Background. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is commonly used for dental appliances, however, it has several shortcomings that could be addressed. Ganoderma Lucidum (G. Lucidum) material has a desirable antifungal effect and may also enhance the mechanical strength of PMMA materials.
Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the flexural strength, modulus of elasticity and antifungal activity of the PMMA modified by G. Lucidum.
Material and methods. Forty-eight specimens were prepared as two groups, group 1: PMMA (control), group 2: PMMA modified by G. Lucidum. Flexural strength and antifungal activity were assessed followed by scanning by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CFLSM). Modulus of elasticity was also calculated for both groups. Data were collected and statistically tested using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to check the difference between groups followed by Bonferroni's post-hoc test for pairwise comparison.
Result: Group 2 showed higher flexural strength and modulus of elasticity (59.62155± 8.99716 MPa), (2943.82±702.2 MPa) respectively. Broth micro dilution assay of group 2 showed the microbial inhibited concentration (MIC) values were ≥ 375 μg/ml for Candida Albicans. This was also confirmed by the (CFLSM) by showing increased dead C. Albicans cells.
Conclusion. It can be concluded that the modification of PMMA with G. Lucidum can increase some mechanical properties and antifungal activity of the PMMA material.