A Zn-doped CuO nanocomposite shows enhanced antibiofilm and antibacterial activities against Streptococcus mutans compared to nanosized CuO

Zinc-doped copper oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized and deposited on artificial teeth by sonic irradiation, and the ability of these coatings to restrict biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans is examined. The CuO and Zn:CuO NP-coated teeth show significant reductions in biofilm formation of 70% and 88%, respectively, compared to uncoated teeth. The mechanism of the Zn:CuO nanoparticles is investigated, revealing that the nanoparticles attach to and penetrate the bacteria and generate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that enhance lipid peroxidation and cause cell death. Conversely, the CuO or ZnO NPs do not show this behavior and could not generate intracellular ROS. These results highlight the superior efficacy of Zn:CuO nanocomposites over CuO and ZnO NPs and the role of ROS in their antimicrobial effect.