The Effects of Hypericum perforatum Nanoemulsion on Streptococcus Mutans Biofilm

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.