Dina Hussein Hatif Al Mansoori1*, Firas Shawkat Al Bayati2, Sahar M. Jawad3, Bashaer J. Kahdum1, Mustafa Kamil Othman Alchalabi1
1Geomatics Technology Center, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
2Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
3Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq
*Corresponding author’s email: dina.almansoori@uokufa.edu.iq
Received: 25 August 2025 / Revised: 05 December 2025 / Accepted: 22 December 2025 / Published Online: 21 January 2026
Abstract
Increasing outbreak of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the world has made the discovery of safe and sustainable antimicrobial agents even more vigorous. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized through a green methodology using Boswellia serrata (Gum Olibanum) extract and tested their antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against oral pathogens. The ZnO-NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) which confirmed the crystalline structure, nanoscopic morphology and the elemental composition of the nanoparticles. The ZnO-NPs were highly antibacterial with a diameter of inhibition zone of 47 mm and 38 mm on Streptococcus spp. and Granulicatella adiacens respectively. The nanoparticles were also found to exhibit a substantial biofilm inhibitory effect, decreasing adhesion of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mitis, and Granulicatella adiacens, suggesting the ability of the nanoparticles in disrupting the formation of oral biofilm. The results indicate that Boswellia serrata-mediated ZnO-NPs could be used as a potent and environmentally friendly antimicrobial agent in potential oral care products. There in vivo biocompatibility, toxicity and applicability in clinical use need further research.
Keywords: Zinc oxide nanoparticles, Boswellia serrata, Green synthesis, Antimicrobial activity, Biofilm inhibition, Oral pathogens, Dental nanotechnology
