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

Abstract

Background Nanotechnology delivers a novel mode for restricting alveolar infections. The particles intermingle through the bacterial cell wall improving antimicrobial action. Its amalgamation and glazing displayed greater germicidal properties. Arraying nanoparticles show sustained delivery of bactericidal property which ultimately aims the dentinal matrix. This study aimed to in vitro appraise the physical properties, antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, time-kill assay, anti-biofilm formation, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Cu nanoparticle gel against periodontal pathogens. Materials & Methods Copper nanoparticles (procured from the Nano Research Laboratory, Jharkhand, India) gel was prepared and assessed for minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration, MTT assay (cytotoxicity against periodontal and mouse fibroblasts), and time-kill assay at different time intervals against periodontal pathogens. Antibiofilm formation by the cell culture method, anti-inflammatory activity against MMP-9 using zymography and antioxidant properties by the DPPH assay was assessed. Results The pH of CuNP gel was 5.76 and the viscosity at room temperature was 322.5 cPs. The IC50 value of CuNP for mouse fibroblasts (L939) was 49.12 ± 1.67, and against periodontal fibroblasts was at 3.12 µg/ml, displayed 98% of cell viability. At 1hr, the time-kill assay exhibited no growth of periodontal pathogens when followed for 48 hr. The MIC value at a concentration of 0.4 µg/ml for P.gingivalis, F.nucleatum, P. intermedia, T. forsythia, and at 3.12 µg/ml for A.a were sensitive to CuNP gel. Whereas the MBC value at 0.4 µg/ml to F. nucleatum and T forsythia, at 0.8 µg/ml to P. intermedia, at 1.6 µg/ml to P. gingivalis and at 25 µg/ml to A.a disclosed no growth. Antioxidant assay determined inhibition at 55.6%. Anti-inflammatory and anti-biofilm activity presented weak activity against copper nanoparticle gel as compared to chlorhexidine. Conclusion Copper nanoparticles prepared by biological synthesis are cost-effective, eco-friendly and its in-vivo assessment as local drug delivery in the treatment of periodontal pocket is desired.