In Vitro Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of a Dental Varnish Formulated with Ginger and Rosemary Mediated Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles

Background: The increasing prevalence of fungal infections like Candida albicans in the oral cavity has highlighted the need for alternative antifungal agents. Titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), synthesized through green methods using plant extracts, offer promising antimicrobial properties. This in vitro study investigates the antifungal potential of a dental varnish formulated with ginger and rosemary-mediated TiO2 nanoparticles against C. albicans. Materials and Methods: Mueller Hinton agar plates were prepared and inoculated with Candida albicans. Using the agar well diffusion method, wells (9 mm) were filled with varying concentrations of the prepared dental varnish (25 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL). A commercial dental varnish and fluconazole served as control groups. Plates were incubated at 37̊C for 24-48 hours. Zones of inhibition were measured in millimetres, and optical density was assessed using a spectrophotometer at various time intervals to evaluate fungal growth kinetics. Results: The antifungal activity of the nanoparticle-based varnish increased with concentration. At 25 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, and 100 µg/mL, the zones of inhibition measured 18 mm, 22 mm, and 30 mm, respectively. The commercial dental varnish produced a 20 mm zone of inhibition. A notable reduction in optical density was observed with higher concentrations over 5 hours, confirming effective fungal suppression. Conclusion: The ginger and rosemary-mediated TiO2 NP-based dental varnish demonstrated significant in vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans. These findings suggest its potential use in preventive dental care, especially for patients susceptible to fungal colonization. Further studies involving biofilm models and clinical trials are recommended to validate its efficacy and safety in real-world conditions.