Effect of Metal Nanoparticles on Biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) have the potential for use in infection control in the oral environment by killing bacteria or preventing plaque formation. However, little is known about their antibacterial properties against oral bacteria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and biofilm inhibitory effects of gold (Au) and silver (Ag) NPs against S. mutans. Two NPs stabilized by metal-carbon σ-bonds between their core metal surfaces and the aromatic ring moieties were tested. This study evaluated the effect of NPs with the same surface chemistry but with two different core metal compositions (Au and Ag) on antibacterial activity. The antibacterial activity of both NPs was relatively weak. AgNPs exhibited a biofilm inhibitory effect against S. mutans; however, no inhibitory effect was found in AuNPs.