Feasibility of microencapsulated phytochemical as disinfectant for inhibition of Candida albicans proliferation on denture base produced by digital light processing

Antimicrobial activity, surface properties, and cytotoxicity of microencapsulated phytochemicals incorporated into three-dimensionally printable dental polymers

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial properties of three dimensionally-printed dental polymers (3DPs) incorporated with microencapsulated phytochemicals (MPs) and to assess their surface characteristics and cytotoxicity.

METHODS

MPs derived from phytoncide oil and their specific chemical components were introduced into suspensions of three microbial species: Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus oralis, and Candida albicans. Optical density was measured to determine the microbial growth in the presence of MPs for testing their antimicrobial activity. MPs at 5% (w/w) were mixed with dental polymers and dispersants to 3DP discs. These microbial species were then seeded onto the discs and incubated for 24 h. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of MP-containing 3DPs were evaluated by counting the colony-forming units (n = 3). The biofilm formation on the 3DP was assessed by crystal violet staining assay (n = 3). Microbial viability was determined using a live-dead staining and CLSM observation (n = 3). Surface roughness and water contact angle were assessed (n = 10). Cytotoxicity of MP-containing 3DPs for human gingival fibroblast was evaluated by MTT assay.

RESULTS

MPs, particularly (-)-α-pinene, suppressed the growth of all tested microbial species. MP-containing 3DPs significantly reduced the colony count (P ≤ 0.001) and biofilm formation (P ≤ 0.009), of all tested microbial species. Both surface roughness (P < 0.001) and water contact angle (P < 0.001) increased. The cytotoxicity remained unchanged after incorporating MPs to the 3DPs (P = 0.310).

CONCLUSIONS

MPs effectively controlled the microbial growth on 3DPs as evidenced by the colony count, biofilm formation, and cell viability. Although MPs modified the surface characteristics, they did not influence the cytotoxicity of 3DPs.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Integration of MPs into 3DPs could produce dental prostheses or appliances with antimicrobial properties. This approach not only provides a proactive solution to reduce the risk of oral biofilm-related infection but also ensures the safety and biocompatibility of the material, thereby improving dental care.

Different Polymers for the Base of Removable Dentures? Part II: A Narrative Review of the Dynamics of Microbial Plaque Formation on Dentures

This review focuses on the current disparities and gaps in research on the characteristics of the oral ecosystem of denture wearers, making a unique contribution to the literature on this topic. We aimed to synthesize the literature on the state of current knowledge concerning the biological behavior of the different polymers used in prosthetics. Whichever polymer is used in the composition of the prosthetic base (poly methyl methacrylate acrylic (PMMA), polyamide (PA), or polyether ether ketone (PEEK)), the simple presence of a removable prosthesis in the oral cavity can disturb the balance of the oral microbiota. This phenomenon is aggravated by poor oral hygiene, resulting in an increased microbial load coupled with the reduced salivation that is associated with older patients. In 15-70% of patients, this imbalance leads to the appearance of inflammation under the prosthesis (denture stomatitis, DS). DS is dependent on the equilibrium-as well as on the reciprocal, fragile, and constantly dynamic conditions-between the host and the microbiome in the oral cavity. Several local and general parameters contribute to this balance. Locally, the formation of microbial plaque on dentures (DMP) depends on the phenomena of adhesion, aggregation, and accumulation of microorganisms. To limit DMP, apart from oral and lifestyle hygiene, the prosthesis must be polished and regularly immersed in a disinfectant bath. It can also be covered with an insulating coating. In the long term, relining and maintenance of the prosthesis must also be established to control microbial proliferation. On the other hand, several general conditions specific to the host (aging; heredity; allergies; diseases such as diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular, respiratory, or digestive diseases; and immunodeficiencies) can make the management of DS difficult. Thus, the second part of this review addresses the complexity of the management of DMP depending on the polymer used. The methodology followed in this review comprised the formulation of a search strategy, definition of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and selection of studies for analysis. The PubMed database was searched independently for pertinent studies. A total of 213 titles were retrieved from the electronic databases, and after applying the exclusion criteria, we selected 84 articles on the possible microbial interactions between the prosthesis and the oral environment, with a particular emphasis on Candida albicans.