EVALUATION OF MECHANICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF ALKALI TREATED MORINGA POWDER REINFORCED POLY METHYL METHACRYLATE ACRYLIC RESIN: AN IN-VITRO EXPERIMENTAL LABORATORY STUDY

Abstract

Background: poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resin is widely used in Prosthodontics but has limitations such as low fracture resistance and absence of antimicrobial activity. Natural fillers like Moringa oleifera powder are being explored to improve its mechanical strength and antimicrobial properties.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of incorporating different concentrations of Moringa powder (5%, 10%, and 15%) as a reinforcement in PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) denture base resin on mechanical and antimicrobial properties..

Material and Methods: This in-vitro experimental laboratory-based study was conducted after the approval of the IRB of Azra Naheed Dental College, from Mar to Dec 25on PMMA resin reinforced with Moringa powder at 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight. The samples were prepared in accordance with ISO 178 and ISO 179-2 standards for mechanical testing. Flexural strength was evaluated using a universal testing machine (three-point bending test). Impact strength was tested using the Izod method. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method, and zones of inhibition were measured and averaged across all tested microorganisms. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests. SPSS v24 was used for analysis. p-value less than or equal to 0.05 was taken as significant.

Results: There were significant improvements in impact strength (p=0.002), flexural strength (p=0.044) and antimicrobial properties (p=0.001) with the incorporation of moringa powder. The 10% moringa group reported the highest flexural strength (89.83±3.54 MPa) and impact strength (10.13±0.68 J). The 15% Moringa group exhibited the largest antimicrobial activity, with the highest zone of inhibition (12.17±1.60 mm).

Conclusion: Incorporating moringa oleifera powder into PMMA denture base resin significantly improved both mechanical and antimicrobial properties, with the 10% concentration providing the best outcomes. Moringa powder shows potential as a natural reinforcement for improving the performance of PMMA dental materials.