ABSTRACT :  INTRODUCTION: Removable dental prostheses (RDP) have porosities that facilitate the colonization of microorganisms. Their absence or poor hygiene predisposes to the formation of biofilm. The most appropriate disinfection method is chemical-mechanical, however, some cleaning substances can alter the mechanical properties of the materials used in the prosthesis bases, altering the roughness and hardness of the material, leading to greater accumulation of biofilm. OBJECTIVE: To develop and characterize a foam containing eugenol nanoparticles and evaluate its effects on the mechanical properties of acrylic resins used in PDR bases, as well as its antifungal effect against Candida albicans and C. glabrata biofilms. METHODOLOGY: Foam with eugenol nanoparticles (ECNE) was prepared using the mechanical agitation technique. After preparation, tests of calculated foam parameters were performed. Particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential (ZP) were also characterized. Release kinetics were performed by diffusion in Franz cells. Roughness and microhardness tests were performed on 96 specimens (48 of Classic® resin and 48 of Vip Wave® resin) subjected to immersion for 8 hours daily in the following solutions: 0.5% sodium hypochlorite; Free eugenol, foam with eugenol nanoparticles (ECNE); and foam without eugeol nanoparticles (ESNE). The antifungal activity was evaluated by counting colonies after exposing the test specimens to the tested formulation. RESULTS: The ECNE presented a size of 208 nanometers, high homogeneity (IPD=0.073) and negative PZ (-26.6). The release kinetics were controlled, with 11.28% of the eugenol content released after 24h. After 12 days of heat stress, the formulation maintained its pH stable and eugenol content within acceptable limits. The formulation maintained its pH stable and eugenol content within acceptable limits after 12 days of heat stress. The pH analysis showed safety for use in mucosa. Furthermore, the specimens did not present significant changes in roughness and hardness when immersed in ECNE. The foam presented a fungal biofilm reduction potential similar to free eugenol. CONCLUSION: ECNE presented characteristics of a nanocarrier system, with antifungal activity and without significant changes in the mechanical properties of acrylic resin used in the base of dental prostheses. Thus, providing a material for possible cleaning of dental prostheses.

KEY-WORDS Prothesis dental; Resins Acrilics;  Nanoparticules; Surface Properties; biofilms; dentistry, eugenol; antifungal.

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