ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the biological and mechanical properties of the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) denture base material as a vehicle incorporating novel hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA-NP) loaded with metronidazole (MZ) drug. Methods: HA-NP was prepared via wet-chemical-method, characterized by XRD, SEM/EDX, TEM, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as the measurement of surface area and pore-size distribution. Four drug delivery formulas were prepared in the form of discs (10 x 2 mm) as follows: F1 (MZ/ HA-NP/PMMA), F2 (HA-NP/ PMMA), F3 (control-PMMA) and F4 (MZ/PMMA). Characterization of all formulas was performed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and FTIR. MZ release rate, antimicrobial properties against three oral pathogens, cytotoxicity (MTT assay) and surface micro-hardness were also assessed. Statistical analysis of data was performed using one-way ANOVA test (P < 0.05). Results: DSC thermograms showed compatibility among MZ, HA-NP and PMMA along with physical stability over 6 months storage period at room temperature. FTIR spectroscopy proved the absence of any possible chemical interaction with MZ. MZ-HA-NP/PMMA formula showed relatively better drug release compared to MZ-PMMA. Both formulas showed statistically significant antimicrobial potentials against two microbial strains. MTT demonstrated reduction in cell cytotoxicity after 96 hours with the least value for HA-NP. Surface micro-hardness revealed non-significant reduction compared with the control PMMA. Conclusion: A novel biocompatible drug nanocarrier (HA-NP) was developed and incorporated in PMMA denture base material as a vehicle to allow prolonged sustained drug release to manage oral infections.
ABSTRACT
AIM: This study aimed to verify the influence of oral environment and denture cleansers on the surface roughness and hardness of two different denture base materials. METHODS: A total of sixteen identical removable disc specimens (RDS) were processed. Eight RDS were made from heat-cured acrylic resin (AR) and the other eight were fabricated from thermoplastic injection moulded resin (TR). Surface roughness and hardness of DRS were measured using ultrasonic profilometry and Universal testing machine respectively. Then the four RDS (two AR and two of TR) were fixed to each maxillary denture, after three months RDS were retrieved. Surface roughness and hardness of RDS have measured again. RESULTS: The surface roughness measurements revealed no significant difference (p >0.05) for both disc groups at baseline. However, both groups showed a significant increase in the surface roughness after three months with higher mean value for (TR) group. On the other hand, the (AR) group showed higher hardness mean value than (TR) group at baseline with no significant decrease in the hardness values (p >0.05) following three months follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Denture cleansers have an effect on the denture's surface roughness and hardness concurrently with an oral condition which will consequently influence the complete dentures' lifetime and patients' satisfaction.