Influence of nanohydroxyapatite mouthwash on the growth of Candida albicans biofilm on milled denture surfaces: An in vitro study.

Abstract

There is a need for effective solutions for the persistent prevalence of denture stomatitis (DS) in denture-wearing populations. This study assessed the impact of nanohydroxyapatite (nanoHAP) nanoparticles on Candida albicans biofilm formation on milled polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture bases. Acquired salivary pellicle was formed on disks milled from a prepolymerized PMMA puck. The disks were assigned to two groups, A (n=18) and B (n=18), and each group was further subdivided into three subgroups (6/subgroup), each treated with either Polident solution (antibacterial denture cleanser), nanoHAP mouthwash, or distilled water. Disks in group A subgroups were soaked in their respective treatment solutions for 8h, followed by biofilm formation on thedisk for 24h. Disks in group B subgroups had C. albicans biofilm formed on them for 24h, followed by soaking in their respective treatment solutions for 8h. Biofilm thickness, biomass, and live/dead cell ratio were determined using aconfocal laser scanning microscope. Biofilm morphology was examined with ascanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons (α=0.05). In group A, nanoHAP mouthwash displayed significant anti-adhesive properties. In group B, biofilm biomass and thickness significantly decreased (p<0.05), with the nanoHAP showing the most substantial reduction in existing biofilm compared to other solutions, but it did not significantly affect cell viability. This study demonstrated the efficacy of nanoHAP mouthwash in inhibiting C. albicans biofilm formation when used as a storage medium for acrylic dentures. It suggests its potential clinical application for preventing denture stomatitis in patients.