Gel of nanostructured silver vanadate decorated with silver nanoparticles: evaluation of physicochemical and antimicrobial properties.

AIM: To evaluate the long-term physicochemical stability and antimicrobial activity of a gel containing nanostructured silver vanadate decorated with silver nanoparticles (β-AgVO3), providing the first extended storage assessment of this nanomaterial-based formulation.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Gels without antimicrobial agents (G0), with 0.12% β-AgVO3 (G1), and with 0.12% chlorhexidine (G2) were prepared and stored for 12 months. Physicochemical properties (organoleptic characteristics, pH, and spreadability) and antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans were evaluated.

RESULTS

G1 exhibited progressive physicochemical instability, including color change, reduced pH, and increased spreadability, whereas G0 remained stable. Structural changes in the nanomaterial were observed after storage. Despite these alterations, G1 maintained antifungal activity and showed higher antibacterial activity against S. mutans than chlorhexidine, although with reduced efficacy over time.

CONCLUSION

β-AgVO3-containing gels may retain antimicrobial activity after long-term storage but undergo significant physicochemical instability, which currently limits their clinical applicability. These findings provide critical evidence for the translational development of nanomaterial-based antimicrobial gels and highlight the need for formulation optimization to ensure long-term stability.