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The Effects of Hypericum perforatum Nanoemulsion on Streptococcus Mutans Biofilm
Abstract
Background
Dental caries, a multifactorial tooth-related disease, is significantly influenced by microorganisms, like Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium causes dental caries and destruction by forming a biofilm on the tooth surface. This study aimed to prepare Hypericum perforatum nanoemulsion and evaluate its anti-biofilm effects against Streptococcus mutans bacteria.
Methods
Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), and Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC) were used to assess the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties of the nanoemulsion.
Results
The results showed that the Hypericum perforatum nanoemulsion had less MIC, MBC, and MBIC than the free oil form (p=0.03, p=0.03, and p=0.02, respectively). The results also showed that the Hypericum perforatum nanoemulsion had less MIC and MBC than amikacin as a positive group (p=0.04 and p=0.04, respectively); however, the MBIC of nanoemulsion and amikacin was similar (p=0.07).
Conclusion
The studied nanoemulsion can be used as a potent and new material for preventing dental caries.