Effect of Chia Seed Oil Addition on Bacterial Adhesion, Tensile Strength, and Hardness in Soft Denture Liners (An in-vitro study)

Denture soft liners play a critical role in enhancing patient comfort and preventing tissue irritation, especially in individuals with resorbed ridges. However, their long-term use is hindered by microbial colonization, particularly Candida albicans, leading to conditions such as denture-induced stomatitis. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties and antibacterial effectiveness of heat-cured soft liners incorporating Chia seed oil at 0.5% and 2% concentrations. A control group was compared to these formulations, and Staphylococcus epidermidis was used to assess bacterial adherence. Hardness and tensile strength were measured using a durometer and a universal testing machine, respectively, while statistical analysis employed one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results showed that both concentrations of Chia seed oil significantly reduced bacterial adherence (P < 0.01) but also led to a decrease in hardness and tensile strength (P < 0.05). These findings highlight the potential of Chia seed oil as an antimicrobial additive in soft liners, offering improvements in oral health and patient care outcomes.