Antifungal effects of coating chitosan particles on polymethylmethacrylate acrylic resin: An in vitro study

Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) acrylic resin is widely used for denture fabrication due to its biocompatibility and low cost; however, its porous surface makes it highly susceptible to colonization by Candida albicans. Biofilm formation by this organism poses a persistent clinical challenge due to its resistance to antifungal treatments. Chitosan (CS), a naturally derived biopolymer with proven antimicrobial properties, represents a promising solution. This study evaluated the in vitro antifungal effects and growth inhibition of a novel chitosan nano particle coating on Candida albicans applied to heat-cured acrylic resin.

A total of sixty standard-dimension, freshly fabricated, and sterilized polymethylmethacrylate plates were randomly allocated into two groups. Thirty in the control group were treated with uncoated acrylic resin denture base plates, and thirty in the study group were treated with acrylic resin denture base coated with chitosan nanoparticles. All the specimens were sterilized by autoclaving at 15 psi/121°C for 15 min. The diameter of the zone of growth inhibition was assessed clinically with the naked eye and measured around each specimen in mm using a measuring scale. All data were collected on a pro forma.

Mean inhibiting fungal growth was 1.6958 ± 0.95 mm in the study group and 0.2783 ± 0.74 mm in the control group. Significant mean difference was observed between groups (difference = 1.41743; p < 0.001). The results of the current study may show a decrease in antifungal activities.

We conclude that chitosan in solutions is more effective at reducing the viability of C. albicans biofilm on poly-methyl methacrylate resin than not using chitosan. Taking the above into consideration, the studied concept of modifying denture base materials with chitosan requires improvement.