Effects of triclosan on the cytotoxicity and fungal growth on a soft denture liner.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Contamination of removable prostheses with microorganisms, particularly Candida albicans, is a common clinical problem. Microban, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial containing triclosan, recently has been proposed to inhibit microbial growth. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether the addition of Microban to PermaSoft denture liner prevents the growth of C albicans and affects the cytotoxicity of the PermaSoft material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental specimen disks (5 x 1 mm each) with and without incorporated Microban were fabricated aseptically (n = 6) against polyester film to produce a smooth surface. To assess the cytotoxic effect of Microban, the MTT assay was used. To determine the effect of Microban on the growth of C albicans, disks were placed in Transwell dishes, covered with Sabouraud's broth containing an ATCC strain of C albicans, and incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. Wells containing fluorocarbon resin disks or broth alone served as controls. The disks were rinsed to remove unattached C albicans and then sonicated in sterile water to remove surface organisms. Serial dilutions of the water extracts were plated on Sabouraud's agar and returned to the incubator for 24 hours. Colonies were counted with a Brunswick Colony Counter. Growth of C albicans in the internal aspects of the specimens was determined in a manner as previously described, with the exception that the specimens were sonicated to remove surface organisms, minced, and sonicated once more before making serial dilutions. The results were compared with ANOVA and Tukey intervals (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The number of colonies formed ranged from 17 to 31 x 10(5) (mean = 23 +/- 4 x 10(5)) and 14 to 69 x 10(5) (mean = 32 +/- 20 x 10(5)) for the PermaSoft with and without Microban groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between PermaSoft with and without Microban. CONCLUSION: The addition of Microban did not significantly alter the cytotoxicity of the PermaSoft denture lining material or reduce the adherence of viable C albicans to the surface of PermaSoft material after 24 hours.