Digital Design of a Universal Rat Intraoral Device for Therapeutic Evaluation of a Topical Formulation against <i>Candida</i> -Associated Denture Stomatitis

Abstract

<i>Candida</i>-associated denture stomatitis (DS) is a persistent and chronic oral infection of the denture-bearing palatal mucosa. DS stems from the ability of the fungal opportunistic pathogen <i>Candida albicans</i> to adhere to denture material and invade palatal tissue. Although DS is the most prevalent form of oral candidiasis, there are currently no feasible therapeutic strategies for the prevention of this recurrent condition. We developed a peptide-based antimicrobial bioadhesive formulation specifically designed for oral topical formulation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the applicability of the novel formulation for the prevention of <i>C. albicans</i> colonization on denture material and development of clinical disease. To that end, using the latest technological advances in dental digital design and three-dimensional (3D) printing, we fabricated an intraoral device for rats with universal fit. The device was successfully installed and used to develop clinical DS. Importantly, by taking a preventative therapeutic approach, we demonstrated the potential clinical utility of the novel formulation as a safe and feasible prophylactic agent against DS.