Antimicrobial Efficacy of Novel Self-Disinfecting Denture Base Materials

The increasing prevalence of denture-associated infections highlights the need for innovative materials with intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Novel self-disinfecting denture base materials incorporating antimicrobial agents offer a promising solution.

Three groups of denture base materials were tested: Group A (conventional polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA), Group B (PMMA infused with silver nanoparticles), and Group C (PMMA infused with chlorhexidine microspheres). Samples (n = 10/group) were fabricated according to standardized protocols. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans using a disc diffusion assay and a biofilm inhibition test. Zone of inhibition (ZOI) and colony-forming unit (CFU) counts were measured after 24 and 48 hours.

Group A showed no significant antimicrobial activity, with ZOI values of 0 mm for both pathogens. Group B exhibited moderate efficacy, with mean ZOI values of 10.5 ± 1.2 mm and 8.8 ± 1.0 mm against S. mutans and C. albicans, respectively. Group C demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity, with mean ZOI values of 15.3 ± 1.5 mm and 13.7 ± 1.3 mm. Biofilm inhibition was significantly higher in Group C (75%) compared with Group B (50%) and Group A (10%).

Novel self-disinfecting denture base materials infused with antimicrobial agents, particularly chlorhexidine microspheres, exhibit superior antimicrobial efficacy compared with conventional PMMA.