Copper Nanoparticle gel as potent agent against periodontal pathogens. : Formulation and evaluation of  antimicrobial, cytotoxicity and time kill assay
 of CuNP gel against periodontal pathogens (P.gingivalis, A.actinomycetemcomitans, F.nucleatum, T.forsythia, P.intermedia)

Background –An innovative method for limiting alveolar infections is provided by nanotechnology. The particles intermingle through the bacterial cell wall improving antimicrobial action. Nanoparticle array demonstrates persistent bactericidal property that finally targets the dentinal matrix. Metals have been used and investigated widely for their antimicrobial properties. To achieve cellular functions metals are required, inherent to the biochemistry and metabolism of all living organisms.

Materials and Methods- A gel containing copper nanoparticles was formulated and evaluated for its minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations, MTT assay, and time-kill assay at various time intervals against periodontal pathogens.

Results-CuNP gel had a pH of 5.76 and a viscosity of 322.5 cPs at room temperature. CuNP's IC ₅₀ value was 49.12±1.67 for mouse fibroblasts and at concentration of 3.12 g/ml for periodontal fibroblasts, 98% cell viability was observed. When monitored for 48 hours, the time-kill assay showed no growth of periodontal bacteria . It was sensitive to MIC at concentrations of 0.4 g/ml for P.gingivalis, F.nucleatum, P. intermedia, and T. forsythia and 3.12 µg/ml for A.a. MBC value for F. nucleatum, T. forsythia, P. intermedia, P. gingivalis, and A.a. was 0.4 µg/ml, 0.8 µg/ml, 1.6 µg/ml, and 25 µg/ml, respectively revealed no growth.

Conclusion: Copper nanoparticles produced through biological synthesis are economical, environment friendly, and required to evaluate them in vivo as a local drug delivery system for the treatment of periodontal pockets.