Antifungal Efficacy of Chlorhexidine Digluconate and Silver Nanoparticles Incorporated into Molloplast-B Silicone Soft Liner Against Candida albicans: An In Vitro Study.

Abstract

Background: Denture stomatitis is a common inflammatory condition among complete denture wearers and is primarily associated with Candida albicans colonization on denture base and soft lining materials. Conventional antifungal therapies often provide only temporary benefits due to limited patient compliance and rapid microbial recolonization. Therefore, intrinsic antifungal modification of silicone-based soft liners may represent a more effective preventive strategy.

Material and methods: Standardized Molloplast-B silicone soft liner discs (6 mm × 1 mm; n = 10 per group) were modified with 1%, 2%, or 3% (w/w) chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) or silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a solvent-assisted dissolution technique followed by heat polymerization. Unmodified Molloplast-B, solvent-processed Molloplast-B, pure CHX solution, and AgNP suspension served as control groups. Antifungal activity against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 was evaluated using an agar diffusion assay after 24-hour incubation at 37°C. Inhibition zones were measured by two blinded examiners. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test ( = 0.05).

Results: All modified groups demonstrated significantly greater antifungal activity compared with the negative and solvent controls (P < 0.001). CHX-modified specimens exhibited significantly larger inhibition zones than AgNP-modified specimens at all tested concentrations (P < 0.001). The highest antifungal activity was observed in the 3% CHX group (22.6 ± 1.8 mm), followed by the 3% AgNP group (16.0 ± 1.1 mm). A clear dose-dependent increase in antifungal efficacy was observed for both antimicrobial agents.

Conclusions: Incorporation of 3% chlorhexidine digluconate into Molloplast-B silicone soft liner resulted in superior short-term antifungal efficacy against Candida albicans compared with silver nanoparticles. This intrinsic modification approach may be a promising strategy for reducing fungal colonization and preventing denture stomatitis; however, further long-term and clinical studies are required.