CHARACTERIZATION AND BIOSAFETY PROFILE OF EUGENOL INCORPORATED IN IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES

Aim of the study Eugenol, a phenolic compound commonly found in plants like clove and bay leaves, has garnered significant attention in the field of dentistry due to its diverse pharmacological properties. In dentistry, eugenol is frequently employed in various forms, such as in polymerized cement with zinc oxide for restorative purposes. Its applications extend to endodontic cements like zinc oxide-eugenol formulations, which are commonly used in dental procedures. So far, according to our knowledge, no study in the literature has approached formulations based on iron oxide nanoparticles and eugenol, this study being the first. Materials and methods In the present study, it was developed for the first time a formulation based on iron oxide nanoparticles obtained through the combustion method, embedded on its surface with eugenol. The prepared formulation was characterized through electron microscopy investigations, followed by further in vitro evaluation as concerned with their biosafety use on a healthy murine epidermal cell line. Results The results obtained showed that the naked iron oxide nanoparticles are biocompatible and safe to use on the healthy murine epidermal cell line, while the eugenol compound exhibits a dose-dependent cytotoxicity reaching until a value of ~17% at the highest tested dose (100 μg/mL). In addition, the cytotoxicity of eugenol decreased when this was embedded on the iron oxide nanoparticles surface, recording a value of 11% at the highest concentration tested. Conclusions In conclusion, the in vitro studies on such type of formulation in dentistry and dental medicine highlight their multifaceted applications of iron oxide nanoparticles as well as eugenol, emphasizing their potential for advancing dental treatments and diagnostics.