The effect of antifungal agents on surface properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) and its relation to adherence of Candida albicans

Purpose: Candida-associated denture stomatitis is the most prevalent form of oral candidosis affecting 65% of denture wearers. Failure of therapy and recurrence of infection are not uncommon and the continuous use of antifungal agents may affect the surface properties of the denture material and may contribute to Candida adhesion. This study aimed to investigate surface properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA denture material before and after exposure to antifungal agents and its relation to in vitro adhesion of Candida albicans. Methods: Four groups of acrylic specimens (20 mm x 20 mm x 2.5 mm) were prepared (25 specimens in each group). Specimens were immersed in nystatin (group 1), fluconazole (group 2), distilled water (group 3) and group 4 was not exposed. Specimens were tested for surface roughness, contact angle, surface hardness and in vitro Candida adherence to PMMA. Results: The results showed that nystatin had no statistically significant effect on surface hardness (P > 0.05), but had a statistically significant effect on surface roughness, contact angle, and Candida adhesion to PMMA (P < 0.05). On the other hand, fluconazole had no statistically significant effect on surface hardness or roughness (P > 0.05), but had a statistically significant effect on contact angle, and Candida adhesion to PMMA (P < 0.05). Distilled water had no statistically significant effect on surface hardness, roughness, contact angle, or Candida adhesion to PMMA (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Exposure of PMMA to nystatin may induce changes in roughness, wettability while exposure to fluconazole may affect surface free energy and therefore may increase Candida adhesion to it. (C) 2012 Japan Prosthodontic Society. Published by Elsevier Ireland. All rights reserved.