Evaluation of Physico-mechanical and Antimicrobial Properties of a Silicone-Based Soft Denture Liner Modified with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Fluconazole: An In Vitro Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15218/edj.2026.21Keywords:
Soft denture liner, zinc oxide nanoparticles, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, antimicrobial, mechanical propertiesAbstract
Purpose: This in vitro study evaluated the physico-mechanical and antimicrobial properties of a silicone-based soft denture liner modified with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs).
Methods: Forty disc-shaped specimens were fabricated from a silicone soft denture liner and divided into four groups according to ZnO-NP concentration (0%, 5%, 7%, and 10% w/w). Antimicrobial activity was assessed against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration assays. Shore A hardness and flexibility were evaluated according to ISO 10139-2 standards. Zinc ion release was measured after immersion in artificial saliva. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05).
Results: Zinc oxide nanoparticle modification showed no antifungal activity against C. albicans. However, significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus was observed, with the 7% concentration demonstrating optimal inhibition. Physico-mechanical properties improved progressively with increasing ZnO-NP concentration. Zinc ion release was minimal at 5% and 7% concentrations and remained within acceptable limits.
Conclusions: Zinc oxide nano-particles at a 7% concentration enhanced antibacterial performance and mechanical properties of the soft denture liner while maintaining low ion release. These findings suggest that ZnO-NP modification may improve the functional performance of denture liners for prosthodontic applications.
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