Hardness and surface roughness of differently processed denture base acrylic resins after immersion in simulated gastric acid

Statement of problemThe effect of gastric acid on the surface properties of denture base acrylic resin is unknown.PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate changes in the surface roughness and hardness of denture base acrylic resins after immersion in simulated gastric acid.Material and methodsAcrylic resin specimens (n=10) were prepared with 3 different processing techniques (compression-molded, injection-molded, and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing [CAD-CAM] milled) and exposed to either gastric acid or artificial saliva (control). Surface roughness and hardness were measured at baseline (T0) and after 24-hour (T24) and 96-hour (T96) immersion in the solutions. The surface roughness and hardness data were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (α=.05).ResultsAt T24, the greatest change in surface hardness was observed for compression-molded specimens in gastric acid (P<.05). At T96, changes in hardness values were higher in compression-molded specimens than those in milled specimens (P<.05). Regarding surface roughness, at T24, compression-molded and injection-molded specimens showed higher values than milled specimens in gastric acid (P<.05). Concerning specimens in artificial saliva, compression-molded specimens showed significantly higher changes in roughness than those of the others (P<.05). At T96, injection-molded specimens had the greatest roughness values (P<.05). Among specimens immersed in artificial saliva, milled specimens showed lower roughness values than the injection-molded or compression-molded specimens (P<.05).ConclusionsGastric acid exposure adversely affected the roughness and hardness of all the acrylic resins evaluated. CAD-CAM milled specimens showed better resistance to acid exposure after 24 and 96 hours in terms of roughness and hardness.     

The effect of antifungal agents on surface properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) and its relation to adherence of Candida albicans

PurposeCandida-associated denture stomatitis is the most prevalent form of oral candidosis affecting 65% of denture wearers. Failure of therapy and recurrence of infection are not uncommon and the continuous use of antifungal agents may affect the surface properties of the denture material and may contribute to Candida adhesion. This study aimed to investigate surface properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA denture material before and after exposure to antifungal agents and its relation to in vitro adhesion of Candida albicans.MethodsFour groups of acrylic specimens (20 mm × 20 mm × 2.5 mm) were prepared (25 specimens in each group). Specimens were immersed in nystatin (group 1), fluconazole (group 2), distilled water (group 3) and group 4 was not exposed. Specimens were tested for surface roughness, contact angle, surface hardness and in vitro Candida adherence to PMMA.ResultsThe results showed that nystatin had no statistically significant effect on surface hardness (P > 0.05), but had a statistically significant effect on surface roughness, contact angle, and Candida adhesion to PMMA (P < 0.05). On the other hand, fluconazole had no statistically significant effect on surface hardness or roughness (P > 0.05), but had a statistically significant effect on contact angle, and Candida adhesion to PMMA (P < 0.05). Distilled water had no statistically significant effect on surface hardness, roughness, contact angle, or Candida adhesion to PMMA (P > 0.05).ConclusionsExposure of PMMA to nystatin may induce changes in roughness, wettability while exposure to fluconazole may affect surface free energy and therefore may increase Candida adhesion to it.     

Effect of experimental photopolymerized coatings on the hydrophobicity of a denture base acrylic resin and on Candida albicans adhesion

ObjectiveThis study investigated the effect of experimental photopolymerized coatings, containing zwitterionic or hydrophilic monomers, on the hydrophobicity of a denture base acrylic resin and on Candida albicans adhesion.MethodsAcrylic specimens were prepared with rough and smooth surfaces and were either left untreated (control) or coated with one of the following experimental coatings: 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HE); 3-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HP); and 2-trimethylammonium ethyl methacrylate chloride (T); and sulfobetaine methacrylate (S). The concentrations of these constituent monomers were 25%, 30% or 35%. Half of the specimens in each group (control and experimentals) were coated with saliva and the other half remained uncoated. The surface free energy of all specimens was measured, regardless of the experimental condition. C. albicans adhesion was evaluated for all specimens, both saliva conditioned and unconditioned. The adhesion test was performed by incubating specimens in C. albicans suspensions (1 × 10⁷ cell/mL) at 37 °C for 90 min. The number of adhered yeasts were evaluated by XTT (2,3-bis[2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-5-[{phenylamino}carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium-hydroxide) method.ResultsFor rough surfaces, coatings S (30 or 35%) and HP (30%) resulted in lower absorbance values compared to control. These coatings exhibited more hydrophilic surfaces than the control group. Roughness increased the adhesion only in the control group, and saliva did not influence the adhesion. The photoelectron spectroscopy analysis (XPS) confirmed the chemical changes of the experimental specimens, particularly for HP and S coatings.ConclusionsS and HP coatings reduced significantly the adhesion of C. albicans to the acrylic resin and could be considered as a potential preventive treatment for denture stomatitis.     

Evaluation of antibiofilm and mechanical properties of new nanocomposites based on acrylic resins and silver vanadate nanoparticles

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was evaluate, for the first time, the impact of incorporation of nanostructured silver vanadate (β-AgVO₃) in antibiofilm and mechanical properties of dental acrylic resins (poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA).DesignThe β-AgVO₃ was synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, and microanalysis (SEM/EDS). Resins specimens were prepared with 0–10% wt.% β-AgVO₃ and characterized by SEM, XRD and optical microscopy_. The antibiofim activity of the samples against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans was investigated by XTT reduction test, colony-forming units (CFUs), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The flexural strength, hardness, and surface roughness of the samples containing β-AgVO₃ were compared with the pure PMMA matrix.ResultsThe incorporation of 10% β-AgVO₃ significantly reduced the metabolic activity of C. albicans and S. mutans (p < 0.05). There was a reduction in microbial load (CFU/mL) of microorganisms for the different concentrations used (p < 0.05), which was confirmed by confocal microscopy. The addition of β-AgVO₃ did not change the mechanical properties of hardness and surface roughness of the resins (p > 0.05). However, flexural strength decreased with the addition of amounts greater than 1% (p < 0.05).Conclusionsβ-AgVO₃ additions in dental acrylic resin may have an impact on inhibition of biofilm of main microorganisms associated with dental prostheses. However, the viability of clinical use should be evaluated in function of changed promoted in some mechanical properties.     

Physicomechanical,optical, and antifungal properties of polymethyl methacrylate modified with metal methacrylate monomers

Statement of problemThe high recurrence rates of denture stomatitis may be associated with the resistance of biofilms to therapeutics. Therefore, methods that provide biomaterials with antifungal properties are an attractive solution to improving microbial control.PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to modify conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) through the incorporation of metal methacrylate monomers and to evaluate the physicomechanical and optical properties and antifungal activity of the modified materials.Material and methodsExperimental denture base acrylic resins were fabricated through the addition of zirconium methacrylate (ZM), tin methacrylate (TM), and di-n-butyldimethacrylate-tin (DNBMT) to the liquid of a commercially available denture base PMMA resin. Unmodified PMMA resin was used as the control. The degree of conversion of the materials was tested through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (n=3). A digital spectrophotometer was used to assess the color change of the modified materials (n=8). Differences in Knoop hardness and roughness between experimental groups were also evaluated (n=8). A biofilm accumulation test with Candida albicans (ATCC 62342) (n=4) was performed for 5 days in Sabouraud broth culture supplemented with 10% sucrose. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and the post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference test (α=.05).ResultsThe degree of conversion and color-change values of the experimental materials were statistically similar to those of the control (P=.593). The incorporation of DNBMT significantly increased the hardness of the modified material (P=.014). The ZM, TM, and DNBMT groups had higher antifungal activity against C. albicans (P=.001) and lower roughness than the control group (control 0.65 ±0.05 μm; ZM 0.34 ±0.09 μm, TM 0.34 ±0.11 μm, and DNBMT 0.41 ±0.08 μm).ConclusionsThe metal-containing methacrylate monomers provided antifungal action to the modified materials without affecting the physicomechanical or optical properties of the denture base resin. ZM, TM, and DNBMT are potential reactive agents for the fabrication of PMMA denture base resins with antifungal properties.     

Effect of chitosan nanoparticles on the inhibition of Candida spp. biofilm on denture base surface

ObjectivesChitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) have antifungal effects, however there is a lack of information about the effects of ChNPs against Candida biofilm on denture base surface. This study investigated the ChNPs effect against C. albicans biofilm adhesion and formation, and against Candida spp. biofilm on heat-cured acrylic resin.DesignThe ChNPs were synthetized (3800 μg/mL) and characterized by infra-red spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy. The minimum inhibitory/fungicidal concentrations (MIC/MFC) against Candida spp. were determined. The time-kill assay and changes on C. albicans micromorphology were evaluated. The % inhibition of ChNPs on C. albicans biofilm formation and reduction were investigated using 1 min and 8 h exposure. Candida biofilm was developed on resin surfaces and ChNPs were applied every 8 h for 5 days. After, fungal cells were counted (CFU/mL) and the surface roughness (Ra) and vickers microhardness (HV) of resin were analysed. For all experiments, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was used as control. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, Tukey and paired t-tests (α = 0.05).ResultsThe MIC_80% of ChNPs was 30.1 μg/mL. ChNPs at 4 MIC showed complete inhibition in the time-kill assays. Blastoconidia cells were predominant after ChNPs application. The % inhibition ChNPs on C. albicans was proportional to its concentration, regardless of the exposure time. ChNPs decreased the CFU/mL of Candida spp. and showed lower alteration of HV and Ra values of resin surface compared to NaOCl.ConclusionsThe ChNPs inhibited C. albicans biofilm, reduced Candida biofilm on resin and caused small changes in roughness and hardness of acrylic resin surface.     

Superhydrophilic co-polymer coatings on denture surfaces reduce Candida albicans adhesion—An in vitro study

ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to investigate denture-base-resin coatings prepared with a crosslinkable co-polymer containing sulfobetaine methacrylamide (SBMAm) and the relationship between their surface characteristics and the initial adhesion of Candida albicans (C. albicans).MethodsAcrylic resin discs were coated with co-polymers containing various concentrations of SBMAm and N,N’-(4,7,10-trioxa-1,13-tridecadiamine) diacrylamide (JDA) as crosslinking agent. Uncoated discs were used as controls. An acquired pellicle was formed on each disc using artificial saliva, and the discs were immersed in a suspension of C. albicans (JCM2085) cells. After incubation, tetrazolium salt (XTT-reduction) and colony forming unit (CFU) assays were performed and the morphogenesis of C. albicans was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface roughness, film thickness, and the water contact angle of each disc surface were measured.ResultsAll coating groups showed significantly lower amounts of adhered C. albicans in the XTT-reduction and CFU assays than the control, confirmed by the SEM images. Many wrinkle structures were observed on the surfaces coated with co-polymers containing more than 30% SBMAm. There were no significant differences in surface roughness among all groups. The co-polymer films on the coated discs were less than 5.0 μm in thickness, and these surfaces exhibited significantly lower mean water contact angles than the control.ConclusionCrosslinkable co-polymers containing SBMAm can enhance the hydrophilicity of the surface of denture-base resins and reduce the initial adhesion of C. albicans.     

In vitro comparison of the surface roughness of polymethyl methacrylate and bis-acrylic resins for interim restorations before and after polishing

Statement of problemPolymethyl methacrylate and bis-acrylic based resins are widely used for interim restorations. Their initial surface roughness is important because it determines their aesthetic properties and the potential for biofilm adhesion.PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the surface roughness and morphology of 6 bis-acrylic and 2 polymethyl methacrylate resins widely used for interim dental restorations, both before and after polishing.Material and methodsSpecimens made of different bis-acrylic resins (Protemp 4, Luxatemp Star, Systemp, Telio, Structur Premium, Structur 3) or of polymethyl methacrylate (Unifast Trad, Unifast 3) were polished using a 2-step polishing system (Diatech). The average surface roughness before and after polishing (10 seconds at low speed in dry conditions) was measured by optical profilometry. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze surface morphology. The Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate the differences in roughness among specimens (α=.05), and the Pearson r correlation was computed to assess the relationship between fillers and average surface roughness.ResultsIn the 8 groups evaluated, the roughness significantly increased (P<.001) for Protemp 4 (from 0.12 to 0.50 μm), Luxatemp Star (0.17 to 1.19 μm), Unifast 3 (0.40 to 1.00 μm), Systemp (0.46 to 1.51 μm), Structur 3 (0.85 to 1.06 μm), Structur Premium (1.00 to 1.74 μm), and Telio (1.13 to 1.21 μm), except for Unifast Trad (9.20 to 2.59 μm). Pairwise multiple comparisons identified Protemp 4 as having the smoothest surface before and after polishing, while Unifast Trad was the roughest in both. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the surface roughness of bis-acrylic resins was related to their surface morphology and average filler sizes. A positive relation between fillers and roughness was assessed (r=0.345, P<.001).ConclusionsFor the bis-acrylic interim resins, the surface roughness after polishing was correlated to the material used and its filler sizes. Nanofiller-based resins showed the smoothest surfaces. For the polymethyl methacrylate–based resins, the recently marketed Unifast 3 had the lowest overall roughness values.     

Influence of surface characteristics on the adhesion of Candida albicans to various denture lining materials

Abstract

Objective. This study evaluated the influence of surface characteristics of various denture lining materials on the adherence of Candida albicans. Materials and methods. Four different types of materials (tissue conditioners, acrylic and silicone soft liners and hard reline materials) were selected. Disk-shaped material specimens were prepared and their surface roughness values (R_a ) measured using a profilometer. The contact angles of four reference liquids were measured on the material surfaces and surface energy parameters (total surface energy, acid and base components, degree of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity) of the materials were calculated in accordance with acid-base theory. Specimens were incubated with C. albicans and adhering fungi quantified using the colony counting method. Data were statistically analyzed using a one-way ANOVA with Games–Howell post-hoc test (α = 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis was applied to detect correlations between surface characteristics and Candida adhesion. Results. Significant differences in the surface roughness of the materials were found (p < 0.001). The acrylic soft liners were more hydrophilic than the other materials. Overall, the acrylic soft liners and tissue conditioners showed significantly greater Candida adhesion than silicone soft liners and hard reline materials (p < 0.05). The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the base component and degree of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of the materials (p = 0.005/0.008), rather than the total surface energy and the surface roughness (p = 0.093/0.057), affected C. albicans adherence in a statistically significant way. Conclusions. The adhesion of C. albicans to denture lining materials can be accounted for in terms of interfacial acid-base interactions.     

Evaluation of the Candida albicans removal and mechanical properties of denture acrylics cleaned by a low-cost powered toothbrush

PurposeTo investigate the effects of using a low-cost powered toothbrush for cleaning on dental prostheses made of heat polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA.MethodsHeat cured PMMA specimens beam with the dimensions of 45.0 mm × 6.5 mm × 4.5 mm were fabricated. The specimens were kept in water storage at 37 °C constant temperature for 0, 1, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days and randomly assigned for testing or control. Test specimens underwent brushing by using a powered toothbrush at an applied force of 2.00 N for 22 min with water as medium. Surface roughness measurement (R_a), flexural strength and efficacy of brushing to remove coated Candida albicans biofilm were investigated.ResultsThe results of the mean surface roughness value and the flexural strength were analysed by using two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test at 5% significance level. In general, the specimens showed no significant changes in flexural strength after brushing. However, the flexural strength and the surface roughness value were significantly lower in specimens group after 7 days in water storage compared to the control. SEM micrographs of post-brushed specimens revealed satisfactory removal of C. albicans biofilm.ConclusionA low-cost powered toothbrush together with a liquid medium successfully removed C. albicans biofilm on dental acrylic PMMA-based prostheses, without compromising the mechanical properties.     

Salivary pellicles equalise surfaces’ charges and modulate the virulence of Candida albicans biofilm

IntroductionNumerous environmental factors influence the pathogenesis of Candida biofilms and an understanding of these is necessary for appropriate clinical management.AimsTo investigate the role of material type, pellicle and stage of biofilm development on the viability, bioactivity, virulence and structure of C. albicans biofilms.MethodsThe surface roughness (SR) and surface free energy (SFE) of acrylic and titanium discs was measured. Pellicles of saliva, or saliva supplemented with plasma, were formed on acrylic and titanium discs. Candida albicans biofilms were then generated for 1.5 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. The cell viability in biofilms was analysed by culture, whilst DNA concentration and the expression of Candida virulence genes (ALS1, ALS3 and HWP1) were evaluated using qPCR. Biofilm metabolic activity was determined using XTT reduction assay, and biofilm structure analysed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).ResultsWhilst the SR of acrylic and titanium did not significantly differ, the saliva with plasma pellicle increased significantly the total SFE of both surface. The number of viable microorganisms and DNA concentration increased with biofilm development, not differing within materials and pellicles. Biofilms developed on saliva with plasma pellicle surfaces had significantly higher activity after 24 h and this was accompanied with higher expression of virulence genes at all periods.ConclusionInduction of C. albicans virulence occurs with the presence of plasma proteins in pellicles, throughout biofilm growth. To mitigate such effects, reduction of increased plasmatic exudate, related to chronic inflammatory response, could aid the management of candidal biofilm-related infections.     

Influence of orthodontic brackets design and surface properties on the cariogenic Streptococcus mutans adhesion

ObjectiveTo compare the surface properties of self-ligating metallic (SLM), ceramic esthetic, and conventional metallic (CM) brackets, and evaluate the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans biofilms to their surface, attempting to interpret the correlation between bracket type and enamel demineralization from a microbiological perspective.Materials and methodsTwenty-two brackets of each group were used. The brackets’ surface roughness was defined and the bacterial adhesion was performed using the strain S. mutans ATCC25175 with 8 h or 24 h of incubation time. The total bacterial adhesion (TBA) of biofilms was assessed using optical density (OD) methodology. To quantify bacteria viability (BV), the colony forming units (CFU) were counted. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of biofilms was also performed. Results: Ceramic brackets exhibited significantly higher roughness (0.304) compared to CM (0.090) and SLM (0.067) ones (C > CM = SLM). The data obtained with the TBA and BV tests showed that S. mutans biofilm formed on bracket groups exhibited similar results for both incubation periods. From the SEM images it is possible to observe that biofilm structure formed for 24 h was denser than that for 8 h of incubation with significantly more aggregates and cells for three groups.ConclusionThis in vitro study suggests that despite the higher surface roughness of ceramic brackets, this alone does not influence the adhesion of the S. mutans biofilms.Clinical relevanceFrom a microbiological perspective, the bracket's design may be more relevant than its surface roughness with respect to the adhesion of cariogenic bacteria biofilm with potential risk to dental enamel integrity.     

Dynamics of different ion release from denture-base acrylic resins and their mechanical properties after the addition of bioactive materials

BackgroundThe denture-base acrylic resins used by partially edentulous patients can cause local demineralization of teeth. Alkali ions released from the bioactive materials that were added to acrylic resins can increase the pH of the oral environment and slow down the demineralization process.Aim of the studyThis study aimed to create a new denture-base acrylic resin that can release ions.Materials and methodsA total of 222 samples with different fillers (calcium hydrogen phosphate, hydroxyapatite, two kinds of bioactive glasses, and a product obtained by reaction between bioactive glass formed from glass ionomer cement and polyacrylic acid) were prepared for the study. All the materials were tested for mechanical properties and their use as phosphate donors for 3 weeks. The measurements were presented as mean ± SD error of the mean. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance, with a p-value of <0.05 as statistically significant.ResultsAcrylic resins obtained after the addition of a small quantity of bioactive materials (2.5–5%) showed similar mechanical properties (such as flexural strength and Izod impact resistance) as non-filled material. However, the hardness of the modified materials was higher compared to pure poly (methyl methacrylate). Samples modified with materials released phosphate ions for a short period. The materials that were identified to be most promising as an ion source were samples containing 5% calcium hydrogen phosphate (p < 0.01).ConclusionsBased on the results, it can be concluded that denture-base acrylic resins resulting after the addition of different bioactive precursors have improved mechanical properties and can release ions to the oral environment for a short period.     

Effect of smear layer removal agents on the microhardness and roughness of radicular dentin

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of phytic acid (IP6) on the surface roughness and microhardness of human root canal dentin and compare it to other smear layer removal agents.Materials and methodsFifty extracted human maxillary incisors were sectioned longitudinally into a total of 100 specimens followed by embedding in auto-polymerizing acrylic resin. The specimens were polished and then randomly divided into five groups (n = 20) according to the test solution used to condition root canal dentin: 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); 10% citric acid (CA); 1% IP6; 37% phosphoric acid (PA); or distilled water (control group). Each specimen was treated with a total volume of 1 ml of each solution for 1 min with agitation. Each group was then divided into two subgroups of 10 specimens each. The specimens of the first subgroup were used to determine microhardness, using Vickers hardness tester, and the specimens of the second subgroup were used to measure surface roughness, using a confocal laser scanning microscope. The results were analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests, α = 0.05.ResultsAll the tested groups exhibited microhardness and surface roughness values that were statistically significantly different when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The microhardness value obtained with IP6 was significantly lower when compared to EDTA, CA, and the control group, whereas its roughness value was significantly higher compared to the aforementioned groups. However, there was no significant difference between IP6 and PA (P > 0.05).ConclusionsIP6 and PA showed the lowest microhardness and the highest surface roughness values.     

Adherence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Candida albicans</Emphasis> to denture base acrylics and silicone-based resilient liner materials with different surface finishes

This study evaluated the surface roughness and Candida albicans adherence on denture base acrylic resins and silicone-based resilient liners with different surface finishes. Four commercial denture base acrylic resins (three heat polymerized and one room temperature polymerized) and five silicone-based liner materials (two heat polymerized and three room temperature polymerized) (10 × 10 × 2 mm) were tested in this study. The materials were processed against glass or plaster or finished with a tungsten carbide bur. Surface roughness measurements were made using a profilometer with an optical scanner probe. All specimens were ultrasonically cleaned in water for 15 s, autoclave sterilized, and contaminated with C. albicans solution for adherence assay evaluation. The materials processed against the glass surface showed significantly lower surface roughness values (0.11 ± 0.1–1.66 ± 1.1 μm) than those of the materials processed against the dental plaster (2.61 ± 0.2–6.12 ± 2.8 μm) or roughening with a bur (1.48 ± 0.2–7.05 ± 1.2 μm; p < 0.05, one- or two-way analysis of variance). Also, the materials processed against the glass surface showed lower C. albicans adhesion (mean ranks 120.36) than those of the materials processed against the dental plaster (mean ranks 139.77) or roughening with a bur (mean ranks 143.06), but the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05, Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney). In all types of surface finishes, C. albicans adhesion on denture base acrylics was significantly less (mean ranks 90.18–90.40) than those of silicone liners (mean ranks 119.38–205.18; p < 0.01, Kruskal–Wallis).     

Biofilm-forming ability and adherence to poly-(methyl-methacrylate) acrylic resin materials of oral Candida albicans strains isolated from HIV positive subjects

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the adhesion to acrylic resin specimens and biofilm formation capability of Candida albicans strains isolated from HIV positive subjects'' oral rinse solutions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The material tested was a heat-cured acrylic resin (Acron Duo). Using the adhesion and crystal violet assays, 14 oral Candida albicans isolated from HIV-positive subjects and 2 references Candida strains (C. albicans ATCC 90028 and C. albicans ATCC 90128) were compared for their biofilm production and adhesion properties to acrylic surfaces in vitro.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in adhesion (P=.52) and biofilm formation assays (P=.42) by statistical analysis with Mann-Whitney test.

CONCLUSION

Denture stomatitis and increased prevalence of candidal carriage in HIV infected patients is unlikely to be related to the biofilm formation and adhesion abilities of C. albicans to acrylic resin materials.     

Determining growth inhibition of Candida albicans biofilm on denture materials after application of an organoselenium-containing dental sealant

Statement of problemDenture stomatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by the formation of Candida albicans biofilm on denture bases. It is associated with aggravating intraoral pain, itching, and burning sensations. It can also potentiate cardiovascular diseases and aspiration pneumonia. The problem has thus far eluded efficient, toxic-free, and cost-effective solutions.PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effectiveness of organoselenium to inhibit the formation of C. albicans biofilm on the surface of acrylic resin denture base materials when it is either incorporated into the acrylic resin material or coated on the denture surface as a light-polymerized surface sealant.Material and methodsSixty heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate disks were fabricated and assigned to 4 groups (n=15): disks coated with a light-polymerized organoselenium-containing enamel surface sealant (DenteShield), disks impregnated with 0.5% organoselenium (0.5% selenium), disks impregnated with 1% organoselenium (1% selenium), and disks without organoselenium (control). C. albicans biofilm was grown on each disk which had been placed in a well of the microtiter plate containing 1-mL brain heart infusion broth inoculated with C. albicans. The plates were incubated aerobically at 37 °C for 48 hours. A confocal laser scanning microscope was used to determine the biofilm thickness, biomass, and live/dead cell ratio. Biofilm morphology was examined with scanning electron microscopy, whereas microbial viability was quantified by the spread plate method. The data were analyzed by using ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons (α=.05).ResultsThe microbial viability, biofilm thickness, biofilm biomass, and live/dead cell ratio were lower (P<.001) on disks in the test groups (DenteShield, 0.5% selenium, 1% selenium) when compared with the control group, with these variables being lowest in the 0.5% selenium and 1% selenium groups. The 0.5% selenium and 1% selenium groups did not differ significantly from each other in any of the variables (P>.05). Scanning electron microscope images showed inhibition of both biofilm growth and yeast to hyphae transition in the DenteShield, 0.5% selenium, and 1% selenium groups, with visible disruption of the biofilm morphology.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that organoselenium, whether incorporated into or coated on the surface of an acrylic resin denture base material, has the potential to inhibit Candida albicans biofilm growth on denture surfaces and as such can be clinically useful for the prevention of denture stomatitis.     

High-impact strength acrylic denture base material processed by autoclave

PurposeTo investigate the effect of two different cycles of autoclave processing on the transverse strength, impact strength, surface hardness and the porosity of high-impact strength acrylic denture base material.MethodsHigh Impact Acryl was the heat-cured acrylic denture base material included in the study. A total of 120 specimens were prepared, the specimens were grouped into: control groups in which high-impact strength acrylic resins processed by conventional water-bath processing technique (74 °C for 1.5 h then boil for 30 min) and experimental groups in which high-impact strength acrylic resins processed by autoclave at 121 °C, 210 kPa .The experimental groups were divided into (fast) groups for 15 min, and (slow) groups for 30 min. To study the effect of the autoclave processing (Tuttnauer 2540EA), four tests were conducted transverse strength (Instron universal testing machine), impact strength (Charpy tester), surface hardness (shore D), and porosity test. The results were analyzed to ANOVA and LSD test.ResultsIn ANOVA test, there were highly significant differences between the results of the processing techniques in transverse, impact, hardness, and porosity test. The LSD test showed a significant difference between control and fast groups in transverse and hardness tests and a non-significant difference in impact test and a highly significant difference in porosity test; while, there were a highly significant differences between control and slow groups in all examined tests; finally, there were a non-significant difference between fast and slow groups in transverse and porosity tests and a highly significant difference in impact and hardness tests.ConclusionsIn the autoclave processing technique, the slow (long) curing cycle improved the tested physical and mechanical properties as compared with the fast (short) curing cycle. The autoclave processing technique improved the tested physical and mechanical properties of High Impact Acryl.     

Antimicrobial effect and the mechanical and surface properties of a self-disinfecting and a chlorhexidine-incorporated Type IV dental stone

Statement of problemStone casts are subject to contamination, but whether disinfectants incorporated into the stone are effective is unclear.PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and the mechanical and surface properties of self-disinfecting gypsum (SDG) and gypsum mixed with 2% chlorhexidine (GCHX).Material and methodsAntimicrobial action was evaluated using the diffusion-disk technique on Streptococcus aureus and Candida albicans 1 hour and 24 hours after pouring the gypsum. The groups were SDG, GCHX, a positive control (PC) of gypsum mixed with distilled water, and a negative control (NC) of filter paper disk soaked with 2% chlorhexidine; n=8. Inhibition halos were measured using the ImageJ software program and statistically analyzed using the repeated measures mixed ANOVA with time×group interaction. Compressive strength (CS) in MPa and surface roughness (SR) in μm (parameters: Ra - roughness average; and Sa - 3-dimensional (3D) arithmetic mean of the surface profile) tests were performed to characterize the specimens (evaluated groups: SDG, GCHX, and PC; n=10). CS data were analyzed by a 2-way ANOVA with time×group interaction, and SR data by a 1-way ANOVA (α=.05).ResultsFor S aureus, there were differences between GCHX and SDG at 1 hour and 24 hours (P<.05), but no significant differences were found for C albicans (P>.05). GCHX was better than PC, except for C albicans, and showed a reduction in CS when compared with PC and SDG (P<.05) at all time intervals. The SR of GCHX increased (Ra:1.76, Sa:2.08) when compared with PC (Ra:0.89, Sa:1.12) and SDG (Ra:1.03, Sa:1.35) (Ra: P<.004 and Sa: P<.001).ConclusionsThe antimicrobial activity of GCHX against S aureus was better than that of SDG, but neither had an effect against C albicans. As for CS and SR, GCHX presented a decrease in properties when compared with PC and SDG but was within the American Dental Association #25 specification values.     

INFLUENCE OF A COBALT-CHROMIUM METAL FRAMEWORK ON SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND KNOOP HARDNESS OF VISIBLE LIGHT-POLYMERIZED ACRYLIC RESINS

Although visible light-polymerized acrylic resins have been used in removable partial dentures, it is not clear whether the presence of a metal framework could interfere with their polymerization, by possibly reflecting the light and affecting important properties, such as roughness and hardness, which would consequently increase biofilm accumulation. The aim of this study was to compare the roughness and Knoop hardness of a visible light-polymerized acrylic resin and to compare these values to those of water-bath- and microwave-polymerized resins, in the presence of a metal framework. Thirty-six specimens measuring 30.0 × 4.0 ± 0.5 mm of a microwave- (Onda Cryl), a visible light- (Triad) and a water-bath- polymerized (Clássico) (control) acrylic resins containing a cobalt-chromium metal bar were prepared. After processing, specimens were ground with 360 to 1000-grit abrasive papers in a polishing machine, followed by polishing with cloths and 1μm diamond particle suspension. Roughness was evaluated using a profilometer (Surfcorder SE 1700) and Knoop hardness (Kg/mm²) was assayed using a microhardness tester (Shimadzu HMV 2000) at distances of 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 μm from the metal bar. Roughness and Knoop hardness means were submitted to two-way ANOVA and compared by Tukey and Kruskal Wallis tests at a 5% significance level Statistically significant differences were found (p<0.05) for roughness and Knoop hardness, with light-polymerized resin presenting the highest values (Ra = 0.11 μm and hardness between 20.2 and 21.4 Kg/mm²). Knoop values at different distances from the metal bar did not differ statistically (p>0.05). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it was concluded that the presence of metal did not influence roughness and hardness values of any of the tested acrylic resins.