Inhibition of C. albicans Formation by Non-thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet (NTAPPJ) on Acrylic Resin Surface

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet (NTAPPJ) against C. albicans on denture resin. Self-cured acrylic resin was used for a denture base, and the surface was treated with NTAPPJ using either compressed air (AP) or nitrogen gas (NP) or was left untreated (control). To analyze the surface characteristics, surface roughness and wettability, as well as chemical composition were observed. We also evaluated the antibacterial effect of NTAPPJ against C. albicans. Average surface roughness values were similar in all three experimental groups, and the NTAPPJ-treated resin surfaces exhibited hydrophilicity. On XPS analysis, the hydrocarbon peak was decreased while the hydroxyl group (O–H) peak was increased on the NTAPPJ-treated resin surfaces. The number of C. albicans colony-forming units was decreased in response to NTAPPJ treatment. These results suggested that NTAPPJ treatment could improve surface wettability as well as exhibit a good antibacterial effect. Therefore, NTAPPJ treatment is a promising method for preventing denture stomatitis or infection.