In vitro assessment of copper nanoparticles gel efficacy as a futuristic drug delivery agent against periodontal pathogens

Copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP) have garnered attention in dentistry due to their potential antimicrobial properties. The study aimed to assess the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration, cytotoxicity against periodontal and mouse fibroblasts by MTT assay, time-kill assay against periodontal pathogens, antibiofilm formation by the cell culture method, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the prepared Cu-NP gel. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ranged from 0.4–3.12 [Formula: see text]g/mL, whereas MBC value ranged from 0.4–25 [Formula: see text]g/mL for periodontal pathogens. IC50 value of Cu-NP against mouse fibroblasts (L939) was [Formula: see text], and against periodontal fibroblasts at 3.12%, displaying 98% of cell viability. Time-kill assay showed no growth of Prevotella intermedia and Tannerella forsythia after 10 min, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans at 30 min, Fusobacterium nucleatum at 4 h, and Porphyromonas gingivalis at 24 h. Antioxidant assay determined inhibition at 55.6%, showing weak anti-inflammatory and anti-biofilm activity. Cu-NP gel is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and holds promise for combating infections and promoting tissue regeneration.