Influence of TiO2, ZnO, and Ag Nanoparticles on the Antibacterial and Mechanical Properties of Modified Conventional Glass Ionomer Cements: A Systematic Review
Carina Aaliyah Shaishta Komendangi1, Asti Meizarini2*, Anita Yuliati2
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Glass ionomer cement (GIC) materials have inherent limitations regarding mechanical properties and antibacterial characteristics. This review aimed to collate in vitro evidence on the effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and silver (Ag) nanoparticle concentration on the antibacterial and mechanical properties of modified GIC. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases for eligible studies published between 2021 and 2026. The inclusion criteria were in vitro studies reporting the nanoparticle concentration and at least one antibacterial or mechanical property. After initial screening, 26 studies were eligible for inclusion and grouped by additive type for narrative analysis due to methodological heterogeneity. The risk of bias (ROB) was evaluated using the QUIN tool. Results: The antibacterial properties of all three additives were positively correlated with the concentration. In contrast, the mechanical properties exhibited a threshold effect, with higher concentrations often resulting in reduced performance due to agglomeration. TiO2 (14/26) demonstrated consistent evidence for an optimal concentration between 3- 5 wt%, while Ag (5/26) showed antibacterial efficacy at lower concentrations with a negative impact on the restoration’s physical properties. The antibacterial properties of ZnO (2/26) could not be consistently demonstrated due to insufficient evidence. Overall, 19% of the studies were assessed as low, 50% as moderate, and 31% as high ROB. Conclusions: TiO2 at a concentration of 3-5% demonstrated the most promising antibacterial and mechanical properties in the modification of GIC. Due to the lack of sufficient evidence, further preclinical and clinical investigations are required for ZnO.
Keywords
glass ionomer cement; titanium dioxide; zinc oxide; silver; nanoparticles; antibacterial activity; mechanical properties
Cite This Article
Komendangi, C. A. S., Meizarini, A., Yuliati, A. (2026). Influence of TiO2, ZnO, and Ag Nanoparticles on the Antibacterial and Mechanical Properties of Modified Conventional Glass Ionomer Cements: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2026, Pages 602-615 URL:https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Volume7-Issue5-Sep-Oct-No.1081-602-615.pdf
Volume 7 | Issue 5: Sep – Oct 2026
