Effectiveness of Chitosan versus Natural Aloe Vera on Candida Adherence in Denture Soft Lining Material

Background. Soft denture lining materials act as a cushion between the denture base and tissues. Alongside having many advantages, its main problem is candida growth due to its rubbery and porous texture. Many interventions have been performed to
halt the growth of candida within soft lining materials such as the use of antifungal therapy and strict oral and denture hygiene but
there are consequences such as recurrence, drug resistance, and toxicity related to these interventions. Since natural agents such as
aloe vera and chitosan have been proven to have antibacterial and antifungal properties with minimum adverse efects, this study
aimed to study the efectiveness of chitosan and aloe vera powders incorporated within denture soft lining materials against
candida adherence. Methodology. A total of 60 soft-lining material samples were prepared that were equally divided into three
groups, viz., group 1 (chitosan incorporation), group 2 (aloe vera incorporation), and group 3 (control). Candida was obtained
from the microbiology lab to form a candidal suspension, diluted in 0.9% NaCl to match the McFarland standard bacteriologic
solution. Samples were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours in test tubes containing 100 mL of the candidal suspension and 9.9 mL of the
previously prepared Sabouraud dextrose agar. Crystal violet stain was used to stain the adhering cells by fxing them with
methanol 80%. For each sample, the adhering candida cells were counted on three standard felds by using an inverted light
microscope, and the mean of those felds was recorded. Results. Te mean value for samples containing aloe vera was 41.15, while
the mean values for samples containing chitosan and the control group were 16.05 and 79.1, respectively. Of all the three groups,
aloe vera powder had a signifcant efcacy against candida growth as compared to the chitosan and control groups (P value � 0.001). Conclusion. Both herbal agents were efective against candida growth. In comparison, aloe vera was more efective
against candida growth compared to chitosan