Adherence of Candida albicans to experimental denture soft lining materials

Abstract

Statement of problem. Colonization of denture soft lining materials by Candida albicans can result in clinical problems. Two experimental silicone soft lining materials have been developed and demonstrate good physical properties. Purpose of study. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of candidal adherence to these materials compared with a commercially available soft lining material and an acrylic resin denture base. Material and methods. The experimental materials were constructed in a stainless-steel mold, and their surface energies were determined with a dynamic contact angle analyzer. The adherence of three strains of C. albicans was determined with an in vitro assay. In addition, one test strain was used to determine the effect on adherence of precoating the materials with whole saliva. Results. Adhesion to all materials was strain variable, with the lowest adherence recorded for the two experimental materials. Decreased adherence was also apparent after precoating the materials with saliva. Correlation between surface energy of the material and the degree of candidal adhesion was seen for one strain, but no correlation was seen for the other two strains. Conclusion. Adherence of C. albicans to the two experimental silicone soft lining materials was significantly less than that for an acrylic resin denture base and a commercially available soft lining material. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;77:306-12.)