OBJECTIVEWe aim to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antibacterial effects of Silagum-Comfort (SLC) silicone-based soft liner varnish containing Ag/TiO2 in vitro.

METHODSSilicone-based liner circular specimens, with a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 2 mm, were created and divided into six groups randomly. Ag/TiO2 was incorporated into the SLC varnish based on the agent/material weight rate of 0, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%. The mixed varnish was used to polish the SLC specimens. Antibacterial specimens (ATSLC) were created. Methyl thiazolyl diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay method was used to evaluate the 3T3 cell cytotoxicity of ATSLC in vitro. Surface roughness (Ra) measurements of ATSLC were obtained. The antibacterial effect of ATSLC on Candida albicans was examined using the pelliclesticking method.

RESULTSThe cytotoxicity of ATSLC was graded from 0 to 2. The Ra of ATSLC increased when Ag/TiO2 agent concentration increased. However, the differences were not statistically significant compared with the 0 group. With increasing Ag/TiO2 concentration, the antibacterial agent concentration and the antibacterial rate of ATSLC also increased. When the Ag/TiO2 antibacterial agent concentration reached 2.0% and 2.5%, the antibacterial rate increased to 97.5% and 96.5, respectively.

CONCLUSIONVarnish containing Ag/TiO2 has excellent antibacterial effect and can significantly improve the antibacterial effect of silicone-based soft liner.