ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF GRAPE SEED MEDIATED ZnO NANOPARTICLES AGAINST Lactobacillus SPECIES AND Streptococcus mutans

Background: In various fields of science and technology, nanotechnology has provided great possibilities. In recent years, it has been playing a pivotal role in the modern material development. Grape seed extract is a well known antimicrobial agent and it is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds. It has mainly monomeric catechins and epicatechin, gallic acid, polymeric and oligomeric procyanidins.

Aim: To determine the antibacterial activity of grape seed mediated ZnO nanoparticles against Lactobacillus species and Streptococcus mutans.

Materials and Methods: Preparation of the grape seed extract, synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, preparation of nanoparticles powder and then antibacterial activity of nanoparticles against Lactobacillus species and Streptococcus mutans were analysed.

Results: The zone of inhibition for 50 μl, 100 μl, 150 μl of grape seed mediated ZnO nanoparticles were 9 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm in Streptococcus mutans. The zone of inhibition increases with increase in concentration. In Lactobacillus species the zone of inhibition for 50 μl, 100 μl, 150 μl of grape seed mediated ZnO nanoparticles was constant with 8 mm. The zone of inhibition remains constant even with increase in concentration.

Conclusion: Grape seed mediated ZnO nanoparticles were studied and their wider zones of inhibition indicates a good antibacterial activity. This new formulation can be used in mouthwash, lozenges, root canal irrigants and zinc oxide based restorative cements against oral cavity pathogens like Lactobacillus species and Streptococcus mutans which is associated with dental caries and periodontal problems. The study concluded that grape seed mediated ZnO nanoparticles has antibacterial activity against Lactobacillus species and Streptococcus mutans.