Effects of the addition of chitosan in the base of dentures
Good dentures are becoming increasingly important as the population ages. Conventional materials for the base of dentures are often porous and thus susceptible to deformation or microbial colonization. To prevent this, chitosan is added to polymethyl methacrylate resin in the presented study.
EFFECT OF ADDITION OF CHITOSAN AND ACRYLIC ACID TO ACRYLIC RESIN ON POROSITY AND GROWTH OF STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS IN DENTURE BASE
Ismiyati T, Alhasyimi AA. Effect of Chitosan and Acrylic Acid Addition to Acrylic Resin on Porosity and Streptococcus mutans Growth in Denture Base. Eur J Dent. 2022 Sep 8. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1751002. epub ahead of print. PMID: 36075264.
Due to the increasing aging of the population, dental prostheses are becoming more and more relevant to maintain stomatogenic functions. The base of dental substitutes often consists of polymethyl methacrylate resins. These exhibit acceptable esthetics, are easy to manipulate, and are available at a cost-effective price. However, acrylic resins have a porous structure, which leads to an increased risk of deformation and curvature of the denture base by creating internal stress. In addition, microorganisms deposit more easily on porous surfaces, which can lead to the formation of biofilms. In particular, Streptococcus mutans is considered to be one of the most relevant cariogenic species deposited as plaque on tooth surfaces.
To reduce the porous structure and susceptibility to microorganism attachment, optimizing acrylic resins with polymers such as chitosan is one option. Chitosan is bioactive, biocompatible and biodegradable. It also has antibacterial and antifungal activity due to its positive charge. Functional groups make it easy to modify via crosslinking.
The aim of the study presented here is to investigate the effect of 1% and 2% chitosan on the porosity of polymethyl methacrylate. In addition, the antibacterial effect of the chitosan-acrylic resin mixture on Streptococcus mutans is investigated.
RESULTS
- Significant difference between control group, 1% chitosan and 2% chitosan in pore diameter and number → Increases both with higher chitosan content.
- Positive and strong correlation between growth of Streptococcus mutans and porosity of material
- 2% chitosan in polymethyl methacrylate resin showed the lowest porosity, spherical pore shape and best antimicrobial properties
Conclusion: In the presented study, it was shown that the addition of 1% and 2% chitosan and acrylic acid, respectively, to polymethyl methacrylate could reduce porosity as well as microbial growth.
Link to article: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0042-1751002
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