In vitro Investigation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Mouth Washes Incorporating Zein-Coated Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles.

Purpose: This in vitro study was undertaken to investigate the antimicrobial effect of distinctive oral mouth washes after the addition of zein-coated (Magnesium oxide) MgO nanoparticles on exemplary of some oral microorganisms.

Materials And Methods: Three hundred and twelve samples were used in this study. A set of five concentrations of MgO nanoparticles with zein and without zein-coating were incorporated into three oral mouth washes: Listerine zero, Listerine total control and Oral B in the mass percentages of 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5% and 10%, in addition to controls with no MgO nanoparticles. The antimicrobial effect of three mouth washes with variable concentrations of MgO was tested against the following organisms: and using the disc diffusion test (DDT) and direct contact test (DCT). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA statistical test.

Results: The tested mouthwashes with zein-coated MgO nanoparticles showed significant differences of antimicrobial activity on , and in the disc diffusion test. While in the DCT, all tested mouthwashes with MgO nanoparticles with and without zein coating showed antimicrobial activity on all tested microorganisms.

Conclusion: Zein-coated MgO nanoparticles may be considered as a potential antimicrobial agent when added to oral mouthwashes. Future analysis, including in vivo studies, is required in order to incorporate zein/MgO nanoparticles into oral mouthwashes that may improve its antibacterial property.