METHODS: In this study, curcumin (Cu)-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized and characterized using SEM, EDAX, UV spectroscopy, FTIR, and XRD to validate their composition and structural features. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of ZnO-CU NPs was investigated through DPPH, ABTS, and zone of inhibition assays. Apoptotic assays and gene expression analysis were performed in KB oral squamous carcinoma cells to identify their anticancer activity.
RESULTS: ZnO-CU NPs showcased formidable antioxidant prowess in both DPPH and ABTS assays, signifying their potential as robust scavengers of free radicals. The determined minimal inhibitory concentration of 40 µg/mL against dental pathogens underscored the compelling antimicrobial attributes of ZnO-CU NPs. Furthermore, the interaction analysis revealed the superior binding affinity and intricate amino acid interactions of ZnO-CU NPs with receptors on dental pathogens. Moreover, in the realm of anticancer activity, ZnO-CU NPs exhibited a dose-dependent response against Human Oral Epidermal Carcinoma KB cells at concentrations of 10 µg/mL, 20 µg/mL, 40 µg/mL, and 80 µg/mL. Unraveling the intricate mechanism of apoptotic activity, ZnO-CU NPs orchestrated the upregulation of pivotal genes, including BCL2, BAX, and P53, within the KB cells.
CONCLUSIONS: This multifaceted approach, addressing both antimicrobial and anticancer activity, positions ZnO-CU NPs as a compelling avenue for advancing oral health, offering a comprehensive strategy for tackling both oral infections and cancer.
METHODS: The synthesized ZnO-CA NPs were characterized using SEM, FTIR, and XRD to validate their composition and structural features. The antioxidant activity of ZnO-CA NPs was confirmed using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. The antimicrobial effects of ZnO-CA NPs were validated using a zone of inhibition assay against dental pathogens. Autodock tool was used to identify the interaction of cinnamic acid with dental pathogen receptors.
RESULTS: ZnO-CA NPs exhibited potent antioxidant activity in both DPPH and ABTS assays, suggesting their potential as powerful antioxidants. The minimal inhibitory concentration of ZnO-CA NPs against dental pathogens was found 25 µg/mL, indicating their effective antimicrobial properties. Further, ZnO-CA NPs showed better binding affinity and amino acid interaction with dental pathogen receptors. Also, the ZnO-CA NPs exhibited dose-dependent (5 µg/mL, 15 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL, and 50 µg/mL) anticancer activity against Human Oral Epidermal Carcinoma KB cells. The mechanism of action of apoptotic activity of ZnO-CA NPs on the KB cells was identified through the upregulation of BCL-2, BAX, and P53 genes.
CONCLUSIONS: This research establishes the potential utility of ZnO-CA NPs as a promising candidate for dental applications. The potent antioxidant, anticancer, and effective antimicrobial properties of ZnO-CA NPs make them a valuable option for combating dental pathogens.
METHODS: AgNP-K 1:1 was synthesized with 1 mM kaempferol, whereas AgNP-K 1:2 with 2 mM kaempferol. The characterization of AgNP-K 1:1 and AgNP-K 1:2 was performed using UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Zetasizer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antibacterial activities of five samples (AgNP-K 1:1, AgNP-K 1:2, commercial AgNPs, kaempferol, and vancomycin) at different concentrations (1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL) against MRSA were determined via disc diffusion assay (DDA), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assay, and time-kill assay.
RESULTS: The presence of a dark brown colour in the solution indicated the formation of AgNP-K. The UV-visible absorption spectrum of the synthesized AgNP-K exhibited a broad peak at 447 nm. TEM, Zetasizer, and SEM-EDX results showed that the morphology and size of AgNP-K were nearly spherical in shape with 16.963 ± 6.0465 nm in size. XRD analysis confirmed that AgNP-K had a crystalline phase structure, while FTIR showed the absence of (-OH) group, indicating that kaempferol was successfully incorporated with silver. In DDA analysis, AgNP-K showed the largest inhibition zone (16.67 ± 1.19 mm) against MRSA as compared to kaempferol and commercial AgNPs. The MIC and MBC values for AgNP-K against MRSA were 1.25 and 2.50 mg/mL, respectively. The time-kill assay results showed that AgNP-K displayed bacteriostatic activity against MRSA. AgNP-K exhibited better antibacterial activity against MRSA when compared to commercial AgNPs or kaempferol alone.