Weight loss and changes in surface roughness of denture base and reline materials after simulated toothbrushing in vitro

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00422.x
Weight loss and changes in surface roughness of denture base and reline materials after simulated toothbrushing in vitro Objective: To evaluate the weight loss and the surface roughness of acrylic resins after simulated brushing tests. Material and methods: Ten specimens of each material (Tokuyama Rebase II‐TR, New Truliner‐NT, Ufi Gel Hard‐UH and Lucitone 550‐L) were made. The wear loss (mg) by weight and the surface roughness (Ra μm) of each specimen was determined before and after brushing. The specimens were placed on the brushing machine and a total of 20 000 brushing cycles was performed. The results of weight loss and roughness values were submitted to the anova followed by the Tukey’s test (p = 0.05). Results: The mean weight loss of material L was statistically higher (p < 0.001) than that of the relines TR, UH and NT. No significant differences were found among the roughness values of resins TR, UH and L (p > 0.05). Only for L, toothbrushing increased the surface roughness. After toothbrushing, there was no significant difference between the roughness values of materials L and NT. The highest mean weight loss during the simulated toothbrushing tests was observed for L. Before the toothbrushing tests, the NT exhibited the highest mean roughness. Conclusion: Brushing resulted in increase in roughness only for resin L.     

Effect of sealer coating on mechanical and physical properties of permanent soft lining materials

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00487.x
Effect of sealer coating on mechanical and physical properties of permanent soft lining materials Objective: To evaluate the long‐term effects of sealer coating on tensile bond strength and surface roughness of soft liners. Background: Failure of the bond between resilient liners and denture base significantly compromise the dentures’ longevity. In addition, surface roughness contributes to bacterial adherence on prosthetic materials, increasing the risk of oral infections. Methods: Specimens were manufactured from four reliners [Mucopren Soft (MS), Dentuflex (DF); Soft Comfort Denso (SC) and Ufi Gel SC (USC)], distributed into 10 groups (n = 10), according to material and coating treatment. Tensile bond strength was performed after one year of ageing, while surface roughness was evaluated at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 ageing months. Bond strength data were submitted to two‐way anova and Tukey‐HSD tests, while roughness data were submitted to mixed model analysis for repeated measurements (p ≤ 0.05). Results: MS and DF without sealer coating presented the highest tensile bond strength. After coating, DF and SC presented increased tensile bond strength. No surface roughness difference was observed in the non‐coated groups over time, acrylic‐based reliners presented higher roughness. Among coated groups, only SC presented increased surface roughness. Acrylic‐based materials presented reduced roughness at three months. Conclusion: Surface coating was effective for acrylic reliners in maintaining their initial properties. However, sealer coating should be re‐applied every 3 months.     

Surface changes in denture soft liners with and without sealer coating following abrasion with mechanical brushing

Gerodontology 2010; doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00375.x Surface changes in denture soft liners with and without sealer coating following abrasion with mechanical brushing Aim: To evaluate the surface alterations of soft liners with or without sealer coating following abrasion with mechanical brushing. Methods: Thirty specimens were made of a methacrylate‐ (Coe‐Soft) and a siloxane‐based material (Ufi‐Gel SC), and 15 received two coatings of surface sealer. The specimens were submitted to a mechanical brushing‐dentifrice assay under 200 g of force at 250 cycles/min. Mechanical brushing was simulated for a period of 1 (1250 cycles) and 6 months (5000 cycles). Surface roughness (Ra parameter) was measured, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were obtained. Ra data were analysed by anova for repeated measures and Bonferroni’s test (alpha = 0.05). Results: Ra increased from baseline to 6 months regardless of sealer coating. At baseline, only Coe‐Soft without sealer had a higher Ra than the other groups. After 1 month, the Ra of Coe‐Soft with sealer was three‐fold higher than the Ra at baseline; the other groups showed no significant increase of Ra. SEM images showed degradation of the soft liners over time, except for the Ufi‐Gel SC with sealer, which displayed minimum alteration of surface texture. Conclusion: Sealer coating reduced the surface degradation of the tested soft liners, but the protective effect was more pronounced for the siloxane‐based material.     

Antimicrobial and antiadhesive properties of a biosurfactant isolated from Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei A20

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial and antiadhesive properties of a biosurfactant isolated from Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei A20 against several micro‐organisms, including Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi. Methods and Results: Antimicrobial and antiadhesive activities were determined using the microdilution method in 96‐well culture plates. The biosurfactant showed antimicrobial activity against all the micro‐organisms assayed, and for twelve of the eighteen micro‐organisms (including the pathogenic Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus agalactiae), the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were achieved for biosurfactant concentrations between 25 and 50 mg ml^?1. Furthermore, the biosurfactant showed antiadhesive activity against most of the micro‐organisms evaluated. Conclusions: As far as we know, this is the first compilation of data on antimicrobial and antiadhesive activities of biosurfactants obtained from lactobacilli against such a broad group of micro‐organisms. Although the antiadhesive activity of biosurfactants isolated from lactic acid bacteria has been widely reported, their antimicrobial activity is quite unusual and has been described only in a few strains. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results obtained in this study regarding the antimicrobial and antiadhesive properties of this biosurfactant opens future prospects for its use against micro‐organisms responsible for diseases and infections in the urinary, vaginal and gastrointestinal tracts, as well as in the skin, making it a suitable alternative to conventional antibiotics.     

Effect of thermocycling on hardness, absorption, solubility and colour change of soft liners

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00447.x
Effect of thermocycling on hardness, absorption, solubility and colour change of soft liners Objective: The effect of artificial ageing on the hardness, absorption, solubility, and colour of soft denture liners was investigated. Materials and methods: Liner materials based on acrylic resin (Trusoft) or silicone (Dentusil, Ufi Gel P, and Ufi Gel SC) were tested before and after 2000 thermal cycles. A total of 20 specimens of each material were tested. Half of the specimens were used for hardness and colour evaluation, and the remainder for absorption and solubility tests. The hardness evaluation was carried out using a Shore A durometer, while absorption and solubility tests were performed by storing samples in a desiccator and weighing daily until reaching constant mass (W1). After thermocycling, the samples were again weighed (W2) and dried (W3). Colour was measured using a spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad InStat at the p < 0.05 level. Results: Thermocycling significantly affected the hardness of the specimens. The Trusoft material exhibited the highest absorption (1.48 ± 0.48), solubility (1.26 ± 0.28), and colour change (3.92 ± 0.33), significantly different from the other materials. There were no significant differences among the silicones in terms of absorption, solubility, and colour change, except for the colour of Dentusil, which changed (0.83 ± 0.11). Conclusion: It can be concluded that silicone liners performed significantly better compared to acrylic resin.     

In situ evaluation of surface roughness and micromorphology of temporary soft denture liner materials at different time intervals

Objective

To perform an in situ evaluation of surface roughness and micromorphology of two soft liner materials for dentures at different time intervals.

Background

The surface roughness of materials may influence the adhesion of micro‐organisms and inflammation of the mucosal tissues. The in situ evaluation of surface roughness and the micromorphology of soft liner materials over the course of time may present results different from those of in vitro studies, considering the constant presence of saliva and food, the changes in temperature and the pH level in the oral cavity.

Materials and methods

Forty‐eight rectangular specimens of each of the two soft liner materials were fabricated: a silicone‐based material (Mucopren Soft) and an acrylic resin‐based material (Trusoft). The specimens were placed in the dentures of 12 participants (n = 12), and the materials were evaluated for surface roughness and micromorphology at different time intervals: 0, 7, 30 and 60 days. Roughness (Ra) was evaluated by means of a roughness tester. Surface micromorphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Analysis of variance for randomised block design and Tukey's test showed that surface roughness values were lower in the groups using the silicone‐based material at all the time intervals (P < .0001). The average surface roughness was higher at time interval 0 than at the other intervals, for both materials (P < .0001). The surface micromorphology showed that the silicone material presented a more regular and smoother surface than the acrylic resin‐based material.

Conclusion

The surface roughness of acrylic resin‐based and silicone‐based denture soft liner materials decreased after 7 days of evaluation, leading to a smoother surface over time. The silicone‐based material showed lower roughness values and a smoother surface than the acrylic resin‐based material, thereby making it preferred when selecting more appropriate material, due its tendency to promote less biofilm build‐up.     

Adherence of organisms to silver-coated surfaces

Pure silver-, silver oxide- and silver chloride-treated surfaces in comparison to polypropylene inhibited both growth and adherence from saline ofSerratia marcescens, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa andCandida albicans. These same organisms demonstrated enhanced adherence to an Ion-Beam-Assisted-Deposited silver surface followed by loss of viability. This type of surface in contrast to the other silver surfaces did not produce zones of inhibition in agar diffusion tests.     

Effectiveness of different cleaning agents on the adherence of Candida albicans to acrylic denture base resin

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00379.x
Effectiveness of different cleaning agents on the adherence of Candida albicans to acrylic denture base resin Objective:  To evaluate the ability of three alkaline peroxide‐type (Polident, Efferdent, Fittydent) and two mouth rinse cleaning agents (CloSYSII and Corsodyl) to inhibit Candida albicans on acrylic denture base resin. Background:  Appropriate routine cleaning of dentures is necessary to prevent denture stomatitis and maintenance of healthy supporting tissues. Materials and methods:  A total of 180 acrylic resin specimens (10 × 10 × 2 mm) were prepared and divided into six groups. Candida albicans was incubated on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) at 37°C for 48 h. After dilution, a final yeast suspension of approximately 10 6 C. albicans per millimetre was prepared. Ten acrylic resin specimens for each group were placed in a sterile Petri dish covered with 20 ml of fungal suspension and incubated at 37°C for 90 min. Then, the specimens were immersed in 40 ml of the test solution at 37°C for 15, 30 and 60 min. Fungal cells adhering to acrylic resin surfaces were fixed in formaldehyde and counted microscopically. Results:  Mouth rinses showed the highest removal activity for all the treatment times and completely eliminated the adherence of C. albicans. Conclusions:  The use of mouth rinse may be a suitable method for cleaning dentures.     

Evaluation of the efficacy of chemical disinfectants for disinfection of heat‐polymerised acrylic resin

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00400.x
Evaluation of the efficacy of chemical disinfectants for disinfection of heat‐polymerised acrylic resin Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of disinfectants on the internal aspect of heat‐polymerised acrylic resin contaminated with microbial strains. Background: Dentures absorb oral fluids and become contaminated by different microorganisms. Methods: Two hundred and fifty rectangular specimens were made of heat‐polymerised acrylic resin, and then divided into five groups corresponding to the microbial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, S. mutans and Enterococcus faecalis). After contamination, the specimens were immersed in 1 and 2% sodium hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde for periods of 5, 10 and 15 min. The specimens were placed into tubes containing different broths and incubated at 35°C and then visually analysed. Turbidity in the medium indicated microbial growth. The Fisher’s exact test was used in the analysis of the results. Results: The strain E. faecalis was the most resistant to the disinfectant solutions, and among them, glutaraldehyde was more effective than 2 and 1% hypochlorite for disinfection for 5 min; in the 10‐min period there were no differences between the disinfectants. In 15 min of immersion, 1% hypochlorite and glutaraldehyde were more effective than 2% hypochlorite. Conclusions: Disinfection for 10 min with 1% hypochlorite and glutaraldehyde is effective in disinfecting the internal aspect of heat‐polymerised acrylic resin.     

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Chromolaena laevigata during Flowering and Fruiting Stages

The chemical compositions and antimicrobial activities of essential oils from the leaves, stems, capitula, and cypselas of Chromolaena laevigata were evaluated at two different phenological stages, flowering and fruiting. Thirty‐eight compounds were identified in the crude oils by GC/MS. The sesquiterpene laevigatin was the major constituent of the leaf, capitulum, and cypsela oils, while the sesquiterpene spathulenol was the main component in the stem oils. The antimicrobial activities of the oils were evaluated against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Stem oil obtained from Chromolaena laevigata during the fruiting stage generally showed the highest activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 62.5 μg/ml against Candida albicans and S. aureus, and 500 μg/ml against P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Pure laevigatin exhibited MIC values of 500 and 125 μg/ml against C. albicans and S. aureus, respectively, indicating that this constituent could be responsible, at least in part, for the antimicrobial activities detected in the crude oils. More studies concerning the biological activities of isolated derivatives are required to improve our knowledge of the antimicrobial potential of volatile compounds present in native plants.     

In vitro antiseptic properties of an ammonium compound combined with denture base acrylic resin

Background: Denture base acrylic resin is easily colonised by oral endogenous bacteria and Candida spp., and eventually by extra‐oral species such as Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonadaceae or members of Enterobacteriaceae. This microbial reservoir can be responsive for denture related stomatitis and aspiration pneumonia, a life‐threatening infection especially in geriatric patients. However, the oral and denture hygiene of dependant elderly individuals is extremely poor. Objective: This in vitro study aimed to determine the per cent of a quaternary ammonium compound heat‐polymerised in acrylic resin necessary to obtain denture base displaying antiseptic properties. Design: Acrylic resin discs containing 2–50% ammonium polymer (Poly 202063A; 0% control) were soaked in artificial saliva for 4 weeks. Resin discs were incubated for 24 hours with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa [37°C, brain–heart infusion (BHI) broth and phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) buffer] and Candida albicans (30°C, Schaedler broth), in 15 ml (168 discs) and 600 μl (168 discs) of inoculum. Microbial growth was verified at t 0 hours and t 24 hours. Data were recorded as the mean of three colony forming unit (CFU) numerations. The borderline of antimicrobial effect was determined at 0.1% viable cells. Results: In 600 μl of PBS inoculum, resin specimens had a bactericidal effect (E. coli and S. aureus: 2%; P. aeruginosa: 10%) and a fungicidal effect (C. albicans: 50%). Long‐term stability and toxicity in vivo studies are now required. Conclusion: A 2% quaternary ammonium compound polymerised with a denture acrylic resin displayed antiseptic properties after a 4‐week soaking period in artificial saliva. Such antiseptic denture base could help geriatric patients to improve their oral health.     

Microbiological analysis of conjunctival secretion in anophthalmic cavity,contralateral eye and ocular prosthesis of patients with maxillofacial abnormalities

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse the micro‐organisms present in the conjunctival secretion in anophthalmic cavities of wearers of ocular prostheses, as well as on the prostheses used by them, correlating them with the microbiota of the contralateral eye. Nine patients with maxillofacial abnormalities, wearers of an acrylic resin ocular prosthesis participated in the study. Collections of conjunctival secretions and biofilm were performed on the prosthesis, anophthalmic cavity and contralateral eye for the mycological and bacterial analyses. The data were submitted to statistical analysis, performing a Kendall correlation test to identify the correlation between the collection site and the identified micro‐organism (P < 0·05). It was verified that the most prevalent micro‐organisms were the Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, independent of the collection site, and that negative cultures for fungi were encountered in 85·2% of collections, independent of the region. It was not possible to establish a correlation among the types of micro‐organisms and the collection sites.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Some evidence suggests that the surface roughness of ocular prostheses can influence interactions with micro‐organisms, with greater prejudicial consequences, such as the establishment of biofilms, which could lead to infections. Thus, it becomes extremely important to identify the micro‐organisms present on the acrylic surfaces of ocular prostheses, as well as the microbiota of the anophthalmic cavity and contralateral eye of wearers of the same, so that subsequent control measures promote the homeostatic maintenance of the ocular region.     

Glass transition temperature of hard chairside reline materials after post‐polymerisation treatments

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00312.x
Glass transition temperature of hard chairside reline materials after post‐polymerisation treatments Objective: This study evaluated the effect of post‐polymerisation treatments on the glass transition temperature (T_g) of five hard chairside reline materials (Duraliner II‐D, Kooliner‐K, New Truliner‐N, Ufi Gel hard‐U and Tokuso Rebase Fast‐T). Materials and methods: Specimens (10 × 10 × 1 mm) were made following the manufacturers’ instructions and divided into three groups (n = 5). Control group specimens were left untreated. Specimens from the microwave group were irradiated with pre‐determined power/time combinations, and specimens from the water‐bath group were immersed in hot water at 55°C for 10 min. Glass transition (°C) was performed by differential scanning calorimetry. Data were analysed using anova, followed by post hoc Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Results: Both post‐polymerisation treatments promoted a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the T_g of reline material K. Materials K, D and N showed the lowest T_g (p < 0.05). No significant difference between T and U specimens was observed. Conclusion: Post‐polymerisation treatments improved the glass transition of material Kooliner, with the effect being more pronounced for microwave irradiation.     

In vitro evaluation of adherence of Candida albicans,Candida glabrata,and Streptococcus mutans to an acrylic resin modified by experimental coatings

This study evaluated the effect of experimental coatings, containing zwitterion or hydrophilic monomers, on the adherence of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Streptococcus mutans to an acrylic resin. Acrylic samples (smooth or rough surfaces) were left untreated (control) or coated with one of the following experimental coatings: 3-hydroxypropylmethacrylate (HP) or sulfobetaine methacrylate (S), at concentrations of 25, 30, or 35%. Half of the specimens were coated with saliva. The adhesion test was performed by incubating specimens in C. albicans, C. glabrata, and S. mutans suspensions at 37°C for 90?min. The number of adhered microorganisms was determined by metabolic activity (XTT) and by cell viability (CFU). All coated specimens exhibited lower absorbance and CFU values compared to control specimens. Saliva and roughness did not promote microorganism adherence. An XPS analysis confirmed the modification in the chemical composition of the coatings in the experimental samples. These experimental coatings significantly reduced the adherence of C. albicans, C. glabrata and S. mutans to acrylic resin.     

Efficacy of standard disinfectant test methods for contact lens-care solutions

Two disinfection systems based on hydrogen peroxide (0.5, 1.5 and 3%) and chlorhexidine gluconate (0.004%) were challenged in suspension tests using a modification of a standard method, with inocula containing 10⁶ or 10⁸ cfu/ml of the standard organisms Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus warneri. The effect of an organic load on the shapes of microbial inactivation curves was also investigated. Although there were rapid declines in viability of 1–2 log units (cfu/ml) within the first minute of challenge in all cases, declines in viability subsequently levelled out rapidly, and with hydrogen peroxide viable counts increased slightly thereafter. These increases are unexplained, but may in part be attributable to disruption of cell clumps during challenge.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In vitro</Emphasis> inhibitory effect of cranberry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vaccinium macrocarpum</Emphasis> Ait.) juice on pathogenic microorganisms

The purpose of this study was to determine the inhibitory effects of cranberry juice on pathogenic microorganisms. The microorganisms analyzed were Escherichia coli from patients with urinary infections, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomona aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The disc method was used to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to cranberry juice (CJ, both concentrated and diluted). A lawn of 10⁶ cfu/ml was grown on agar surfaces in Petri dishes and on Whatman discs that had been previously saturated with CJ and CJ : water. 1 : 1 to 1 : 50 juice solutions had been placed on the discs, which were cultured and incubated. The results indicated that S. aureus was more susceptible to cranberry juice inhibition than the other microorganisms. L. monocytogenes was the most resistant to the inhibitory action of cranberry juice, showing a significant difference from the inhibition of P. aeruginosa, uropathogenic E. coli, Salmonella spp., and S. aureus. This study also demonstrated that the inhibitory activity of cranberry juice for E. coli took place up to a dilution of 1 : 20. Published in Russian in Prikladnaya Biokhimiya i Mikrobiologiya, 2008, Vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 333–336. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Carbazole Hybrids as Promising Antimicrobial Agents

Two series of carbazole analogs of 8‐methoxy‐N‐substituted‐9H‐carbazole‐3‐carboxamides (series 1) and carbazolyl substituted rhodanines (series 2) were synthesized through facile synthetic routes. All the final compounds from these two series were evaluated for their preliminary in vitro antifungal and antibacterial activity against four fungal (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus tropicalis and Aspergillus niger) and four bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) strains, respectively. Among the tested compounds, three compounds of series 1 displayed promising antifungal and antibacterial activity, especially against C. neoformans and S. aureus. In addition, one compound of series 1 displayed notable antimicrobial activity (MIC: 6.25 μg/mL) against clinical isolates of C. albicans and C. neoformans (MIC: 12.5 μg/mL). From the second series, four compounds exhibited significant antifungal and antibacterial activity, especially against C. neoformans and S. aureus. The most active compound of series 2 displayed a prominent antimicrobial activity against C. neoformans (MIC: 3.125 μg/mL) and S. aureus (MIC: 1.56 μg/mL), respectively.     

Antimicrobial potential of polyphenols extracted from almond skins

Aims: To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of flavonoid‐rich fractions derived from natural and blanched almond skins, the latter being a by‐product from the almond processing industry. Methods and Results: Almond skin extracts were tested against Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Serratia marcescens), Gram‐positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus hirae, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus durans) and the yeast Candida albicans. Almond skin fractions were found to have antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes and Staph. aureus in the range 250–500 μg ml^?1, natural skins showing antimicrobial potential against the Gram‐negative Salm. enterica. The interactions between three almond skin flavonoids were also evaluated with isobolograms. Conclusions: Pairwise combinations of protocatechuic acid, naringenin and epicatechin showed both synergistic and indifferent interactions against Salm. enterica and Staph. aureus. Antagonism was observed against L. monocytogenes with all combinations tested. Further studies need to be performed to understand the mechanisms responsible for these interactions. Significance and Impact of the Study: Almond skins are a potential source of natural antimicrobials.     

Effect of water storage and heat treatment on the cytotoxicity of soft liners

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00463.x Effect of water storage and heat treatment on the cytotoxicity of soft liners Objective: To evaluate the effect of water storage time on the cytotoxicity of soft liners. Methods: Sample discs of soft liners Dentusoft, Dentuflex, Trusoft, Ufi‐Gel‐P and denture base acrylic resin Lucitone‐550 were prepared and divided into four groups: GN: No treatment, G24: Stored in water at 37°C for 24 h; G48: Stored in water at 37°C for 48 h, GHW: Immersed in water at 55°C for 10 min. To analyse the cytotoxic effect, three samples of each group were placed in tubes with Dubelcco’s Modified Eagle Mediums and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. During this period, the toxic substances were leached to the culture medium. The cytotoxicity was analysed quantitatively by the incorporation of radioactivity ³H‐thymidine checking the number of viable cells (synthesis of DNA). The data were statistically analysed using two‐way anova and Tukey’s honestly significant difference tests (α = 0.05). Results: Treatments did not reduce the cytotoxicity effect of the soft liners (p > 0.05). It was found that Ufi‐Gel‐P had a non‐cytotoxic effect, Trusoft had a slightly cytotoxic effect, Dentuflex had a moderated cytotoxic effect, Dentusoft alternated between slightly and non‐cytotoxic effect, and Lucitone‐550 had non‐cytotoxic effect when stored in water for 48 h. Conclusion: The effect of water storage and the heat treatment did not reduce the cytotoxicity of the soft liners.     

Enhanced germicidal effects of pulsed UV‐LED irradiation on biofilms

Aims: The major objective of the study was to evaluate the enhanced germicidal effects of low‐frequency pulsed ultraviolet A (UVA)‐light‐emitting diode (LED) on biofilms. Methods and Results: The germicidal effects of UVA‐LED irradiation (365 nm, 0·28 mW cm^?2, in pulsed or continuous mode) on Candida albicans or Escherichia coli biofilms were evaluated by determining colony‐forming units. The morphological change of microbial cells in biofilms was observed using scanning electron microscopy. After 5‐min irradiation, over 90% of viable micro‐organisms in biofilms had been killed, and pulsed irradiation (1–1000 Hz) had significantly greater germicidal ability than continuous irradiation. Pulsed irradiation (100 Hz, 60 min) almost completely killed micro‐organisms in biofilm (>99·9%), and 20‐min irradiation greatly damaged both microbial species. Interestingly, few hyphae were found in irradiated Candida biofilms. Moreover, mannitol treatment, a scavenger of hydroxyl radicals (OH^?), significantly protected viable micro‐organisms in biofilms from UVA‐LED irradiation. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that pulsed UVA‐LED irradiation has a strong germicidal effect (maximum at 100 Hz, over 5‐min irradiation) and causes the disappearance of hyphal forms of Candida. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study can assist in developing a low‐frequency pulsed UVA‐LED system to be applied to pathogenic biofilms for disinfection.