Antimicrobial Activity of Niobium-Based Nanoparticles and Niobium-Containing Biomaterials: A Systematic Review

This systematic review aims to critically synthesize the available evidence on the antimicrobial activity of deliberately niobium-containing materials evaluated in microbiological assays. Niobium-containing materials are increasingly investigated for potential applications in antimicrobial nanoparticles, implant coatings, dental materials, and other biomedical applications. However, the extent to which the reported antimicrobial effects can be attributed specifically to niobium-containing phases, rather than to external stimuli or additional antimicrobial agents, requires further clarification. The review includes primary studies evaluating deliberately niobium-containing materials in microbiological assays. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Europe PMC, OpenAlex, and Crossref, covering publications available through October 15, 2026. The review was reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review examines the types of niobium-containing materials investigated, the microorganisms tested, the antimicrobial outcomes reported, the experimental conditions associated with antimicrobial activity, and the methods used to assess inhibitory concentrations and biofilm-related outcomes. Particular attention is given to distinguishing antimicrobial effects attributed to the niobium-containing material itself from those observed in the presence of external stimuli, such as photocatalytic, sonodynamic, piezocatalytic, or photothermal activation, or in combination with other antimicrobial agents. The expected contribution of this review is to clarify the current state of evidence regarding the antimicrobial potential of niobium-containing materials, identify methodological limitations and gaps in the literature, and inform the design of future experimental studies. Key areas of interest include the need for niobium-free control groups, standardized antimicrobial endpoints, dose-matched host-cell assessments, and investigations into biofilm activity and the potential development of antimicrobial resistance. By distinguishing evidence of antimicrobial activity from evidence supporting a specific role of niobium itself, this review aims to provide a more rigorous basis for evaluating the potential biomedical and dental applications of niobium-containing materials.