Biomedical Application of Chitosan and Piper Longum-assisted Nano Zinc Oxide–based Dental Varnish

The aim of this study was to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles from chitosan and Piper longum and to assess the antimicrobial activity. The chitosan is a biocompatible polymer and also used as a polymeric nanoparticle. P. longum is a flowering vine which is commonly used as a spice to season food. It is also being used as a traditional medicine that treats asthma, viral hepatitis, cough, and respiratory infections. Dental varnishes are usually applied on the tooth surface and are similar to fluoride varnishes that prevent tooth decay. The zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared using the P. longum plant extract and color change was noted. The nanoparticle formation was confirmed using UV–Vis spectroscopy and the solution was centrifuged for 10 min and the nanoparticles were collected. The chitosan was prepared using 1% acetic acid with chemical reaction. In a centrifuge tube, 100 µL of prepared nanoparticles, with the addition of chemical ingredients the varnish, were prepared. The study showed Staphylococcus aureus to be very sensitive with a maximum zone of inhibition followed by Sterptococcus mutants, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. P. longum- and chitosan-assisted nano zinc oxide–based dental varnishes will be a better choice for infections caused by S. aureus and S. mutans.