Comparative Evaluation of Antifungal Effect on Maxillofacial Silicone Material With and Without Inclusion of Pomegranate Peel Powder: An In Vitro Study.

Abstract

Background: Maxillofacial silicone prostheses are widely used for the restoration of facial defects resulting from trauma, congenital abnormalities, or surgeries. However, these prostheses are highly susceptible to fungal infections, particularly by Candida albicans, which can lead to material degradation, infections, and decreased longevity. Traditional disinfectants often cause color changes and material deterioration. Natural antifungal agents, such as pomegranate peel powder (PPP), offer a promising alternative due to their antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility.

Materials and methods: This in vitro study evaluates the antifungal efficacy of maxillofacial silicone with and without the inclusion of pomegranate peel powder. Silicone samples were prepared in three groups: without PPP, with 0.2% PPP, and with 0.4% PPP. The antifungal effect against Candida albicans was tested using the disk diffusion method. Each sample was inoculated with fungal cultures, and the zones of inhibition were measured to assess antifungal activity. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the differences in antifungal efficacy among the groups.

Results: The results indicated that silicone samples with pomegranate peel powder showed significantly larger zones of inhibition compared to those without PPP. Silicone with 0.4% PPP exhibited the highest antifungal activity, followed by 0.2% PPP. The control group without PPP demonstrated minimal antifungal efficacy. This suggests a dose-dependent relationship between the concentration of PPP and the inhibition of fungal growth.

Conclusion: The inclusion of pomegranate peel powder in maxillofacial silicone significantly enhances its antifungal properties against Candida albicans. This study highlights the potential of natural compounds, like PPP, to improve the infection resistance and longevity of silicone prostheses. Further research is recommended to validate these findings in clinical settings and explore the long-term stability of such materials.