Adherence Of Candida Albicans Research Articles

Rhamnolipid inspired lipopeptides effective in preventing adhesion and biofilm formation of Candida albicans

Rhamnolipids are biodegradable low toxic biosurfactants which exert antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties. They have attracted much attention recently due to potential applications in areas of bioremediation, therapeutics, cosmetics and agriculture, however, the full potential of these versatile molecules is yet to be explored. Based on the facts that many naturally occurring lipopeptides are potent antimicrobials, our study aimed to explore the potential of replacing rhamnose in rhamnolipids with amino acids thus creating lipopeptides that would mimic or enhance properties of the parent molecule. This would allow not only for more economical and greener production but also, due to the availability of structurally different amino acids, facile manipulation of physico-chemical and biological properties.Our synthetic efforts produced a library of 43 lipopeptides revealing biologically more potent molecules. The structural changes significantly increased, in particular, anti-biofilm properties against Candida albicans, although surface activity of the parent molecule was almost completely abolished. Our findings show that the most active compounds are leucine derivatives of 3-hydroxy acids containing benzylic ester functionality. The SAR study demonstrated a further increase in activity with aliphatic chain elongation. The most promising lipopeptides 15, 23 and 36 at 12.5 µg/mL concentration allowed only 14.3%, 5.1% and 11.2% of biofilm formation, respectively after 24 h. These compounds inhibit biofilm formation by preventing adhesion of C. albicans to abiotic and biotic surfaces.

Effects of the binding of a Helianthus annuus lectin to Candida albicans cell wall on biofilm development and adhesion to host cells

BackgroundIn our previous study, we isolated and characterized a lectin called Helja from Helianthus annuus (sunflower) and then, in a further study, demonstrated its antifungal activity against Candida spp. Since Candida infections are a major health concern due to the increasing emergence of antifungal resistant strains, the search for new antifungal agents offers a promising opportunity for improving the treatment strategies against candidiasis. PurposeThe aim of this work was to get insights about the mechanism of action of Helja, an antifungal lectin of H. annuus, and to explore its ability to inhibit Candida albicans biofilm development and adherence to buccal epithelial cells (BEC). Study design/methodsYeast viability was evaluated by Evans Blue uptake and counting of colony forming units (CFU). The yeast cell integrity was assessed using Calcofluor White (CFW) as a cell wall perturbing agent and sorbitol as osmotic protectant. The induction of oxidative stress was evaluated using 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) for detection of hydrogen peroxide. The adherence was determined by counting the yeast cells attached to BEC after methylene blue staining. The biofilms were developed on polystyrene microplates, visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy and the viable biomass was quantified by CFU counting. The binding lectin-Candida was assessed using Helja conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate (Helja-FITC) and simultaneous staining with CFW. The cellular surface hydrophobicity (CSH) was determined using a microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons method. ResultsC. albicans cells treated with 0.1 µg/µl of Helja showed a drastic decrease in yeast survival. The lectin affected the fungal cell integrity, induced the production of hydrogen peroxide and inhibited the morphological transition from yeast to filamentous forms. Helja caused a significant reduction of adherent cells and a decrease in biofilm biomass and coverage area. The treatment with the protein also reduced the surface hydrophobicity of fungal cells. We show the binding of Helja-FITC to yeast cells distributed as a thin outer layer to the CFW signal, and this interaction was displaced by mannose and Concanavalin A. ConclusionThe results demonstrate the interaction of Helja with the mannoproteins of C. albicans cell wall, the disruption of the cell integrity, the induction of oxidative stress, the inhibition of the morphological transition from yeast to filamentous forms and the fungal cell viability loss. The binding Helja-Candida also provides a possible explanation of the lectin effect on cell adherence, biofilm development and CSH, relevant features related to virulence of the pathogen.

The build angle of 3D printing denture base resin on candida albicans adhesion.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the adhesion of Candida albicans according to build angle in 3D printing denture base resin. Methods: The 3D printing was performed by setting the build angle of the disk type specimen designed by CAD program at 0 degree, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees. Surface roughness was measured using a non-contact 3D microsurface profiler. The specimens were incubated in Candida albicans suspension for 24 hours. The attached Candida albicans were detached by cell scraper. The suspension of detached C. albicans was serially diluted and plated on Trypticase soy broth. After 48 hours of incubation, total colony forming unit was counted. Results: There was no significant difference in surface roughness(Sa) between the test groups, but the interlayer boundary was observed. There was no statistically significant difference in total colony forming units of Candida albicans between the test groups. Conclusion: There was no difference in the average surface roughness and adhesion of Candida albicans between the specimens. It is considered that the setting of the build angle should be set considering the accuracy or strength rather than the roughness of the surface.

Rapid Coating Process Generates Omniphobic Dentures in Minutes to Reduce C. albicans Biofouling.

Localized infections caused by biofilm formation on dentures pose a serious health risk for patients, especially the elderly, as they can lead to complications such as pneumonia. Daily enzymatic denture cleaners do not fully prevent biofilm formation on dentures. Here we developed a rapid coating process to apply a liquid repellent surface to dentures in ∼5 min and demonstrated a significant 225-fold reduction of Candida albicans adhesion over 6 days, compared to uncoated dentures. This rapid coating process could be applied to dentures and other dental devices chair-side and allow the research community to quickly and easily generate ominphobic surfaces.

Graphene oxide coatings prevent Candida albicans biofilm formation with a controlled release of curcumin-loaded nanocomposites.

Fabrication of graphene oxide (GO)-based medical devices coatings that limit adhesion of Candida albicans, a main issue of healthcare-associated infections. The GO composites noncovalently functionalized with curcumin (CU), a hydrophobic molecule with active antimicrobial action, polyethylene glycol (PEG) that hinders the absorption of biomolecules or a combination of CU and PEG (GO-CU-PEG) were drop-casted on surfaces and antifungal efficacy was assessed. We demonstrate that GO-CU-PEG coatings can reduce fungal adhesion, proliferation and biofilm formation. Furthermore, in an aqueous environment, surfaces release curcumin-PEG nanocomposites that have a minimum inhibitory concentration of 9.25μg/ml against C. albicans. Prevention of early cell adhesion and creation of a proximal environment unfavorable for growth make these GO-supported biomaterials attractive for innovative medical device manufacturing.

Inhibition of adherence of the yeast Candida albicans to buccal epithelial cells by synthetic aromatic glycoconjugates

The yeast Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen which induces superficial and systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. Adherence to host tissue is critical to its ability to colonise and infect the host. The work presented here describes the synthesis of a small library of aromatic glycoconjugates (AGCs) and their evaluation as inhibitors of C. albicans adherence to exfoliated buccal epithelial cells (BECs). We identified a divalent galactoside, ligand 2a, capable of displacing over 50% of yeast cells already attached to the BECs. Fluorescence imaging indicates that 2a may bind to structural components of the fungal cell wall.

Interactions between Terpinen-4-ol and Nystatin on biofilm of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of Terpinen-4-ol associated with nystatin, on single and mixed species biofilms formed by Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, as well as the effect of terpinen-4-ol on adhesion in oral cells and the enzymatic activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum fungicide concentrations of terpinen-4-ol and nystatin on Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis were determined using the microdilution broth method, along with their synergistic activity ("checkerboard" method). Single and mixed species biofilms were prepared using the static microtiter plate model and quantified by colony forming units (CFU/mL). The effect of Terpinen-4-ol in adhesion of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis in coculture with oral keratinocytes (NOK Si) was evaluated, as well as the enzymatic activity by measuring the size of the precipitation zone, after the growth agar to phospholipase, protease and hemolysin. Terpinen-4-ol (4.53 mg mL-1) and nystatin (0.008 mg mL-1) were able to inhibit biofilms growth, and a synergistic antifungal effect was showed with the drug association, reducing the inhibitory concentration of nystatin up to 8 times in single biofilm of Candida albicans, and 2 times in mixed species biofilm. A small decrease in the adhesion of Candida tropicalis in NOK Si cells was showed after treatment with terpinen-4-ol, and nystatin had a greater effect for both species. For enzymatic activity, the drugs showed no action. The effect potentiated by the combination of terpinen-4-ol and nystatin and the reduction of adhesion provide evidence of its potential as an anti-fungal agent.

Examination of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer coated acrylic resin denture base material: surface characteristics and Candida albicans adhesion

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer coating with various concentrations onto acrylic resin denture base material on surface characteristics such as contact angle and surface roughness and on Candida albicans adhesion which is the major factor of denture stomatitis. Specimens, prepared from heat-polymerized acrylic denture base material, were divided into control and three test groups, randomly. Surfaces of the specimens in test groups were coated with poly(MPC) (PMPC) by graft polymerization of MPC in different concentrations (0.25 mol/L; 0.50 mol/L and 0.75 mol/L), while no surface treatment was applied to the control group. Contact angles and surface roughness were examined, and chemical composition of the surfaces was analyzed by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to verify the presence of PMPC coatings. Then, specimens were incubated with C. albicans for 18 h and the number of adhered cells was determined. Upon PMPC coating, the contact angle values statistically decreased, but no difference was found in surface roughness values. A statistically significant decrease was observed in C. albicans adhesion in parallel with the increase in the MPC polymer concentration. There was no significant difference between 0.50 mol/L and 0.75 mol/L groups in terms of adhesion. These findings indicated that graft polymerization of MPC on acrylic denture base material reduces the adhesion of C. albicans, and may be evaluated as a coating for prevention of denture stomatitis.

The Influence of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Incorporation into Soft Denture Lining Material on Candida albicans Adherence and Some Mechanical and Physical Properties

The Influence of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Incorporation into Soft Denture Lining Material on Candida albicans Adherence and Some Mechanical and Physical Properties

Effect of the combination of several irrigants on dentine surface properties, adsorption of chlorhexidine and adhesion of microorganisms to dentine.

To investigate the effects of combinations of several irrigants on the roughness and wettability of dentine, adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans and adsorption of chlorhexidine (CHX) to the dentine. Bovine dentine samples were prepared and their surface roughness standardized. The samples were distributed in groups (n=10) and subjected to one of the following irrigation protocols: G1 - saline solution; G2 - sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G3 - NaOCl+ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); G4 - NaOCl+peracetic acid (PAA); G5 - NaOCl+1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP); G6 - NaOCl+EDTA+CHX; G7 - NaOCl+PAA+CHX; G8 - NaOCl+HEDP+CHX; and G9 - mixture of NaOCl+HEDP. After treatments, roughness and wettability were measured. In order to evaluate the adhesion of microorganisms to dentine, new dentine samples were prepared and after 2h of contact with the microorganisms, were analysed using a confocal laser scanning microscope and the number of microorganisms adhering to the surfaces were determined. Absorption spectra were collected by attenuated total reflectance of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy before and after immersion of other dentine samples in each solution of G6, G7 and G8 and in a solution of 2% CHX at various time intervals. The areas of the band associated with CHX with the peak at 1492cm-1 were calculated between 1479 and 1500cm-1 of the spectral range. The data obtained in all experiments were subjected to one-way ANOVA (α<0.05). The values of the CHX band were also subjected to one-way repeated measures ANOVA (α<0.05). Saline solution, NaOCl, HEDP and CHX did not alter the roughness of the dentine (P>0.05), whilst EDTA and PAA did (P<0.05). Dentine surface wettability increased after the use of all irrigants compared to saline solution (P<0.05), with HEDP causing the greatest increases (P<0.05). The adhesion of E.faecalis was favoured on surfaces treated with only saline solution and NaOCl, and on samples that had decalcifying agents as the final irrigant (P<0.05). The adhesion of C.albicans was highest on surfaces treated with only saline solution and on surfaces that had NaOCl used as the last irrigant (P<0.05). The use of CHX as a final irrigant reduced the adhesion of both microorganisms. The roughness and wettability did not influence the adhesion of the microorganisms tested. The adsorption of CHX to the dentine was significant after 1min of immersion of the mineralized samples in the irrigant (P<0.05), and the use ofchelating agents prior to CHX potentiated this adsorption. The irrigation solutions had a variable effect on the properties of dentine, on the adhesion of E.faecalis and C.albicans and the adsorption of CHX to the dentine surface.

The effect of &lt;i&gt;Piper&lt;/i&gt; &lt;i&gt;betle&lt;/i&gt; against &lt;i&gt;Candida&lt;/i&gt; &lt;i&gt;albicans&lt;/i&gt; adherence to denture acrylic surfaces

Antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants has been identified since ancient times, and has been used to cure bacterial and fungal diseases. Piper betle is an important medicinal plant with its medicinal properties extending to antimicrobial activity against several pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of P. betle leaf extract on Candida albicans adhesion on denture acrylics. Young betel leaves (1 st - 3 rd leaf) were subjected to vacuum infiltration with ethanol. Anticandidal activity of a range of concentrations of the leaf extract (5,000 – 10,000 ppm) was assessed against C. albicans (ATCC 90028) and seven laboratory isolates using the agar well bioassay. Further, the same concentrations were used to test their ability to suppress the adhesion of C. albicans on denture acrylics, as compared to a commercial denture cleanser (positive control), and sterile distilled water (negative control) using an adhesion assay. The results indicated that sterile distilled water had the highest adhesion (23.75 ±5.3 cells per unit area) while both, the leaf extract of concentrations of 8,000 – 10,000 ppm and the commercial denture cleanser showed significant (p C. albicans adhesion on denture acrylics. There was no significant difference between adhesion in an 8000 ppm concentration extract of P. betle and the commercial denture cleanser of equal concentration, indicating that betel leaf extract is as efficient as the commercial denture cleanser, in suppressing the adhesion of C. albicans on denture acrylic surfaces

The Effect of a Continuous Mechanical Polishing Protocol on Surface Roughness, Biofilm Adhesion, and Color Stability of Acrylic Resin Artificial Teeth.

Acrylic resin properties are susceptible to change over the duration of use, thereby decreasing prosthesis longevity. To make the material less susceptible to the action of external agents such as stain-causing liquids and cleaning solutions, polishing procedures are recommended. A specific mechanical polishing procedure performed regularly was evaluated regarding the biofilm adhesion, surface roughness (Ra), color stability (ΔE), and mass changes in acrylic resin artificial teeth. Sixty artificial teeth divided into two groups (n=30) were immersed in distilled water (WT) and coffee (CF). These groups were then subdivided (n=10) according to the type of polishing procedure administered: no polishing, biweekly polishing (once every 2 weeks) (pol 1), or monthly polishing (once a month) (pol 2), using aluminum oxide paste and a felt polishing wheel attached to an electric motor at a speed of 3000 rpm. Properties were evaluated at baseline and after 4, 8, 12, and 24 months of simulated immersion. At the end, the adhesion of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans multispecies biofilm in all groups was assessed. The CF group showed an increased Ra and weight, and a significantly greater ΔE compared to the WT group. The polishing procedure reduced Ra and minimized the stains caused by coffee, without losing mass, with the biweekly regime more effective than the monthly regime. Also, polishing reduced the adhesion of biofilm in the CF groups, again with the biweekly regime the most effective. When performed regularly, the mechanical polishing procedure tested reduces the changes in artificial teeth subjected to immersion in coffee, with the biweekly frequency most effective regarding the properties evaluated.

The immunomodulatory effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves extract on immunocompromised Wistar rats infected by Candida albicans.

Background and Aim:The immunocompromised condition is considered a defect in the immune system. This condition tends to increase the risk of oral candidiasis, due to the inability of the immune system to eliminate the adhesion of Candida albicans and leads to systemic candidiasis with a mortality rate of 60%. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) contains potential antioxidant and immunomodulatory which acts as anticancer, antifungal, and antivirus agent. The aim of this study was to invent herbal-based medicine, which acts as an immunomodulator and antifungal agent to treat fungal infection in immunocompromised patients.Materials and Methods:Thirty-five immunocompromised Wistar rats induced with C. albicans were divided into 7 groups (n=5): Control group (C+); treated for 4 days with green tea extract 1.25% (GT 4), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) 1% (EGCG 4), EGC 1% (EGC 4); and treated for 7 days with green tea extract 1.25% (GT 7), EGCG 1% (EGCG 7), and EGC 1% (EGC 7). Tongue tissue was collected and analyzed with immunohistochemistry staining using monoclonal antibody; interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-8, and human beta-defensin 2 (HBD)-2. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance test and Tukey honest significant differences test.Results:The expression of IL-17A, IL-8, and HBD-2 was significantly increased (p=0.000) after green tea extract administration in 7 days, whereas in 7 days, the expression of IL-8, IL-17A, and HBD-2 after EGCG and EGC administration did not give a significant result (p>0.005).Conclusion:Within the limits of this study, green tea extract has the ability as an immunomodulatory agent in an immunocompromised patient infected by C. albicans through expression augmentation of IL-8, IL-17A, and HBD-2 compared to EGCG and EGC.

Effect of incorporation of surface pre-reacted glass ionomer filler in tissue conditioner on the inhibition of Candida albicans adhesion.

We investigated the effects of incorporation of surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) filler in tissue conditioner (TC) on Candida albicans adhesion. We prepared specimens containing 0, 5, 10, or 20 wt% of S-PRG filler, and measured the amount of C. albicans on the surface using a colony forming unit (CFU) assay and scanning electron microscopic images. In addition, we measured the consistency, penetration depth, and surface roughness (Ra). CFU values for 10 and 20 wt% were significantly lower than that for the control (p<0.05). Hyphal density on the surface was greater in the control. The 10 and 20 wt% specimens showed significantly higher consistency and Ra, lower penetration depth ratio than control (p<0.05). These results suggest that incorporation of S-PRG filler may reduce C. albicans adhesion onto TC surface; however, the optimal amount of filler is dictated by the influence of filler incorporation on mechanical and surface characters of TC.

Effect of Phosphoric Containing and Varnish-Coated Groups on Candida Albicans Adhesion and Porosity of Heat Cure Acrylic Denture Base Material

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of modified heat cured polymethyl methacrylate denture base (PMMA) or varnish coating of the denture base on candida albicans adhesion and porosity. First experimental group was prepared by addition of 15% phosphoric acid 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate ester with polymethyl methacrylate monomer. While second experimental group prepared by varnish layer coating after material processing, these groups were compared with the control one. Three groups of vertex acrylic resin used as control, mPMMA and varnish coated group (PPH Cerkamed Wojciech Pawlowski, Poland). The inverted light microscope was used to measure the candida albicans adherence after one week and one month of processing. Two-way ANOVA, LSD test, T- test and Dunnett T3 were performed on data. Modified Acrylic resin showed highly significant reduction in candida albicans adhesion and porosity, also for varnish coating group showed highly significant reduction in candida albicans adhesion and porosity test.

Adhesion of Candida albicans to Vanillin Incorporated Self-Curing Orthodontic PMMA Resin.

It has been observed that there is an increase in Candida carriers during the treatment with orthodontic removable appliance. Vanillin is flavouring agent, which is known to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vanillin incorporated PMMA on adhesion of Candida albicans. A total of 36 orthodontic self-curing PMMA resin samples were fabricated. The samples were divided into 3 groups depending on percentage of vanillin incorporated (0.1%, 0.5% and PMMA without vanillin as control). PMMA samples were coated with saliva. The adhesion assay was performed with C. albicans (ATCC 10231). The adherent yeast cells were stained with crystal violet and counted under microscope by random selection of 3 fields at 10X magnification. The statistical analyses performed by Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney non-parametric test. It was found that the PMMA resin samples with vanillin incorporation significantly reduced the adhesion of C. albicans as compared to the control group. This study indicates that vanillin incorporated resin can impede the adhesion of C. albicans to about 45 - 56 %. With further testing and development, vanillin can be employed as an antifungal agent to prevent adhesion of C. albicans to orthodontic self-curing PMMA resin.

Antifungal activity of newly synthesized chemodegradable dicephalic-type cationic surfactants.

The studies were aimed to contribute to the elucidation of the relationships between structure of the double-headed cationic surfactants - N,N-bis[3,3'-(dimethylamine)propyl]alkylamide dihydrochlorides and N,N-bis[3,3'-(trimethylammonio)propyl]alkylamide dibromides (alkyl: n-C9H19, n-C11H23, n-C13H27, n-C15H31), which are of particular interest, as they contain a labile amide group in the molecule and their antifungal activity. Therefore, the minimal inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC and MFC) of dicephalic surfactants against various fungi were tested using standardized methods. Most of the tested fungi were resistant to the Cn(TAPABr)2 compounds. The strongest growth inhibition was caused by Cn(DAPACl)2 series, which MICs ranged from 6.5 to 16 μM. The influence of dicephalic surfactants on Candida albicans biofilm and adhesion to the various surfaces was investigated with crystal violet staining or colony counting. The reduction of fungal adhesion was also observed, especially to the glass surface. One of the compounds (C14(DAPACl)2) caused DNA leakage from C. albicans cells. Further studies showed the impact of dicephalic surfactants on ROS production, accumulation of lipid droplets and filament formation. This study points to the possibility of application of dicephalic surfactants as the surface-coating agents to prevent biofilm formation or as disinfectants. The results give an insight into the possible mechanism of action of newly synthesized dicephalic surfactants in yeast cells.

Augmentation of Candida albicans Adhesion to Denture Materials Influenced By Surface Topography and Tobacco Components

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of tobacco components tobacco extract TE nicotine and Cotinine on fungal colonization and biofilm formation on two acrylic denture resins Surface topography of the denture materials and alteration of fungal susceptibility to an anti fungal agent Nystatin of both planktonic and biofilm fungal cells grown on the acrylic resins were investigated Ivocap and Lucitone polished and roughened acrylic resin discs were fabricated and randomly assigned to control tobacco extract nicotine and Cotinine treated groups Candida albicans biofilm was prepared on the resin discs in the presence or absence of tobacco components The relative number of viable fungal cells was determined by the MTT assay Quantization of biofilm growth was performed by dry weight analysis Nystatin susceptibility minimum inhibitory concentration MIC was determined by microdilution method Statistical significance was evaluated using ANOVA followed by Fisher rsquo s test p lt The study showed that the roughened discs had significantly greater numbers of C albicansthan the polished discs Lucitone acrylic discs promoted significantly more fungal biofilm growth than Ivocap discs and the presence of tobacco components significantly enhanced biofilm formation on both types of acrylic resin Dry weight analysis showed similar results The Nystatin susceptibility assay showed that cells treated with tobacco components were more resistant to this antifungal agent

Adherence and Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans Strains Isolated from Different Infection Sites in Hospitalized Patients

Adherence of Candida albicans to the cellular and inert substratum contributes to its commensal status, but also plays an essential role in the development of fungal infections, particularly in hospitalized and immunodepressed patients. This study evaluated the adherence capacity and biofilm formation of 109 C. albicans strains isolated from upper respiratory tract secretions, wound secretions, urine culture, blood culture and stool culture taken from patients hospitalized for cardiovascular surgery. The strains were originally identified as C. albicans, based on their morphological characteristics and then confirmed by the Vitek II automatic system. All tested strains adhered to the cellular substratum, the isolates from stool culture, urine and thrush secretion exhibiting the most intensive adhesion capacity, the predominant adherence pattern being the aggregative one. Patient age and gender did not exhibit a significant influence on the adhesion process. The strains with the highest biofilm production capacity were the ones isolated from respiratory tract secretions and urine cultures. Statistically significant correlations could be established among a high number of yeast cells adhered to HeLa cells and i) the aggregative adherence pattern and ii) the moderate to high capacity to form biofilms on the inert substratum. These results could suggest the implication of common fungal structures in the colonization of inert and cellular substrata, while the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes could bring an important benefit to the appropriate management of fungal infections, depending on the isolation source.

OSC21: Morphological, Mechanical and Biological Properties of Silver Nanoparticle Decorated Denture Base Polymer.

Aim: Biofilm formation and clinical fracture are the most common problems of poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) based denture base materials. This study aimed to investigate the effect of incorporation of PMMA with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and evaluation of its mechanical and biologic performance. Materials And Methods: PMMA were incorporated with 1, 2, 5 and 10wt% AgNPs. Various physiochemical characterizations were done using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Mechanical properties were statistically analysed using Post hoc Bonferroni test. Cytotoxic studies were done with MTT assay. Biofilm formation was checked against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. Results: Morphologic analysis revealed uniform distribution of nanoparticle in the matrix. The surface roughness was proportionate with the amount of nanoparticle added. Tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, flexural strength and flexural modulus were improved by the addition of up to 5 wt % of AgNPs with statistical significance. SEM micrographs revealed the fracture resistance of AgNPs by the reduction in the size and direction of cracks. The cytotoxic studies carried out on PMMA/AgNPs revealed good biocompatibility. The composite also showed reduction in the adherence of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Conclusion: The results indicate that doping PMMA with AgNPs enhances the mechanical properties of the system. The good biocompatibility and anti-biofilm property revealed by this novel system is suitable for various prosthodontic applications such dentures, obturators, ocular prosthesis and cranial prosthesis.