Journal of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

en Eco-Friendly Production of Silver Nanoparticles from Vernonia amygdalina and Citropsis articulata: An Assessment of Antibacterial Properties against Oral Bacteria Anti-microbial agents, resistance and treatment protocols Anti-microbial agents, resistance and treatment protocols Original article Original article Introduction: Traditional chewing sticks from Vernonia amygdalina and Citropsis articulata have been used for oral hygiene in African rural communities. This study pioneers an eco-friendly approach to silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis using stem extracts from these medicinal plants, addressing environmental concerns associated with conventional methods. The antibacterial properties of the AgNPs against oral bacterial strains are assessed, offering a sustainable solution for oral health care. Methods: AgNPs were synthesized using aqueous and ethanolic stem extracts of V. amygdalina and C. articulata. Characterization was performed using UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy. Phytochemical analysis revealed a diverse profile of bioactive compounds, with ethanolic extracts showing greater diversity. The AgNPs were tested against 100 bacterial isolates from dental caries patients at the Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta. Results: Molecular identification revealed three prevalent bacterial isolates: Bacillus fungorum (strain CUAB-AKINTOLA01), Klebsiella pneumonia (strain CUAB-AKINTOLA02), and K. pneumonia (strain CUAB-AKINTOLA03). The extracts from V. amygdalina and C. articulata, as well as the biofabricated AgNPs, showed significant antibacterial activity against these oral pathogens. Notably, AgNPs from V. amygdalina exhibited higher zones of inhibition, with B. fungorum being the most susceptible. These findings suggest the potential of these eco-friendly AgNPs as an effective antibacterial agent against oral bacterial infections. Conclusion: This study highlights the potent antibacterial efficacy of V. amygdalina and C. articulata stem extracts, as well as the silver nanoparticles biosynthesized from these extracts, against oral bacterial pathogens. While these findings are promising, further investigations are necessary to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential of these eco-friendly agents in the prevention and treatment of dental plaque-associated diseases.   Silver nanoparticles, Chewing sticks, Oral bacteria, Green synthesis, Antibacterial properties 22 34 http://jommid.pasteur.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-509-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Abdul Azeez Olayiwola Sirajudeen sirajolayiwola@gmail.com 0000-0001-7024-4332 Yes Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Crescent University, Abeokuta 111105, Ogun State, Nigeria Jadesola Fawzhia Sanusi sanusijfo@cuab.edu.ng 0000-0003-0604-9422 No Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Crescent University, Abeokuta 111105, Ogun State, Nigeria Oladipupo Afolabi Akintola d_folly122@yahoo.com No Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Crescent University Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria;Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria Abdulwasiu Omotosho Sakariyau 0000-0001-9981-7018 No Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Crescent University, Abeokuta 111105, Ogun State, Nigeria; Internal Medicine Department, Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta 110222, Ogun State, Nigeria Olubiyi Fidelis Adesina fbadesina@gmail.com 0000-0003-4065-8299 No Internal Medicine Department, Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta 110222, Ogun State, Nigeria Samuel Bankole sabankole@yahoo.com 0000-0001-9285-8300 No Department of Microbiology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, 120107 Ogun State, Nigeria