A comparative evaluation of antimicrobial properties and four physical properties of heat-cure resin incorporated with azadirachta indica and melaleuca alternifolia - an in-vitro study

Abstract

OBJECTIVES : Denture bases may act as a reservoir of microorganisms and contribute to oral diseases and tissue damage. It would be remarkable if the denture base materials could prevent biofilm formation, especially in patients undergoing radiotherapy. An optimized resin material should exhibit a positive biological response while maintaining the desired physical properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of PMMA incorporated with neem powder and tea tree oil (TTO) and to evaluate its effect on physical properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of thirty samples were fabricated for the present study. Thirty heat cure resin samples incorporated with neem (2.5%) and TTO (15%) were prepared by the flasking method. The specimens were tested for antimicrobial properties against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus by incubation in Hiltons agar and checked for zone of inhibition. The physical properties like flexural strength, tensile strength, impact strength, and surface hardness were tested. The mean values of the antimicrobial and physical properties were calculated by the one-way ANOVA test and intergroup comparison was done using independent sample t-test procedures. (p≤0.05 was statistically significant). RESULTS: The results showed significantly increased antimicrobial activity against both C. albicans and S. aureus. (P≤0.05) The mean flexural strength decreased (B2=58.00, B3=47.60), tensile strength(B2 =94.84MPa, B3=77.01MPa) and surface hardness decreased(B2=24.34 N/mm², B3=25.20 N/mm²). The mean impact strength increased (B2=28.74 MPa, B3=30.59 MPa).On comparison between the groups incorporated with the agents, neem showed better impact strength than TTO.