Candida albicans adherence to surface-modified denture resin surfaces

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials
• Microbiology

Background:

• Denture base resins, primarily poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), are susceptible to Candida albicans colonization, leading to denture stomatitis.
• Effective strategies are needed to reduce fungal adhesion and biofilm formation on denture surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate two innovative methods for reducing Candida albicans adhesion to denture base resins.
• To evaluate the efficacy of surface charge modification and self-bonding polymer application on PMMA surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Three groups were tested: control PMMA, modified PMMA (mPMMA) with methacrylic acid, and PMMA coated with self-bonding polymer (SBP).
• Specimens were incubated with C. albicans for 2, 4, 6, and 12 days.
• Adherent C. albicans was quantified using image analysis software after Gram staining.

Main Results:

• Modified resin (mPMMA) showed significantly lower Candida adhesion than control and SBP groups at day 2.
• Both mPMMA and SBP groups exhibited significantly reduced Candida accumulation compared to the control group at days 4, 6, and 12.

Conclusions:

• Surface modification of PMMA by incorporating surface charge or applying a self-bonding polymer effectively reduces Candida albicans adhesion.
• These surface characteristic modifications represent a promising approach to minimize fungal colonization on denture biomaterials.