Influence of Some Plant Extracts on Antifungal Properties, Hardness, and Peel Bond Strength of Heat-Cured Denture Soft Liner

Background: Soft liners in dentures play a crucial role in enhancing patient comfort and preventing tissue irritation especially for patients with resorbed ridges. However, microbial colonization presents a challenge to their long-term effectiveness, particularly Candida albicans, leading to conditions like denture-induced stomatitis. Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and mechanical properties of heat cured soft liners incorporating plant extracts from Olea europaea and Ficus carcia, individually and synergistically. Patients and Methods: Extracts were obtained through Soxhlet extraction, and their antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans was determined using the broth microdilution method. Soft liner specimens were prepared with varying concentrations of the extracts and subjected to disk diffusion tests, shore A hardness measurements, and peel bond strength tests. Statistical analysis involved the use of one-way ANOVA and Dunnett tests. Results: Results demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with the synergistic mixture exhibiting the highest inhibition zone against Candida albicans. Moreover, the addition of such extracts led to increased shore A hardness, with the highest levels recorded for synergistic groups. The extracts also displayed a significant decrease in peel bond strength, indicating potential challenges in adhesive properties. These findings suggest that while individual extracts show promise in antimicrobial efficacy and mechanical reinforcement of soft liners, their combination may lead to compromised adhesive properties. Conclusion: The study contributes valuable insights into the development of antimicrobial soft liners reinforced with Olea europaea and Ficus carcia extracts, advancing dental materials towards improved patient outcomes and enhanced oral health.