zinc-containing metal oxide nanoparticle. The aim of this study was to assess the anticariogenic activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Echinacea plant extract. Materials and methods: Echinacea plant extract was prepared and mixed with zinc oxide for zinc oxide nanoparticles formation, then centrifuged and placed in well cultured agar plates against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and incubated for 24 hours. The zones of inhibition were then calculated.Results and discussion: Against S. aureus, 25 μL showed 10 mm of zone of inhibition, 50 μL showed 12 mm of zone of inhibition, 100 μL showed 16 mm of zone of inhibition and 22 mm of zone of inhibition against antibiotic. Against S. mutans, 25 μL and 50 μL showed 9 mm of zone of inhibition, 100 μL showed 12 mm of zone of inhibition and 22 mm of zone of inhibition against antibiotic. Against E. faecalis, 25 μL showed 14 mm of zone of inhibition, 50 μL showed 16 mm of zone of inhibition, 100 μL showed 18 mm of zone of inhibition and 24 mm of zone of inhibition against the antibiotic. Against C. albicans, 25 μL and 50 μL showed 9 mm of zone of inhibition, 100 μL showed 14 mm of zone of inhibition and 12 mm of zone of inhibition against antibiotic. Conclusions: Echinacea plant extract mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles can be used against S. aureus, S. mutans, C. albicans and E. faecalis as anticariogenic agents.
Keywords:- anticariogenic
- Dental Caries
- nanoparticles
- nanotechnology