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 (R) 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 degrees 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 (R) had an inhibitory effect on the growth of C. albicans in vitro.