Oil-in-water nanoemulsion-based ethyl lauroyl arginate nanoparticles exhibit potent antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against oral pathogens

Background Dental biofilm is a key etiological factor in oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease, and has also been linked to systemic health complications. In this study, ethyl lauroyl arginate nanoparticles (ELANPs) were formulated using an oil-in-water nanoemulsion system to investigate their antibiofilm capacity and cellular cytotoxicity in vitro . Methods The morphology of ELANPs was examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were evaluated to assess nanoparticle stability over time. Biofilm matrix reduction was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and cytotoxicity was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results ELANPs displayed a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 84.3 ± 2.6 nm. The zeta potential was 46.7 ± 4.6 mV, and the PDI was 0.18 ± 0.01, indicating good colloidal uniformity and stable nanosuspensions. Slight changes in physicochemical properties were observed at days 14 and 30, and overall stability was maintained. ELANPs significantly reduced the biofilm matrix across all tested oral pathogens while maintaining low cytotoxicity toward normal human gingival fibroblasts. Conclusion The findings indicate that ELANPs are physicochemically stable, capable of inhibiting oral biofilm formation, and exhibit minimal cytotoxicity, supporting their potential as a safe and effective oral healthcare agent.