[The effect of additional polyphosphazene nanotubes in polyurethane composites on microorganisms adhesion]

To investigate Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans adhesion to 3 polyurethane composites [pure polyurethane (PU), 1% polyphosphazene-containing polyurethane (PZS-1%) and 5% polyphosphazene-containing polyurethane (PZS-5%)].

Two kinds of microorganism suspension were incubated with the specimens under certain culture conditions and the roughness of 3 materials were determined before adhesion tests. Microorganism attached to the specimen were then observed under optical microscope, and viable micro-organisms adhered to the specimen were then counted and removed. The data was analyzed with SAS 8.02 softwaree package.

PU has the roughest surface followed by PZS-1% and PZS-5%. Most amounts of cell adhesion were observed in PU followed by PZS-1% and least amounts were found in PZS-5%.

The increase of polyphosphazene nanotubes in polyurethane composites may have an effect on cell adhesion. Surface roughness of the materials may be one of the factors.