Antibacterial Efficacy of Microcrystalline Cellulose-Infused Maxillofacial Silicone

Ahmed, Ali Saad

doi:10.25130/tjds.12.2.1

	Antibacterial Efficacy of Microcrystalline Cellulose-Infused Maxillofacial Silicone
Tikrit Journal for Dental Sciences
Volume 12, Issue 2, December 2024, Pages 254-264 PDF (480.23 K)
DOI: 10.25130/tjds.12.2.1
Author
Ali Saad Ahmed^*
Department of Prosthodontics, College of dentistry, Tikrit University, Tikrit, Iraq
Abstract
Background: Maxillofacial prosthetics frequently tackle with the challenge of bacterial colonization, particularly by Staphylococcus epidermidis, causing risks of material failure and infections. Recent relevance has grown in using antimicrobial potential of microcrystalline cellulose as a possible solution, markedly recognized in different dental uses. Aims: This study aimed to determine the antibacterial efficacy of incorporating microcrystalline cellulose into silicone while focusing on its capacity to reduce Staphylococcus epidermidis adherence. Furthermore, the study also examined the influence on some mechanical properties of silicone. Materials and methods: The investigation employed 120 room temperature vulcanized silicone specimens. Microcrystalline cellulose was integrated as an antibacterial agent at concentrations of 1wt.% and 2wt.%, chosen based on preliminary pilot study results. Then, antibacterial properties were assessed using a bacterial adhesion test, determining bacterial adherence to silicone. Mechanical properties were assessed, including tear strength and Shore A hardness, with each test involving 10 specimens for each concentration and control groups. Statistical analysis involved one-way ANOVA tests with significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: There was a substantial decrease in adherent bacterial cells compared to the control group. The most significant reduction in colonization appeared in the 2wt.% microcrystalline cellulose addition group, followed by the 1wt.% group, both varying significantly from the control group. Tear strength exhibited a significant decrease, with the 2wt.% addition group presenting the lowest value, followed by the 1wt.% group and the control group. Conversely, hardness revealed significant increases, with the highest value in the 2wt.% group. Conclusion: Microcrystalline cellulose demonstrates effectiveness against Staphylococcus epidermidis. It confirms promise as an additive to silicone, decreasing bacterial adhesion effectively at both 1wt.% and 2wt.% percentages, with the latter showing superior antibacterial performance. Importantly, cellulose incorporation leads to a statistically significant reduction in tear strength, alongside an increase in hardness that remains within acceptable limits.
Keywords
Bacterial adhesion Maxillofacial silicone M

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