# Evaluation of Antimicrobials Incorporated into Artificial Saliva: Analysis Against Candida albicans

## TL;DR

This study evaluates artificial saliva with antimicrobials to fight Candida albicans biofilms, showing significant inhibition of fungal growth.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in assessing nystatin, chlorhexidine, and silver nanoparticles in artificial saliva against Candida biofilms.

## Key findings

- AS formulations with nystatin, chlorhexidine, and 6 mM AgNp significantly inhibited Candida albicans biofilm.
- Fungal load and metabolic activity were reduced in all antimicrobial-treated groups.
- Artificial saliva with antimicrobials showed fungistatic and fungicidal effects on biofilm substrates.

## Abstract

Saliva is essential for maintaining oral health, and conditions like hyposalivation increase the risk of diseases. To address this, artificial saliva (AS) formulations incorporated with antimicrobials have been proposed. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) of AS formulations containing nystatin (Nys), chlorhexidine diacetate 98% (Chx), and silver nanoparticles (AgNp) against Candida albicans biofilm. The fungistatic and fungicidal properties of six groups (AS; AS + AgNp 2 mM; AS + AgNp 4 mM; AS + AgNp 6 mM; AS + Nys; AS + Chx) were assessed using the XTT colorimetric assay. Additionally, 35 denture base heat-polymerized acrylic resin specimens were prepared and treated with the antimicrobials, serving as substrates for C. albicans biofilm development over 3, 6, and 12 h. Biofilm growth was quantified by CFU/mL counting. All analyses were performed with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results demonstrated fungal load inhibition and a reduction in metabolic activity across all experimental groups (p < 0.05). Notably, AS + Nys, AS + Chx, and AS + AgNp 6 mM exhibited similar and significant inhibitory effects against C. albicans biofilm.