Effect of antifungal gels incorporated into a tissue conditioning material on the growth of Candida albicans

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of antifungal gels incorporated into a tissue conditioner which inhibits the growth of Candida albicans in vitro. BACKGROUND: The release of drugs from relining materials has been demonstrated earlier. However, the incorporation of antifungal agents in gel form has not yet been studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Visco-gel(®) tissue conditioner was prepared with chlorhexidine digluconate and miconazole in gel form in a concentration of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% by volume. Sample discs were prepared and placed on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) plates which had been previously inoculated with C. albicans, and incubated aerobically at 37 °C. To investigate antifungal activity over time, Visco-gel discs containing 20%v/v miconazole were prepared and immersed in water for different time periods before being placed on SDA plates inoculated with C. albicans. RESULTS: Chlorhexidine digluconate gel added to tissue conditioner had no inhibition effect on the growth of C. albicans. Incorporation of miconazole gave a dose-related inhibitory effect on candidal growth. Immersion of the discs in water showed an inverse relationship between time of immersion and degree of inhibition. CONCLUSION: Miconazole added in gel form to Visco-gel(®) had an inhibitory effect on the growth of C. albicans in vitro.