Rechargeable anticandidal denture material with sustained release in saliva

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Mycology
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Denture stomatitis, caused by Candida, is a common issue for denture wearers.
• Previous research developed a denture material releasing antifungals in saline.
• This study evaluates drug release and bioactivity in a more clinically relevant saliva environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess miconazole release and bioactivity from a novel denture material (PMMA-g-PNVP) under simulated oral conditions.
• To investigate the effect of saliva concentration on drug release and solubility.
• To evaluate the potential for recharging the denture material with antifungals.

Main Methods:

• Poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone) (PNVP) was grafted onto poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) via plasma initiation, creating PMMA-g-PNVP.
• Miconazole-loaded disks were immersed in varying concentrations of human saliva at 37°C for up to 30 days.
• Miconazole release was quantified using HPLC, and its anticandidal bioactivity was tested against Candida isolates. Rechargeability was also assessed.

Main Results:

• Miconazole was released from PMMA-g-PNVP disks for up to 30 days in human saliva.
• Increased saliva concentration enhanced miconazole release and solubility.
• Released miconazole retained its anticandidal activity, and disks could be recharged with miconazole or chlorhexidine, restoring bioactivity.

Conclusions:

• PMMA-g-PNVP demonstrates sustained antifungal drug release and bioactivity in human saliva.
• The material's rechargeability offers a potential for long-term management of denture stomatitis.
• This novel denture material shows significant promise for clinical application in preventing and treating oral candidiasis.