In vitro adherence of Candida albicans to zirconia surfaces

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to characterize surface properties such as roughness (Ra) and surface-free energy (SFE) of glazed and polished yttria-stabilized zirconia and to evaluate in vitro adherence of fungus Candida albicans and salivary bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis, mixed with C. albicans to these substrata. Additionally, the influence of salivary proteins (albumin, mucin and α-amylase) on yeast adhesion was studied. Material and methods: Ra and SFE of glazed and polished zirconia discs were measured. Specimens were wetted with saliva and salivary proteins prior to incubation with C. albicans and mixed suspension of C. albicans and S. epidermidis for 24 hr, respectively. Microbial adhesion was quantified by counting colony-forming units (CFU). Differences in physicochemical properties were proved by t test. “Linear mixed model” with the factors “type of surface” and “wetting media” was applied to analyse the effects on fungal adhesion (p