Antimicrobial activity of bimetallic oxides and of plasma-deposited film on denture base acrylic resin

Abstract

In the first part of this research project, bimetallic oxides will be synthesized using diferent methods and characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Thereafter, the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds against planktonic cells of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Escherichia coli and Candida albicans will be evaluated by determining the Minimum Inhibitory (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicidal (MBC/MFC) concentrations, as well as growth curve inhibition experiments. Scanning electron microscopy and comet assay will be used to detect possible morphological alterations and DNA damage of C. albicans. In addition, the ability of the synthesized compounds to inhibit the formation of bacterial (MRSA and E. coli) and fungal (C. albicans) biofilms will be evaluated using viable cell counts, total biomass, and scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses. In the second part of the project, the surfaces of denture base acrylic resin specimens will be coated by a Ag-containing plasma polymerized HMDSO film. The adhesion and the biofilm formation of C. albicans on the acrylic surfaces with or without HMDSO film (control) will be evaluated using the viable cell counts, the total biomass, and scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses. When appropriate, data will be analysed by statistical tests, and the results will then be interpreted and discussed. (AU)