Assessment of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Clove and Cinnamon Formulation against Oral Pathogens - An In Vitro Study.

Zinc Oxide nanoparticle is of particular interest among researchers due to its wide range of applications. Green synthesis of nanoparticles has many benefits like being eco-friendly, less time consuming, cost effective, stable operation, and more importantly the process can be carried out without the involvement of any hazardous chemicals. Clove and cinnamon are known to have antimicrobial activity. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles reinforced with clove and cinnamon against oral pathogens. METHODSThis is an in vitro study. The organisms used were Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. These bacteria were inoculated in their respective medium and incubated overnight. Agar well diffusion method was used to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of the nanoparticles at 25 µL, 50 µL and 100 µL. RESULTSZone of inhibition was found to be highest at 100 µL against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (15 mm, 13 mm, and 13 mm respectively). CONCLUSIONSFindings from this study suggest that zinc oxide nanoparticles reinforced with clove and cinnamon extracts has the potential as an antimicrobial agent against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis and can be used as an alternative to commercially available antimicrobial agents.

Comparision of impact strength in three different types of denture base resins - an in-vitro study

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the impact strength of a commercially available, heat polymerized acrylic denture base material could be improved using reinforcements. A total of 30 specimens [65 mm x 10 mm x 3 mm] were fabricated, the specimens were divided into 3 groups with 10 specimens each. They were Group 1 - conventional denture base resins, Group 2 - high impact denture base resins and group 3 - glass reinforced denture base resins. The impact strength of specimens was measured using charpy's test. One-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] was used to determine statistical differences among the impact strength of three groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS software and the results were obtained. The flexural strength values showed statistically significant differences among experimental groups [P<0.005]. Within the limitations of the study PMMA reinforced with glass fibers showed the highest impact strength values, and this was followed by PMMA reinforced with butadiene styrene and the least strength was observed in the conventional denture base resins