Fungal Genomics & Biology
Open Access

Abstract

Effect of Application Times on Candida albicans for Denture Disinfection

Ralf Buergers

Study background: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the minimum application times of three denture
disinfection procedures to significantly reduce initial Candida albicans colonization.
Methods: Specimens of a soft denture relining material were incubated with Candida albicans for 2.5 h
and allotted to three different disinfection regimes (sodium hypochlorite 1%, effervescent cleansing tabs, and microwaving immersed in water) with application times ranging from 30 to 600 s. Adhering fungi were quantified using a bioluminescence assay in combination with an automated plate reader for cell quantification.
Results: Luminescence at baseline varied between 409 and 472 relative luminescence units (rlu). A significant reduction of luminescence was found after 120 s of soaking in sodium hypochlorite (31 rlu) and effervescent cleansing tabs (35 rlu), and after 60 s of microwave irradiation (26 rlu).
Conclusions: Threshold minimum application times of 120 s for sodium hypochlorite and cleansing tabs, and 60 s for microwaving were determined. A further extension of application times did not have additional antifungal effects.