Surface Modifications and Antifungal Efficacy of Origanum Oil Incorporation in Denture-based Materials: An In Vitro Study.

Aim: This study aimed to assess if the addition of origanum oil to denture materials could decrease microorganisms counts and biofilm formation without changing their mechanical/surface properties.

Materials and methods: A total of 66 resilient denture liner discs (SoftConfort, Dencril Comércio de Plásticos Ltda, SP, Brazil) were prepared with fixed dimensions of 10 × 3 mm for biofilm assay (n = 36) and 12 × 2 mm for sorption-solubility tests (n = 30) containing three oil concentrations - 0, 2.5 and 5%, thereby n = 12 per each group samples for biofilm assay and n = 10 per each group for sorption-solubility test respectively. While the microcosm biofilms of Streptococcus mutans, Candida species, and total microorganisms formed on denture liner were counted and expressed as colony-forming units per disc surface area, the water sorption (WS) and solubility (SL), was calculated by weighing the samples with an analytical balance at different intervals after storing them in a desiccator and distilled water alternatively. Data was recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results: Surface roughness increased in all groups after biofilm formation (p < 0.001), with the most significant change observed in the 2.5% oil group. The tested oil concentrations did not result in sorption changes, but a 5% oil concentration resulted in higher solubility (p < 0.001). A reduction of total microorganisms and S. mutans was seen after 24 hours for all concentrations (p < 0.05). No significant reduction was found for Candida (C.) albicans after 24 hours, whilst 2.5% oil concentration presented lower counts of C. albicans in comparison to the 5% group after 24 hours (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Incorporating 2.5% origanum essential oil into resilient denture liners seems to reduce microorganisms count in a complex biofilm model. These results need to be confirmed in future studies.

Clinical significance: The addition of natural products like origanum oil into denture-based materials can help manage biofilm onset and development while offering a simple and effective approach for maintaining denture hygiene. This strategy enhances the antimicrobial properties of denture liners without significantly altering their mechanical and surface characteristics, potentially improving patient outcomes. How to cite this article: Feitosa MÁL, Poletto-Neto V, Maske TT, et al. Surface Modifications and Antifungal Efficacy of Origanum Oil Incorporation in Denture-based Materials: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(9):878-884.