Synthesis of TiO(2) nanoparticles and demonstration of their antagonistic properties against selected dental caries promoting bacteria

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate antagonistic role of titanium oxide nanoparticles against selected dental caries promoting bacteria. METHODS: This in vitro-experimental study was conducted at Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), National Institute of Health (NIH) and School of Dentistry (SOD), Islamabad for the period of one year from February 2022 to January 2023. Modified hydrothermal heating method was used to prepare titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO(2)Nps). Size, shape, phase, band gap energy, surface and elemental composition of Nps were deciphered by application of various modern techniques including x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Antimicrobial action of nanoparticles was evaluated against representatives of gram-positive (mono-derm) and Gram negative bacteria (di-derm) responsible for promoting dental caries. The zones of inhibition were calculated by disc diffusion method for each bacterial strain. RESULTS: Characterization revealed that TiO(2)Nps were having an average size of 54nm, showing anatase-rutile phase having spherical, with very few- irregularly shaped particles. TiO(2)Nps contained only pure titanium and oxygen in the EDX image but organic compounds in FTIR scan. Results of antimicrobial action indicated their potent bactericidal action against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20mm), Escherichia coli (19mm) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (19nm) while comparatively less activity against Staphylococcus aureus (16mm).. CONCLUSION: TiO(2)Nps fabricated by modified protocol displayed an effective antimicrobial activity and can be used as an alternative to the contemporary chemotherapeutics against selected bacterial pathogens to prevent dental caries.