Adesão da Candida albicans à superfície de uma resina de impressão 3D para confeção de bases protéticas

Abstract

Introduction: In Dentistry, CAD/CAM technology has improved treatment planning and predictability, making them faster and more comfortable for patients. Acrylic resins made of polymethyl methacrylate continue to be the most used material for removable dentures. However, with technological innovation, new resins have been developed and are now used for milling and 3D printing of dentures. Biological studies on the behavior of these resins are still limited. Candida albicans, a fungus present in the oral microbiome, adheres to the surface of dentures and can lead to conditions such as denture stomatitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the adhesion of Candida albicans to a 3D printing resin used in denture base fabrication. Material and methods: Five specimens of each resin (thermopolymerizable, 3D printing at 90º, and 3D printing at 0º) were prepared with circular shape and standardized dimensions (10x2mm). The specimens underwent the same polishing protocol. The adhesion of Candida albicans to the surface of the three study groups was evaluated through the interpretation of scanning electron microscopy images. Additionally, quantification of the adhered biomass of this fungus to the specimen surfaces was performed. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis, with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Results: Greater adhesion of Candida albicans was observed in the 3D-printed resin at 90º, followed by the conventional resin and finally the resin printed at 0º. Quantification of the adhered biomass demonstrated that, despite no statistically significant differences (p>0.05), the 3D-printed resin at 90º exhibited the highest biomass value. Conclusion: The 3D-printed resins at 0º appear to be a biologically viable alternative to conventional resins for fabricating prosthetic bases.

Date of Award	24 Jul 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Helena Salgado (Supervisor), Ana Peixoto Gomes (Co-Supervisor) & Filipe Miguel Araújo (Co-Supervisor)