Inhibitory effect of silver nanoparticles synthesized using the chamomile extract against Streptococcus mutans cariogenic pathogen

Abstract

Background. With the recent use and development of nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are gaining much attention as a promising antibacterial agent for use in caries prevention. Objectives. This study aimed to biosynthesize AgNPs using chamomile extract as a reducing agent and to investigate its inhibitory effect against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) dental bacteria. Material and methods. Chamomile extract was prepared by sonication and added dropwise to silver nitrate (1mM) solution to synthesize AgNPs. Its formation was confirmed spectrophotometrically, and its size was determined. The disc diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial activity of the biosynthe-sized AgNPs against S. mutans. Also, its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed. Results. The spectrum of biosynthesized AgNPs showed a maximum peak at 454 nm, and the peak area increased with increasing time. The mean AgNP size was 41 nm. The inhibition zone diameter recorded for AgNPs against S. mutans was 10 mm, while the MIC was 280 µg/ml. Conclusions. AgNPs biosynthesized using chamomile extract were proven to exert good antibacterial activity against cariogenic S. mutans. Using chamomile extract as a reducing agent can provide a rapid, af-fordable, and eco-friendly approach for AgNP production, which could be incorporated into various dental vehicles for dental caries prevention.