Incorporating nanoparticles into denture materials shows promise for the prevention of denture-associated fungal infections. This study investigates the antifungal properties of acrylic modified with microwave-sintered ZnO-Ag nanoparticles. ZnO-Ag nanoparticles (1% and 2.5% wt.) were synthesized via microwave solvothermal synthesis (MSS). Nanoparticles were characterized for phase purity, specific surface area (SSA), density, morphology, and elemental composition. ZnO and ZnO-Ag nanoparticles were added to acrylic material (PMMA) at concentrations of 1% and 2.5% and polymerized. Pure PMMA (control) and obtained PMMA-nanocomposites were cut into homogeneous 10 × 10 mm samples. Antifungal activity of nanoparticles and PMMA-nanocomposites against C. albicans was tested using minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, and biofilm formation was assessed using crystal violet staining followed by absorbance measurements. Laboratory tests confirmed phase purity and uniform, spherical particle distribution. MIC results show antifungal activity of 1% Ag nanoparticles and the PMMA-2.5% (ZnO-1% Ag) nanocomposite. PMMA-1% (ZnO-1% Ag) nanocomposite and 1% ZnO-Ag nanoparticles are efficient in preventing biofilm formation. However, ZnO nanoparticles showed antibiofilm activity, and the PMMA-ZnO nanocomposite does not protect against biofilm deposition. Incorporating hybrid ZnO-Ag nanoparticles into PMMA is a promising antibiofilm method, especially with ZnO-1% Ag nanoparticles.

Acrylic resin remains the primary material used in the fabrication of removable prostheses, despite the continuous development of prosthetic materials science. The nature of the material’s composition requires frequent hygienic procedures and occasional disinfection, typically employing...

Microwave radiation is a potential alternative to conventional disinfection of acrylic resin, but exposure time must be minimized, e.g., by combining it with chemical agents, due to its effects on material properties. This study aimed to microbiologically evaluate the antifungal activity of microwave disinfection performed in distilled water, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), or without immersion. Thermally polymerized PMMA samples colonized with Candida albicans ATCC 14053 were exposed to microwaves for 1 or 3 min in an unmodified microwave oven. Disinfection effectiveness was assessed by colony counting after 48 h of culture and absorbance after crystal violet staining. All microwave treatments significantly reduced fungal counts compared with the control (5360.00 ± 1663.09 CFU/mL). Complete inhibition of colony growth occurred only after 3 min exposure in distilled water, NaOCl, or CHX. One-minute exposure in these liquids reduced but did not eliminate fungi. The least effective method was disinfection without immersion, yielding 1040.00 ± 169.71 CFU/mL after 1 min and 560.00 ± 108.32 CFU/mL after 3 min. None of the tested conditions fully removed biofilms, although microwaves combined with NaOCl produced the best results. Overall, it was found that the presence of a liquid itself, rather than the type of chemical used, was the key factor in effective microwave-assisted disinfection. Microwave disinfection without the addition of chemicals does not remove biofilms.

Background: Due to their properties, composite materials have gained many applications. However, light polymerization leads to an increase of intrapulpal temperature during the curing process. Many contributing factors are considered, including composite colour. Aim of the study: To check...