Helena Salgado

Prof. Dr. Helena Salgado


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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14 July 2026 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MQMargarida Martins Quezada
Margarida Martins Quezada
Patrícia FonsecaPatrícia Fonseca
Patrícia Fonseca
AGAna T. P. C. Gomes
Ana T. P. C. Gomes
ADAna Sofia Duarte
Ana Sofia Duarte
Hugo R. FernandesHugo R. Fernandes
Hugo R. Fernandes
HSHelena Salgado
Helena Salgado
Background: Surface roughness and microbial adhesion are key determinants of the biological performance of prosthetic base resins. This study evaluated Candida albicans (ATCC 11225) and Streptococcus mutans (DSM 20523) adhesion to a conventional heat-polymerized acrylic resin (Probase Hot) and a 3D-printed resin (V-Print dentbase) fabricated at 0° and 90° build orientations. Methods: Fifteen disc-shaped specimens (10 mm × 2 mm) were polished using a standardized protocol and surface roughness was characterized by contact profilometry (Ra). After UV sterilization, specimens were incubated for 24 h with standardized suspensions of C. albicans or S. mutans. Microbial adhesion was assessed qualitatively by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test after confirmation of normality (Shapiro–Wilk) and homogeneity of variances (Levene). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, and Cohen’s d was calculated to estimate effect size. Results: Surface roughness differed significantly among fabrication conditions (p = 0.017), with the conventional heat-polymerized resin showing the highest Ra values and the 3D-printed resin fabricated at 90° presenting the lowest roughness. SEM observations suggested a similar adhesion pattern for both C. albicans and S. mutans, with greater apparent microbial presence on 90°-printed specimens, followed by the conventional heat-polymerized resin, whereas 0°-printed specimens showed lower apparent adhesion in the analyzed fields. Conclusions: These findings suggest that printing orientation may influence surface-associated microbial adhesion patterns in 3D-printed prosthetic resins; however, further studies with larger sample sizes, orientation-specific surface characterization, and mono- and multispecies biofilm models are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.