title: In vitro evaluation of artificial ageing on surface properties and early Candida albicans adhesion to prosthetic resins.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this in vitro study was to examine potential changes and influences of prosthetic resin surface properties on Candida albicans adhesion after surface treatment or artificial ageing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Standardized specimens of a denture base resin and a veneering composite were prepared, polished, and randomly subjected to different surface roughness treatments or artificial ageing protocols (storage in ethanol or artificial saliva for 7/90 d, thermocycling). Surface roughness (Ra) and surface free energy were determined prior and after each treatment. Specimens were incubated with phosphate buffered saline or whole saliva for 2 h at 37 degrees C, and later with Candida albicans suspension (2.5 h, 37 degrees C). Adherent viable fungi were quantified using a bioluminescence assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Artifical ageing did not affect substratum surface roughness, yet slight increases in substratum surface free energy and significant increases in Candida albicans adhesion were observed. Saliva coating marginally influenced Candida albicans adherence to reference and surface treated specimens, yet more pronounced differences in Candida albicans adhesion between the various artificially aged specimens were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No correlation between substratum surface roughness or surface free energy and Candida albicans adhesion could be established.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Regensburg University Medical Center, Regensburg, 93042, Germany. Sebastian.Hahnel@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hahnel
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rosentritt
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Handel
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bürgers