A Comparative study to evaluate the adherence potential of candida albicans on conventional heat cure polymethyl methacrylate resin and flexible denture base resin

This study was carried out to evaluate and compare the adherence potential of Candida albicans on flexible denture base material (Valplast) and conventional heat cure Polymethyl methacrylate (DPI). A total number of 120 samples, 60 in f lexible denture base material and 60 samples in conventional heat cure polymethyl methacrylate material were prepared according to manufacturer’s instruct ions. Each sample was immersed in standardized cell suspension of candida albicans, with artificial saliva. After 16 hours and 32 hours of incubation, samples were stained and observed under optical microscope before and after cleaning. Cleaning was done by mechanical brushing and cleanser solution as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Wi thin the limitations of this study the following conclusions can be drawn, 1. Flexible denture base resin and conventional PMMA resin sample showed candidal adherence after 16 and 32 hours, but the valplast showed more adherence than the conventional PMMA resin. 2. Mechanical cleaning on Conventional sample showed fewer adherences when compared to flexible denture base resin cleaned in valclean solution. 3. Candidal colonies after cleaning showed significant reduction, compared to the uncleaned samples of both conventional PMMA and flexible denture base resin materials. The residual monomer release, surface properties like free surface energy, polishing, surface irregularities like roughness, porosities and growth on human saliva were not evaluated in this study. The results were evaluated with optical microscopy only, an additional electron microscopy and profilometer studies would have given enhanced results. Al though several studies have been at tempted on different properties, an extended study has to be made to evaluate all the properties in one study, to understand the increased level of adherences to polyamide resins