The potency of herbal extracts and its green synthesized nanoparticle formulation as antibacterial agents against Streptococcus mutans associated biofilms

Biotechnol Rep (Amst). 2022 Dec 11:37:e00777. doi: 10.1016/j.btre.2022.e00777. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effects of the extracts of Streblus asper, Cymbopogon citratus, Syzygium aromaticum and its formulation of green synthesized silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) on Streptococcus mutans growth and biofilm formation. The ethanolic extracts of S. asper, C. citratus, S. aromaticum, and a mix of the three herbs demonstrated antibacterial activity against S. mutans isolates by reducing bacterial biofilm formation and decreasing bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity. The formulated AgNPs from the ethanolic extracts could enhance the antibacterial activities of the plant extracts. Molecular docking found the best interaction between luteolin isolated from C. citratus and glucosyltransferase protein (GtfB), assuming the promising anti-biofilm activity. The scanning electron microscopy revealed morphological changes in the biofilm structure and a significant decrease in the biofilm area of the AgNPs treated. The study suggested that the extracts and its application could be used as natural alternative agents with multi-action against S. mutans infections.

Keywords: Cymbopogon citratus; Green synthesized nanoparticle; Streblus asper; Streptococcus mutans; Syzygium aromaticum.