Clove oil nanoemulsion as a delivery system for Acmella oleracea mediated silver nanoparticles to curtail growth and biofilm in bacterial pathogens causing dental caries

Abstract Dental issues are a global concern affecting individuals of all ages. Oral microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis , contribute to gum inflammation and tooth detachment by forming biofilms that demineralize enamel and promote denture biofilm formation. In this research, a novel nanoemulsion was formulated and tested in dental pathogens, namely S. mutans and E. faecalis . Nanoemulsion was formulated by the amalgamation of Acmella oleracea nanoparticles (AoAgNPS) and clove oil. The synthesis of AoAgNPS was confirmed by UV Visible spectroscopy, FESEM and EDAX analysis. Formulation of clove nanoemulsion was confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis. Antibacterial assays and biochemical assays, including leakage of macromolecules, levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) were checked to validate the efficacy of nanoemulsion in dental pathogens. The formulated clove nanoemulsion was incorporated into a denture disk, a mimic of teeth, and screened for its antibiofilm efficacy. The antibacterial assays confirmed that the nanoemulsion exhibited notable antibacterial and antibiofilm properties in caries-causing bacteria. By exploring cellular leakage and oxidative stress, clove nanoemulsion demonstrated notable antibacterial activity in dental pathogens by inducing leakage of cellular macromolecules and causing oxidative stress to the bacterial cells. Further, clove nanoemulsion incorporated denture disk effectively reduced the biofilm formation of S. mutans and E. faecalis . The present findings suggest the potential application of clove nanoemulsion in oral healthcare products. However, further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to establish its safety and efficacy before clinical application. Clinical trial number Not applicable.