Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Green Synthesized by Using the Quercus Infectoria Extract on Some Dental Pathogens

Background and Aim: Green synthesis through using plants such as Quercus infectoria (Q.infectoria) is a relatively novel technique for synthesis of nanoparticles.This study aimed to assess the effect of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) green synthesized by using the Q. infectoria extract on some dental pathogens.Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, SNPs were synthesized by using the Q. infectoria extract and silver nitrate.Formation of SNPs was confirmed by UV-visible spectrophotometry.Presence/absence and proliferation of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus salivarius (S. salivarius), Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus), Lactobacillus acidophilus (L.acidophilus), and Enterococcus faecalis (E.faecalis) were evaluated by observing the tube turbidity following their culture in presence of SNPs.Also, different concentrations of Q. infectoria extract (1, , , 1/8, and 1/16) were added to 5 bacterial plates, and the diameter of the growth inhibition zones was measured by a ruler.The results were reported descriptively.Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of SNPs against L. acidophilus was lower than that for other pathogens.The highest antibacterial effect was observed in concentration of 1 against L. acidophilus, and on S. salivarius and L. acidophilus.Also, L. acidophilus was the most sensitive and E. faecalis was the least sensitive microorganism to , 1/8, and 1/16 concentrations.The 1/16 concentration caused no growth inhibition zone in E. faecalis plate.Conclusion: Green synthesized SNPs had acceptable antibacterial activity against the tested microorganisms, and may be used as an antibacterial agent against these pathogens.