Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of ZnO and Silver Nanoparticles against Candida Albicans and Streptococcus Mutans in Acrylic Resin

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal effect of Ag and zinc oxide nanoparticles to complete denture acrylic resin. Materials & Methods: In this experimental laboratory study, 144 samples were evaluated. The powder of acrylic resin (PMMA Ivoclar Vivadent, Lichenstein SR Triplex Hot) was mixed homogeneously in the ultrasonic apparatus with Ag (purity: 99.99%, size: 20nm, spherical) and ZnO (purity: 99%, size: 10-30 nm, nearly spherical) particles with mass fraction 0.5, 1 ,2 and 5. The microorganisms of this study were Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. The growth rate of microorganisms was measured by spectrophotometer based on turbidity and readings at 600 nm. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Increasing Ag and ZnO nanoparticles to acrylic resin reduced the growth of Candida Albicans and Streptococcus Mutans. Even the concentration of 0.5% significantly reduced the growth of microorganisms. Complete growth inhibition was in the concentration of 5% after 24 and 48 hours. Conclusion: Increasing the Ag and ZnO nanoparticles to acrylic resin reduced the growth of microorganisms.