Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated Aloe vera with Neem Against Dental Pathogens

Background: When left unchecked, dental pathogens cause chronic diseases like periodontitis and dental caries that lead to the irreversible loss of tooth structure. However, with proper prophylactic measures, we can inhibit the excessive proliferation of pathogenic oral flora. The aim of this study was to examine the plausible antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized using neem and Aloe vera against four dental pathogens - Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus and the Enterococcus and Pseudomonas species.

Materials and Method: Leaves of Azadirachta indica and Aloe vera were made into a filtered herbal formulation. A metallic solution of silver nitrate was added to it and the conjunction was kept in an orbital shaker for the synthesis of nanoparticles. After centrifugation, the resultant pellet was powdered. The agar well diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial efficacy of Ag-NPs. Fresh bacterial suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, the Enterococcus and the Pseudomonas species were dispersed on the surface of Muller-Hinton agar containing plates. Ag-NP concentrations of (25, 50 & 100) μl were incorporated into the wells and the plates were then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Antibiotics were used as a positive control. The zone of inhibition was recorded for each plate

Results: A colour change was observed after the synthesis of Ag-NPs. The prepared particles were then characterised by a peak seen at 425 nm in UV-vis-spectroscopy. The zone of inhibition increased in size with an increase in Ag-NP concentration. They increased in the order of: Staphylococcus aureus, the Enterococcus species, Streptococcus mutans and the Pseudomonas species - with Staphylococcus aureus being the smallest and the Pseudomonas species being the largest.

Conclusion: Ag-NPs synthesized using neem and Aloe vera is an effective antibacterial agent against Streptococcus mutans and the Pseudomonas species. It is eco-friendly, rapid, easy to synthesize and effective. These Ag-NPs are a non-toxic solution for multiple-drug resistant bacteria.