Synthesis and Assessment of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of a Novel Graphene Oxide-Copper Oxide Nanocomposite Against Oral Pathogens: An In-vitro Study

Introduction: The growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has necessitated the development of alternative therapeutic agents. Oral pathogens, such as Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus mutans, contribute to various dental infections, often exhibiting resistance to conventional antibiotics. Nanotechnology, particularly the use of graphene oxide (GO) and copper oxide (CuO), offers a promising approach for overcoming these limitations. Aim: To synthesise a novel GO-CuO nanocomposite using a green synthesis method and evaluate its antimicrobial efficacy against common oral pathogens using in-vitro assays. Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro experimental study was conducted at the White Lab and Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from August to November 2024. It evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of a GO-CuO nanocomposite synthesised via a modified Hummers’ method for GO and green synthesis using Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract for CuO. The nanocomposite was prepared by combining the suspensions and probe-sonicating to ensure uniform dispersion. Antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus mutans was assessed using agar well diffusion and time-kill assays. Statistical analysis employed Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc test with significance at p