Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of graphene-based perioceuticals

Abstract Globally, periodontitis is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections in the adult population. It is estimated that about 50% of those affected have gingivitis (inflammation and bleeding gums with swelling, reddening, exudate, and change to the normal insertion contour). Current therapeutic strategies are costly, selective, and limited in time. Different approaches have been employed for controlling oral biofilm including prevention of its formation and destruction of the cell biofilm. However, its control requires bacteriostatic agents and antibiofilm strategies for inhibition of initial adherence. In the context of the increased rates of antibiotic resistance, the discovery of active agents against bacteria embedded in biofilm represents an important control strategy for chronic oral diseases; natural products derived from medicinal plants have been proven to be an abundant source of pharmacologically active compounds. Volatile oils, which are products of secondary plant metabolism, are valuable resources for pharmacognostic studies and the development of new therapeutic antiinfectives. This study investigated the application of graphene as a transport and release system for clove oil.