Preparation and Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (Abies webbiana) Based Mouthwash

Introduction: Nanotechnology has been taking the scientific community by storm as they have been showing promising results due to their antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activity. Multiple studies have found various plant species to be a rich source of these nanoparticles. Abies webbiana is one of these plants, however, it has not been studied enough. The aim of this study is to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles from a. Webbiana plant extract and to test its antimicrobial activity against certain microorganisms.

Materials and Methods: 1 g of a. Webbiana was mixed with 100 ml of distilled water and boiled for 15 minutes to 60°c in a heating mantle. The solution was filtered using whatman no. 1 filter paper. 20 millimolar(0.574 g) of zinc oxide was dissolved in 60 ml of distilled water. 60 ml of this solution was mixed with 40 ml of a. Webbiana filtrate in a beaker, which was then kept on a stirrer. A mouthwash was prepared using the extracted nanoparticles and was used for antimicrobial testing.

Results: The plasmon resonance band of zinc oxide nanoparticles showed absorbance peak at 450 nm. Maximum zone of inhibition was obtained at 100 μl against s. Aureus, 25 μl against e.faecalis, 50 μl against C. albicans and 100 μl against s. Mutans.

Conclusion: The mouthwash shows effective activity against c.albicans and s.mutans. Zinc oxide nanoparticles extracted from a. Webbianahave a potent antimicrobial activity and can be used for the treatment of orofacial infections.