Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the tear strength, anti-candidal effect, and resistance to polymicrobial biofilm formation of maxillofacial silicone modified with varying concentrations of Glycyrrhiza glabra (0 %, 1.5 %, 2.5 %, and 5 %), focusing on enhancing its durability, antimicrobial properties, and overall performance. METHODS: A total of 192 samples were prepared and divided into groups based on Glycyrrhiza glabra concentrations, with further subgroups for each parameter with 48 samples in each concentration group. Tear strength was tested using a universal testing machine and expressed in N/mm. Anti-candidal and polymicrobial biofilm properties were assessed by inoculating samples with Candida albicans and a mixed culture of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, with colony counts measured at 24 and 48 h. RESULTS: Increasing the concentration of Glycyrrhiza glabra significantly enhanced tear strength and antimicrobial properties. Tear strength improved progressively, with Group D (5 % concentration) achieving the highest value of 12.43 N/mm. Anti-candidal efficacy showed a clear dose-dependent effect, with Group D reducing Candida albicans counts from 225.75 in Group A to 40.67 at 24 h and further to 25.17 at 48 h. Polymicrobial biofilm formation also decreased significantly, with Group D showing the lowest counts of 163.33 CFU at 24 h and 163.08 CFU at 48 h. Tukey's post hoc test revealed significant differences between treatment groups (P < 0.001) and controls, highlighting that higher concentrations offered superior performance. CONCLUSION: The incorporation of Glycyrrhiza glabra into maxillofacial silicone significantly enhances tear strength, anti-candidal, and anti-polymicrobial properties.