As can be seen from the experimental data, with the agents used at different concentrations, the inhibitory halos’ size ranged from 5.0 to 7.4 mm. The highest growth inhibition means were observed at doses of 20 μl. The greatest variability in the size of halos was observed with Ag-NPs synthesized with
Abstract
The porpoise of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) versus chlorhexidine (CHX) against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei. Three different reducing agents were used for the synthesis and characterization of Ag-NPs: sodium borohydride (NaBH4), a chemical method, and Heterotheca inuloides (Hi) and Camellia sinensis (Cs), two eco-friendly methods. The synthesized substance was deposited on deciduous teeth. Its behavior in dental tissues was evaluated through an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The characterization of Ag-NPs in terms of shape, size, and polydispersity was performed through spectrophotometry of ultraviolet-visible light analysis (UV-vis), as well as by transmission electron microscopy. Isolation and culture of strains S. mutans and L. casei were done to perform the microbiological analysis.
Keywords
- silver nanoparticles
- chlorhexidine
- Streptococcus mutans
- lactobacillus casei
- eco-friendly chemistry
1. Introduction
While
Therefore, we consider it important to find substances with a potent antibacterial effect but with a minor impact on human health and the environment [12].
In recent years, nanotechnology has become an important discipline in the field of biology [13]. A considerable achievement is the ability to form atoms and molecules to further form new structures (
Due to the aforementioned reasons, the interest in the study and synthesis of nanoparticles has grown recently. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) are broad spectrum microbicide agents widely used in health sciences [23]; they are nanostructured materials based on silver salts. Silver is currently being used to inhibit bacterial growth in a variety of applications, including dentistry [17, 24]. Efforts have been made to explore the properties of Ag-NPs, as an efficient way to provide stability and improve antibacterial effect is the reduction in size [25, 26]. It is known that Ag-NPs exert an antimicrobial effect on Gram+ and Gram− producing lysis in peptides of the membrane of microorganisms [27].
“Eco-friendly” chemistry seeks to reduce waste, and eliminate pollution and environmental damage; it promotes the creation of products that are environmentally and economically sustainable [12]. Different forms of syntheses have been sought, in which natural and renewable reducing agents are used during the chemical processes. The principles of green chemistry are oriented to the search for new ways of synthesizing substances, not only minimizing the costs but also the damage to human health and reducing environmental pollution, while taking advantage of the benefits and properties of plants such as
Mexican medicinal plants have enormous potential [30].
This medicinal herb has been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity, cytotoxic, and antioxidative properties [33], which has led the World Health Organization (WHO) to recognize its use in medicine [34].
Several constituents of
The dried flowers of
2. Experimental details
2.1. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles
Ag-NPs were synthesized from silver nitrate salts with the use of sodium borohydride (NaBH4), a conventional chemical reducing agent. Pursuing the same purpose, two eco-friendly agents, were separately used as green reducers:
For chemical synthesis, NaBH4 (in a concentration of 1 × 10−2) was weighed on an analytical balance (Explorer Pro, model EP213C, OHAUS, USA), and then dissolved in a flask with distilled water.
A 10 mM silver nitrate solution (AgNO3, Sigma-Aldrich) was prepared and mixed along with the NaBH4 solution, in a 1:2.5 ratio to generate Ag-NPs.
The resulting solution was placed in a beaker on a heating grate (Thermo Scientific Cimarec). Using a magnetic stirrer, the incorporation of powder was achieved. The mixture was centrifuged with filter paper, allowing obtaining the smallest particles (i.e., nanoscale).
Water (H2O) and alcohol (ETOH) were separately used as diluents.
The ecofriendly synthesis was performed by collecting dried flowers of Hi and Cs.
The leaves were mashed to a powder and mixed to obtain a homogeneous sample (both powders were used separately for the synthesis). One gram of each powder was immersed in 100 mL of distilled water; it then underwent a boiling process. Afterward, the solution was filtered through a filter paper.
2.2. Characterization of Ag-NPs
Following Ag-NPs formation, UV-vis analysis was carried out every hour, for the next 6 hours. UV-vis spectra measurements were recorded on a Cary 5000 UV-vis scanning spectrophotometer using quartz cells. The wavelength ranges from 300 to 600 nm.
To observe the size and shape of solutions, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was also carried out with a JEOL JEM-2100-Tokyo, Japan Microscope.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was performed in a JSM-6510-LV microscope (JEOL) at 20 kV of acceleration, using secondary electrons.
The two eco-friendly substances were deposited in 20 deciduous teeth to analyze, through EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy), the behavior of silver in dental tissues.
2.3. Microbiological analysis
Strains of
3. Results
The synthesis with H2O provided more stable Ag-NPs because the chemical polarity of a molecule of water is greater than that of ETOH, and through the boiling process (applying heat to the mixture), the active ingredients are extracted from the infusions. UV-vis analysis determined, through the formation of the plasmon (maximum peak where light is absorbed), that Ag-NPs synthesized by Hi showed more stable and smaller nanoparticles in greater quantities compared to Cs but bigger than NaBH4, because this is a more drastic reducing agent (Figure 1).
UV-vis shows that the plasmon wavelength lies between 440 and 456 nm in Ag-NPs synthesized by
TEM allowed us to see that Hi showed smaller nanoparticles than
3.1. Characterization of Ag-Np
Assessment of Ag-NPs impregnated teeth was performed through EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy) analysis. A 6.26 weight percent mean absorption of silver to dental tissues was found among the total percent, meaning that Ag-NPs are compatible with deciduous teeth. A statistical analysis at a confidence level of 95% was set (Figure 3A and B).
Elemental chemical analysis through EDS by SEM.
Student t test for unknown variances was used to establish the average inhibition of bacterial growth. A higher antibacterial effect of Ag-NPs synthesized with Hi, followed by Cs was observed, compared with CHX, particularly at the dose of 20µl. The effect on both bacteria was similar. The results were statistically significant to a confidence level of 95% (Figure 4 and Table 1).
4. Discussion
We consider it important that dental science search for treatment alternatives incorporating products of natural origin, such as green plants. Mexico’s varied vegetation allows the implementation of traditional medicine, as an alternative treatment for various diseases, including dental caries. Eco-friendly chemistry may propose a dental practice that is environmentally and economically sustainable. Nanotechnology has moved rapidly toward the improvement of health. The incorporation of silver salts in dental materials allows the dentist to ensure a longer lasting effect against pathogenic microorganisms.
As it is known, the size of bacteria is measured in microns, three orders of magnitude greater than the nanoparticles obtained by any of the three methods used. Therefore, the probability that nanoparticles come into contact with bacteria is higher when the size of Ag-NPs is smaller; hence, Hi turns out to be the best eco-friendly reducing agent.
The knowledge of nanoscience and the emergence of new technologies in medical practice can transform the traditional way of attending a patient and promote a new paradigm based not only on clinical experience, but on the use of technological tools [42].
Having not found in our country, a study where Ag-NPs were in contact with deciduous teeth, in order to observe their behavior, the authors would like to propose deeper research in this matter.
The study of tissues from a nanoscale perspective, at molecular and cellular levels, leads to a better understanding of the structure-function-physiological relationship of oral structures, making it possible that diseases can be better understood and thereby prevented.
Ag-NPs have demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting the main microorganisms causing tooth decay. So the authors consider it relevant to continue research in this area. Ag-NPs can be used in various fields of treatment as an effective antibacterial agent; as an example, we can mention, the area of periodontology, where its action as a mouthwash agent can reduce gingival conditions. It is also possible to prepare toothpastes combining the antibacterial effect of silver and the benefits of green plants. In other areas of dental practice, Ag-NPs can be added to traditional dental cements or surgical materials and thereby diminish the risk of a possible postoperative infection.
From the visionary talk “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom,” given by physicist Richard Feynman in the American Physical Society meeting at Caltech in the late 1950s, from the “nanorobots” used in medicine, nanodentistry can really improve dental practice and treat common problems, such as dental hypersensitivity and implant placement; it can provide more durable and biocompatible restorations and more precise orthodontic treatments and reduce the appearance of gum and bone diseases.
5. Conclusions
Interpretation of the UV-vis spectra and images obtained through TEM showed that the formation of silver nanoparticles is more effective when the active ingredients are extracted from the bioreducers in the boiling process. This shows that the polarity of the active ingredients is similar to that of water, and that temperature plays an important role by increasing solubility and antibacterial effect. It is also concluded that nanoparticles obtained by Hi have a very good size (17 nm), in sufficient quantity, and with a narrow particle size distribution.
Ag-NPs can be an alternative for treatment, not only against dental caries, but also to prevent the formation of pathogenic bacteria affecting the balance of the oral cavity. They may be an option to reduce the harmful effect of the major pathogens, to diminish postoperative infectious processes, while also representing an attractive option as part of the eco-friendly substances, which would result not only in less costly drugs, but also in substances with a minor risk to human health and the environment.
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