Development of a cleanser tablet: evaluation of antibiofilm and effects on the surfaces of Removable Partial Dentures

• Grant number: 24/22670-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Valéria Oliveira Pagnano de Souza
• Grantee: Carolina Alves Freiria de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/06375-0 - Development of a cleanser tablet: evaluation of antibiofilm and effects on the surfaces of Removable Partial Dentures, AP.R

Abstract

Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs) stand out in Oral Rehabilitation, due to their comprehensive applicability and reduced cost. However, there is still no safe product for cleaning, with antimicrobial effectiveness and absence of adverse effects on surfaces. At the same time, digital dentistry advances and, following technological developments, it is urgent to study its possibilities for use in different oral prostheses, including RPD. Bacterial resistance and the toxicity of synthetic antimicrobials highlight the need to search for sanitizing substances of natural origin. Thus, the objective of this study will be to develop a denture cleanser tablet, test in vitro its effects and antibiofilm action on the materials that make up the RPD, in addition to evaluating in situ the antimicrobial potential of this tablet on printed resin (PR) surfaces, thermopolymerizable acrylic resin (TR), artificial teeth (AT) and Co-Cr dental alloy (Co-Cr). The in vitro study will analyze the cytotoxicity, the effects of the tablet on surface roughness, microhardness, color and gloss, flexural strength on the PR, TR, AT surfaces, and corrosive potential on the Co-Cr surface. In parallel, in vitro antibiofilm activity will be evaluated in relation to multispecies biofilms on surfaces. In the in situ stage, PR, TR, AT and Co-Cr specimens will be positioned in the vestibular region of the base of RPDs in use. Participants will be distributed into different hygiene groups and, after 15 days of use, the biofilm on the surface of each specimen will be collected and analyzed for cell viability, microbial load and microbiota profile. With this, we hope to observe the effects (adverse and antimicrobial) of cleanser tablet on the different materials that make up the RPD, as well as understanding the microbial colonization of the materials, especially the printed resin, already planning the clinical use of the material.