# Fabrication and evaluation of BerNPs regarding the growth and development of Streptococcus mutans

## TL;DR

This study shows that berberine nanoparticles can effectively inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria linked to dental issues.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is the fabrication and evaluation of berberine nanoparticles using a wet-milling method for antimicrobial applications.

## Key findings

- BerNPs had an average particle size of 40–65 nm and retained the chemical structure of berberine.
- BerNPs inhibited S. mutans with minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of 78.1 and 312.5 µg/mL.
- BerNPs disrupted S. mutans cell membranes and inhibited biofilm formation.

## Abstract

In this study, berberine nanoparticles (BerNPs) were prepared using a wet-milling method with zirconium balls to enhance bioavailability and expand potential applications. The particle size and physicochemical properties of the BerNPs were analyzed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The broth dilution method was used to determine the antimicrobial activity of the BerNPs against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). The impact of the BerNPs on the cell surface of S. mutans was evaluated through FE-SEM analysis, focusing on its ability to inhibit biofilm formation. The results demonstrated that BerNPs were produced with an average particle size of 40–65 nm. The chemical structure of BerNPs remained consistent with that of berberine, with no modifications occurring during nanoparticle preparation. The BerNPs exhibited the ability to inhibit S. mutans, with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of 78.1 and 312.5 µg/mL, respectively. BerNPs caused significant damage to S. mutans cells, disrupting the cell membrane structure, and leading to cell lysis and death. Additionally, BerNPs effectively inhibited the biofilm formation of S. mutans. In summary, BerNPs demonstrated a potent inhibitory effect on the activities of S. mutans at selectively applied concentrations.