An In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Novel Thymus vulgaris Derived Herbal Disinfectant Solutions against Pathogenic Biofilm on Maxillofacial Silicones and Its Impact on Color Stability.

AIM: This study aims to assess the antimicrobial efficacy and impact on color stability of Thymus (T.) vulgaris solution compared to conventional disinfectants on maxillofacial silicones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various solutions were evaluated, including T. vulgaris solutions at 5 and 10%, saline (control), chlorhexidine (4%), and soap water. The substrates were MDX4-4210 silicone elastomers, and the microorganisms tested were Candida (C.) albicans and Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. The viability of microorganisms was determined through an 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay, and color stability was measured using a spectrophotometer with X-Rite Europe software. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U post hoc test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. RESULTS: Soap water demonstrated superior disinfectant action against both microorganisms, while T. vulgaris solutions at 5 and 10% exhibited comparable antimicrobial efficacy. Chlorhexidine and 10% T. vulgaris solution showed minimal color changes in the silicone material. In contrast, soap water and the 5% T. vulgaris solution resulted in clinically unacceptable color alterations. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the potential of T. vulgaris as an herbal disinfectant for combating microbial biofilms on maxillofacial silicones, particularly at concentrations of 5 and 10%. The importance of maintaining color stability is emphasized, with Chlorhexidine and the 10% T. vulgaris solution demonstrating effective preservation of esthetics. These findings suggest the viability of considering T. vulgaris as an alternative disinfectant in clinical settings for maxillofacial silicone prostheses. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Maxillofacial silicones are vital in restoring aesthetic features for individuals with facial trauma, congenital deformities, or post-surgical interventions. Yet, biofilm-related infections jeopardize their durability and visual integrity. Clinically, T. vulgaris signifies a potential advance in prosthodontic care, offering valuable insights for improving antimicrobial performance and aesthetic durability in maxillofacial prostheses. How to cite this article: Peter M, Kanathila H, Bembalagi M, et al. An In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Novel Thymus vulgaris Derived Herbal Disinfectant Solutions against Pathogenic Biofilm on Maxillofacial Silicones and Its Impact on Color Stability. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(12):967-973.

The Release of Elements from the Base Metal Alloys in a Protein Containing Biologic Environments and Artificial Saliva - An Invitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: It has been reported that protein containing solutions can accelerate the release of elements from the base metal alloys. AIM: This study aims to determine whether the solution in which an alloy is submerged and the exposure time have any effect on the amount of release of elements from the Ni-Cr and Co-Cr alloys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 126 specimens were made from the Ni-Cr alloy and 42 specimens were made from Co-Cr alloy in the form of 5mm diameter discs, 2mm in thickness. Dissolution experiments were carried out in Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and artificial saliva for a period of seven weeks and atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for elemental analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: T-test was done to correlate the difference of elemental release from both BSA and artificial saliva. ANOVA test was done to compare the release at different time intervals and to compare the release of elements at different time intervals within a particular solution. TUKEY HSD test was done for comparison between the elements in a particular solution. RESULTS: The results showed that the elemental release was seen in both the solutions with a significant increase of release in BSA. The release of elements from the Ni-Cr alloy showed the predominant release of Cr. CONCLUSION: The protein containing solution showed maximum release of elements from Ni-Cr and Co-Cr alloys. The elements that released from the alloys never reached their threshold for toxic effects. Hence these alloys can be safely used in fabrication of metal restorations without any ill effects.

The effectiveness of magnesium oxide combined with tissue conditioners in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans: an in vitro study.

CONTEXT: The presence of Candida albicans on the fitting surface of the denture is a major causative factor in denture stomatitis. A treatment method is by combining tissue conditioner and antifungal agents. AIMS: The main objective of this study is to test the efficacy of magnesium oxide combined with two tissue conditioners (Viscogel and GC Soft), in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Microbiological study was done in the Department of Microbiology, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte University, Mangalore. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 154 plates were prepared using Muller Hilton with Glucose and Methylene Blue dye medium and inoculated with 24-hr old standard Candida culture. Plates were divided into control and combination. Test discs with different concentrations of MgO were equidistantly placed in MgO Control, while sterile discs embedded with respective tissue conditioner were equidistantly placed in Viscogel and GC Soft controls. For combination groups, the tissue conditioners were mixed and the discs with MgO (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) were embedded in the mix. After 24 h of incubation, inhibition diameters were noted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data was analysed using Mann Whitney U Test, ANOVA, Tukey HSD test. Results : The inhibition effect of magnesium oxide 1% combined with tissue conditioners (VGC and GCC) is not significant in both the groups. The inhibition effect of MgO 5% and 7% combined with tissue conditioners (VGC and GCC) is very highly significant ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium oxide in combination with tissue conditioners are effective against Candida albicans; GC soft with magnesium oxide showed a better result than Viscogel with magnesium oxide; Increasing the concentration of magnesium oxide increases the zone of inhibition of Candida albicans.