Antimicrobial and Mechanical Properties of GIC Incorporated with Silver Vanadate Nanoparticles: An In-vitro Study

Introduction: Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) is a widely used restorative material, but its anti-bacterial property is not sustained overtime. The addition of nanosized silver vanadate (AgVO3) is an attempt to enhance the anti-bacterial property of GIC without affecting its mechanical properties.

Aim: To evaluate the anti-microbial property, Flexural Strength (FS) and Surface Micro Hardness (SMH) of GIC added with silver vanadate (AgVO3) nanoparticles.

Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted in the Department of Pedodontics, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, India from June 2020 to July 2021. The AgVO3 nanoparticles were proportionally added to Type II GIC (Group-1) powder at the concentrations of 0.5% (Group-2), 1.0% (Group-3) and 2.0% w/w (Group-4). A total of 56 specimens were prepared to evaluate the test parameters. Anti-microbial property was evaluated using disk diffusion method. FS was determined using a universal testing machine and SMH using Vicker's Microhardness (VHN) tester. The obtained data was analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey’s test and unpaired t-test.

Results: The GIC with AgVO3 nanoparticles exhibited higher anti-microbial property compared to un-modified GIC (Group-1). Group-4 exhibited highest anti-microbial property, followed by Group-3 and Group-2. Group-4 exhibited highest FS with a mean value of 26.90 MPa (p=0.002) and SMH with a mean value of 61.29 VHN (p=0.001) than Group-1.

Conclusion: Addition of 2.0% w/w AgVo3 nanoparticles to Type II GIC shown to have higher anti-bacterial property, and also displayed higher FS and SMH.