Self-cleaning effects of acrylic resin containing fluoridated apatite-coated titanium dioxide

Specific materials when used in the manufacture of dentures can enhance the elimination of micro-organisms to promote oral hygiene. We used Candida albicans adhesion assays, methylene blue (MB)-decomposition tests and mechanical property tests to evaluate the photocatalytic properties of acrylic resin containing fluoridated apatite-coated titanium dioxide (FAp-TiO2 ) after treatment with ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation.

Conventional denture cleaning methods are unable to completely eliminate micro-organisms from dentures.

Test specimens were prepared using acrylic resin containing three types of TiO2 powder [FAp-TiO2, titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) and hydroxyapatite-coated TiO2 (HAp-TiO2 )]; n = 96. In the adhesion assay, test specimens were incubated in a fungal suspension and subjected to UVA irradiation, and the number of attachments of C. albicans on the test specimens was counted. The MB-decomposition test and the three-point bending test were then performed to assess the photocatalytic effects of the FAp-TiO2 -containing acrylic resin.

Fluoridated apatite-coated titanium dioxide-containing acrylic resin demonstrated superior effectiveness in inhibiting C. albicans adherence as well as in decomposing MB. In the three-point bending test, the resin showed a smaller decrease in flexural strength compared with TiO2 - or HAp-TiO2 -containing acrylic resin. Furthermore, UVA irradiation for 360 h did not significantly influence its flexural strength or elasticity modulus as compared with the control; this fulfils the requirements of International Organization for Standardization 1567:1999.

Fluoridated apatite-coated titanium dioxide-containing acrylic resin is a clinically suitable material that promotes proper denture hygiene, particularly for elderly persons requiring nursing care or who have a decreased ability to perform normal activities of daily living.