UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM- DALTAZapote Rd., AlabangCOLLEGE OF PHARMACY

Dr. Karen M. Piamonte, DDS.OrthodonticsUnit 817. 2301 Civic Drive,Filinvest Corporate City, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila

January 17, 2015

Dear Madam,

We are writing to kindly request for your approval in the methodology utilized for our undergraduate thesis entitled In-Vitro Testing of Pectin Extracted From the Peel of Citrus grandis Fam. Rutaceae As An Alternative Denture Adhesive.

The extracted pectin sample along with USP grade citrus pectin will be utilized as a simple denture adhesive in combination with distilled water at 4 different concentrations; 20%, 30%, 35%, and 40%. Equal amounts of the pectin mixture will be placed in the periphery, relief area, and palate of the complete denture model. The dental model will then be submerged in a solution labeled as simulated saliva, a solution at pH 6.2 that consists of KH2PO4, NaCl, CaCl2, and NaOH.

Fig. 1 Dental Model with Articulator (not pictured) Fig. 2 Spring Balance (Photo replica courtesy of aryalabware)

Submersion into the simulated saliva solution will be done for a total of 12 hours. Measurement of retention strength (g) will be done using a spring balance. The lower hook of the spring balance will be placed in the margin of the dentures (both maxillary and mandibular) and will be pulled away from the denture at a 90-degree angle until the denture completely detaches. Results shown by the spring balance will be presented in grams (g). Measurements for retention strength will be taken at 6 time intervals; 15 minutes after application & before submersion into simulated saliva solution, after 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, and the trial will be completed after a final measure of retention strength at 12 hours.

After the initial testing phase, the pectin adhesive will then be compared to denture adhesives that are commercially available. There will be three trials conducted per percentage and each trial will be rightfully documented.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. If there are any questions concerning the methodology utilized in this study please contact us at ayagutierrez@yahoo.com or +639177221801.

Prepared by:

________________________ ________________________ Augustine D. Gutierrez Angelo Rae C. Santos

Approved by:

________________________ Dr. Karen M. Piamonte, DDS.

Noted by:

_________________________ Dean Ma.VictoriaE. Mendoza Thesis Adviser