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CC BY 4.0 · Eur J Dent
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1810070
Original Article

Impact of Acacia arabica Addition on Optical, Mechanical, and Fungicidal Properties of Polymethyl Methacrylate Denture Base Material

Rania Moussa 
1   Department of Substitutive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia
,
Ahmed Yaseen Alqutaibi 
1   Department of Substitutive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia
2   Department of Prosthodontics, College of Dentistry, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
,
Muhammad Sohail Zafar 
3   Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Dentistry, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
4   Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman, University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
5   School of Dentistry, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
,
Mai Salah El-Din 
6   Prosthodontics Department, Alexandria University Main Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
› Author Affiliations
Funding The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by Ajman University, UAE, for covering the article's APC.
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Abstract

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the optical, mechanical, and microbiological performance of heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) modified by adding various gum Acacia arabica (GA) concentrations.

Materials and Methods

Specimens containing 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% GA by weight were prepared, with control specimens containing no GA. Thirty-six rectangular samplings were assessed for color changes, flexural strength, and elastic modulus. Color measurement was conducted using a spectrophotometer. A universal testing machine measured flexural strength through a three-point bending test, and the elastic modulus was calculated. A profilometer and Vickers hardness tester evaluated the surface roughness and hardness. Antifungal activity was assessed by incubating specimens with Candida albicans and counting colony-forming units (CFU/mL).

Statistical Analysis

Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test for antifungal activity and optical properties and One-way ANOVA for mechanical properties at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results

Groups with higher GA concentrations exhibited significant color changes (p < 0.001). Nonsignificant changes were reported in flexural strength, elastic modulus, or surface hardness (p >0.05), although lower concentrations of GA (1 and 2.5% wt) improved surface hardness. Both 7.5% and 10% wt GA significantly increased surface roughness (p < 0.001). Antifungal activity increased with GA concentration declining from 12 × 108 CFU/mL in the control to no detectable fungal growth in the 10% wt.

Conclusion

Low GA concentrations (1 and 2.5%) improved hardness with minimal surface changes, while higher levels (7.5 and 10%) significantly enhanced antifungal efficacy but compromised roughness and aesthetics. A 5% GA concentration offered a balanced compromise, necessitating further investigation.

Keywords

polymethyl methacrylate - denture base - gum Acacia arabica - antifungal agents - surface properties - Candida albicans

Institutional Review Board Approval

This in vitro study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Alexandria University, Faculty of Dentistry (IRB No. 00010556–IORG 0008839).




Publication History

Article published online:
08 August 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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