Hydrophobicity of a Denture Base Resin containing an Experimental Polymer

Objectives: The incorporation of the polymer poly (2-tert-butylaminoethyl) methacrylate (PTBAEMA) to acrylic resins may represent a possible alternative to reduce biofilm formation on denture surface and the prevention of denture stomatitis. The ability of Candida albicans to adhere to polymeric surfaces has been correlated with hydrophobic surfaces. Thus, surface properties are important parameters related to the initial phase of biofilm formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the superficial hydrophobicity of disc-shaped specimens obtained from an acrylic resin (Lucitone 550) containing the biocide polymer PTBAEMA.

Methods: Specimens were divided into three groups (n=10), according to the PTBAEMA concentration: 0% (control), 5% and 10%. The water contact angle measurements were performed to characterize the surface hydrophobicity of the specimens, using an automated goniometer (Ramé-hart 200). Measurements in two different locations were made for each specimen. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test, at 5% of significance.

Results: Contact angle values of specimens containing PTBAEMA were lower than those measured on control group. Significant differences (P< .05) were detected among the groups (Group 0%= 57.3°±2.2^A, Group 5%= 28.7°±3.2^B, Group 10%= 44.3°±3.9^C).

Conclusions: It was observed that PTBAEMA incorporation decreased the hydrophobicity of acrylic resin surfaces, demonstrated by the contact angle decrease. Thus, incorporating PTBAEMA into acrylic resins could be a possible alternative for the prevention of denture stomatitis.