Microbial Adhesion and Cytotoxicity of Heat-Polymerized and 3D-Printed Denture Base Materials when Modified with Dimethylaminohexadecyl Methacrylate and/or 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine as Antimicrobial and Protein-Repellent Materials.

Background: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is ideal for denture bases but is prone to biofilm accumulation, leading to denture stomatitis (DS), often involving Candida albicans. Dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) are introduced into dental materials for their antimicrobial and protein-repellent properties. This study investigates the effects of incorporating dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) into heat-polymerized (HP) and 3D-printed (3DP) denture base resins on microbial adhesion and cytotoxicity.

Methods: HP and 3DP denture base specimens were prepared using varying concentrations of DMAHDM and MPC. Microbial adhesion was quantified using CFU counts of C. albicans, and cytotoxicity was assessed via an MTT assay using fibroblast cells after 24 h, 3 days, and 7 days.

Results: Both DMAHDM and MPC significantly reduced the CFU counts in both HP and 3DP materials; the combination of 1.5% DMAHDM and 3% MPC exhibited the most substantial antimicrobial effects. Cytotoxicity results varied between materials and time points; however, all treated groups maintained cell viability above the 70% threshold, indicating no significant cytotoxic effects.

Conclusion: Incorporating DMAHDM and MPC into denture base resins can effectively reduce microbial adhesion while maintaining acceptable cytotoxicity levels.