Incorporation of the microencapsulated antimicrobial agent phytoncide into denture base resin

% BackgroundThis study aimed to fabricate a denture base resin (DBR) containing phytoncide microcapsules (PTMCs) and determine the mechanical properties of the resin and antifungal activity. MethodsFifty-four heat-cured rectangular DBR specimens (64 x 10 x 3.3 0.2 mm) containing nine concentrations of PTMC between 0 and 5% (wt/wt) were fabricated and subjected to a three-point bending test. A phytoncide release bioassay was developed using DBR containing 0% and 2.5% PTMCs (wt/wt) in a 24 well-plate assay with incubation of Porphyromonas gingivalis at 37 degrees C for 74 h. The antifungal activity of PTMCs against Candida albicans, in a pH 5.5 acidic environment was determined in a plate assay. ResultsFlexural strength decreased with increasing PTMC concentration from 97.58 +/- 4.79 MPa for the DBR alone to 53.66 +/- 2.46 MPa for DBR containing 5.0 PTMC. No release of phytoncide from the PTMCs in the DBR was detected at pH 7.4. The PTMCs had a minimal inhibitory concentration of 2.6% (wt/vol) against C. albicans at pH 5.5. ConclusionsPTMCs can be added to DBR 2.5% (wt/wt) without adversely affecting flexural strength. PTMCs released the antimicrobial agent at pH 5.5 at concentrations sufficient to inhibit the growth of the C. albicans.