Antimicrobial efficacy of Phoenix dactylifera–Infused three-dimensional-printed provisional dental resin against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus aureus: An in vitro study

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and cytocompatibility of methanolic Phoenix dactylifera seed extract incorporated into three-dimensional (3D)-printed provisional dental resin against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcusaureus. This study design involves an in vitro experimental study. Methanolic extract of P. dactylifera seed was prepared and incorporated into a 3D-printed provisional dental resin at concentrations of 1.5%, 2.5%, and 5%. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) counts for each microorganism. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay on Vero cells after 48 h. Phytochemical screening was performed to identify the bioactive constituents in the extract. One-way Analysis of Variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Phytochemical analysis revealed reducing sugars, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, proteins, and resins. Antimicrobial efficacy increased with concentration, with the 5% group showing the most significant reduction in CFU/ml across all tested microorganisms (C. albicans: 0.13; P. gingivalis and S. aureus: P < 0.05). Cytotoxicity was minimal at 5% and 10% (cell viability >92%), while moderate cytotoxicity was observed at 25% (cell viability: 74%). Incorporation of P. dactylifera seed extract into 3D-printed provisional dental resin enhanced antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, P. gingivalis, and C. albicans in a dose-dependent manner, with the 5% concentration showing the highest efficacy. Lower concentrations (1.5% and 2.5%) provided substantial antimicrobial effects while maintaining high biocompatibility, supporting their potential clinical use.