Researchers at University of Liverpool created a new coating that may help denture wearers avoid oral thrush, a common condition due to Candida albicans fungus. Denture wearers are particularly prone to this, and it is hoped that the silica based coating will prevent growth of the fungus.
The project’s idea is based on a cost effective nanoparticle silica coating which inhibits the adhesion and proliferation of cells and micro-organisms. Laboratory tests show that the nanoparticulate silica coating can inhibit the build up of virulent oral thrush (Candida albicans). Using Proof of Concept (POC) funds awarded by the University technology transfer company, Ulive, the team has developed a transparent solution containing the nanoparticles with adhesive patches on each particle which promote attachment to the denture. This solution can be used by denture wearers as part of their normal cleaning procedure and provides a renewable, tasteless nanoparticulate coating on the dentures which will prevent oral thrush infections.
“Our approach will reduce the need for sufferers of oral thrush to be treated by drug therapy. This is important as these drugs cannot be used in all patients”, said Dr Williams. “Our product aims to prevent the occurrence of oral thrush and maintain a healthy mouth via continual renewal of the nanoparticle coating.”
The research team won the Armourers and Brasiers Venture Prize to pursue clinical trials of the treatment.
Image: Top: Atomic force microscope (AFM) scans of dental acrylate coated with nanoparticulate silica (left) and uncoated (right). Coated and uncoated samples of the material were then exposed to C albicans. After a suitable interval, they were examined under a microscope. This revealed extensive, connected growth of C albicans on the untreated surfaces, but minimal, isolated growth on the treated surfaces. Side: Isolated growth of C albicans on dental acrylate left in Steradent for 16 hours before being coated with nanoparticulate silica
Press releases: Prize winning research could bring relief to 3.5million denture stomatis sufferers; Prize winning research could bring relief to 3.5million denture stomatis sufferers