Denture stomatitis is a common issue among denture users, primarily caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as Candida albicans that adhere to and multiply on the denture surface. While previous approaches have focused on incorporating antimicrobial agents into denture base resins, this study introduces a novel surface coating strategy for polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) using hinokitiol-a natural antibacterial and antifungal compound derived from Hiba. This method enables the formation of a uniform silica-resin layer containing hinokitiol, achieved through a simple immersion process. Using X-ray and neutron reflectivity techniques, we discovered that a uniform silica-resin layer could form on PMMA with significant amounts of hinokitiol present. Time-dependent neutron reflectivity analysis revealed the presence of the following two types of hinokitiol molecules within the silica-resin layer: one type desorbs rapidly with weak capture near the surface, and the other desorbs slowly with strong capture near the PMMA interface, facilitated by hydrogen bonding in the silica-resin nanopores. These findings demonstrate a new mechanism for controlled release of antimicrobial agents from denture surfaces and highlight the potential of this coating technique as a practical and effective strategy for preventing denture-related infections.
Keywords: Candida albicans; X-ray reflectivity techniques; antifungal agents; biomaterials; denture bases; neutron reflectivity techniques.