This study aims to
evaluate the effect of ionic liquids and their
structure on the mechanical (tensile bond strength (TBS) and Shore
A hardness), mass change, and antifungal properties of soft denture
lining material. Butyl pyridinium chloride (BPCL) and octyl pyridinium
chloride (OPCL) were synthesized, characterized, and mixed in concentrations
ranging from 0.65–10% w/w with a soft denture liner (Molloplast-B)
and were divided into seven groups (C, BPCL1-3, and OPCL1-3). The
TBS of bar-shaped specimens was calculated on a Universal Testing
Machine. For Shore A hardness, disc-shaped specimens were analyzed
using a durometer. The mass change (%) of specimens was calculated
by the weight loss method. The antifungal potential of ionic liquids
and test specimens was measured using agar well and disc diffusion
methods (p ≤ 0.05). The alamarBlue assay was
performed to assess the biocompatibility of the samples. The mean
TBS values of Molloplast-B samples were significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) for all groups except for OPCL1. Compared
with the control, the mean shore A hardness values were significantly
higher (p ≤ 0.05) for samples in groups BPCL
2 and 3. After 6 weeks, the OPCL samples showed a significantly lower
(p ≤ 0.05) mass change as compared to the
control. Agar well diffusion methods demonstrated a maximum zone of
inhibition for 2.5% OPCL (20.5 ± 0.05 mm) after 24 h. Disc diffusion
methods showed no zones of inhibition. The biocompatibility of the
ionic liquid-modified sample was comparable to that of the control.
The addition of ionic liquids in Molloplast-B improved the liner’s
surface texture, increased its hardness, and decreased its % mass
change and tensile strength. Ionic liquids exhibited potent antifungal
activity.