Abstract:

Objective To investigate the Candida albicans adhesion to polyurethane composites containing nano-polyphosphazene. Methods Specimens of polyurethane composites containing 1% polyphosphazene (PZS-1% group, n=12) and 5% polyphosphazene (PZS-5% group, n=12) and specimens of silicone rubber-based soft lining material (silicone rubber group, n=12) were prepared. Candida albicans adhesion tests were performed in each group of specimens. The adhesion of Candida albicans to specimens was observed under light microscope, and colony forming unit counting was conducted to determine the amount of Candida albicans adhesion in each group (×10⁴ CFU/mL). Results The amount of Candida albicans adhesion to specimens in PZS-1% group, PZS-5% group and silicone rubber group was 207.800±22.300, 133.200±31.597 and 200.600±32.250 respectively. It was revealed by statistical analysis that the amount of Candida albicans adhesion to specimens in PZS-5% group was significantly lower than that in PZS-1% group and silicone rubber group (P<0.001), while there was no significant difference between PZS-1% group and silicone rubber group (P>0.05). Conclusion The amount of Candida albicans adhesion to PZS-5% is significantly lower than that adhesion to PZS-1% and silicone rubber-based soft lining material. The supplement of polyphosphazene in polyurethane composites may have an effect on Candida albicans adhesion.

Key words: polyurethane, polyphosphazene, soft lining, Candida albicans, adhesion