Effect of Propolis Addition to Auto-Polymerized Silicone Soft Denture Lining Against Inhibition Zone of Candida Albicans and Tensile Strength of Heat-Polymerized Acrylic Resin

Abstract

Soft liners have been used widely to improve comfort in acrylic denture users. Long-term use of soft liners can cause
debonding, microporosity, surface roughness, and the growth of Candida albicans. To eliminate Candida, it is necessary to use
an antifungal. One of the natural antifungal ingredients used is propolis. Purpose: This research aimed to determine Candida
albicans inhibition zone value and soft liners’ tensile strength without and with the addition of 76% and 80% propolis and to
determine the effect of the addition of 76% and 80% propolis on the inhibition zone and tensile strength. This research was a
laboratory experimental research with a post-test-only control group design. Methods: The sample of this research was a heatpolymerized acrylic resin with an auto-polymerized silicone soft liner with total samples of 48, 24 samples each to test the
inhibition zone value and tensile strength. The samples were divided into 4 treatment groups, namely without addition, the
addition of nystatin, the addition of 76% propolis, and the addition of 80% propolis. Then 24 samples were placed into Petri
dishes for Candida albicans culture medium and 24 samples were incubated in a solution containing the Candida albicans
culture for 24 hours. After that, the inhibition zone value and tensile strength test were carried out with the Universal Testing
Machine (UTM). The results were recorded and analyzed by SPSS and unpaired T-test. Results: The highest inhibition zone value
was found in the group with the addition of 80% propolis, followed by 76% propolis group. The nystatin group and without the
addition of propolis didn't show any inhibition zone. The highest tensile strength value was obtained in the 76% propolis group,
followed by the nystatin group, 80% propolis, and group without addition. Conclusion: The addition of 76% propolis into the
soft liner is the best concentration to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and has the best tensile strength value.