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A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2025 | Viewed by 13612

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Dr. Rita Cortesi

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences (DoCPAS), University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: nanomedicine; lipid-based nanosystems; antioxidant molecules; drug delivery; microparticles; biomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Maddalena Sguizzato

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Guest Editor

Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences (DoCPAS), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: nanotechnology; topical administration; lipid-based delivery systems; vesicular nanosystems; hydrogels; semisolid formulations; encapsulation; physical chemistry; polymeric matrices
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions. However, their excessive production is closely linked to the development of numerous diseases. The administration of antioxidants has emerged as an effective therapeutic strategy against oxidative stress. Additionally, in recent decades, the field of nanotechnology has witnessed significant advancements, and nanoparticles have found applications in a wide range of industries, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food production. Notably, lipid nanoparticles have garnered considerable attention due to their environmentally friendly attributes, including biodegradability and non-toxicity, making them an ideal carrier for antioxidant molecules. These innovations have led to remarkable progress in the development of antioxidant nanotherapies, offering a multitude of advantages.

Considering the increased interest in this field, we are pleased to announce this new Special Issue, "Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition", a continuation of the fruitful first edition (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/antioxidants/special_issues/antioxidant_nanoparticles).

In this edition too, we will continue our efforts to compile the latest breakthroughs in the design, production, characterization, and utilization of antioxidant nanoparticles in biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food sectors. Potential topics include, but not limited to, the following:

Polymeric and lipid-based nanoparticles;
Inorganic nanoparticles with ROS-scavenging properties;
Organic nanoparticles with intrinsic antioxidant capabilities;
Drug-loaded antioxidant nanoparticles suitable for various administration routes.

Dr. Rita Cortesi
Dr. Maddalena Sguizzato
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antioxidants is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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30 pages, 3879 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Nano-Selenium on Intestinal Oxidative Stress Induced by H₂O₂ in Mice

by Xiangyu Mao, Wenyuan Li, Yuanyuan Li, Xuemei Jiang, Ruinan Zhang, Lianqiang Che, Yong Zhuo, Mengmeng Sun, Xianxiang Wang, De Wu and Shengyu Xu

Antioxidants 2025, 14(9), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14091073 - 1 Sep 2025

Viewed by 224

Abstract

Selenium is an important trace element with certain antioxidant effects. Nano-selenium, as a novel selenium source, has the advantages of strong biological activity, high absorption efficiency, and low toxicity. The aim of the present study was to compare the protective effects of sodium selenite and nano-selenium on intestinal oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in mice. A total of 60 female mice were randomly divided into 6 groups with 10 replicates per group and 1 mouse per replicate (n = 10). The first three groups were as follows: the Control group (C), fed with basal diet; the sodium selenite group (SS), basal diet + 0.3 mg·kg⁻¹ sodium selenite; and the nano-selenium group (NS), basal diet + 0.3 mg·kg⁻¹ nano-selenium. The latter three groups (CH, SSH, NSH) were fed the same diet as the former three groups, but the last 10 days of the experiment were fed with drinking water containing 0.3% H₂O₂ to induce oxidative stress. The results showed that under normal conditions, the supplementation with sodium selenite or nano-selenium decreased the spleen index of mice; sodium selenate up-regulates GPX3 expression in the ileum, and increases T-SOD in the colon of mice; and nano-selenium up-regulated GPX1 expression but decreased T-AOC in the jejunum. After drinking water treated with H₂O₂, H₂O₂ increased the expression of intestinal inflammatory factors and selenium proteins, such as IL-1β and SOD in jejunum, IL-1β, NF-κB, IL-10, TXNRD1, TXNRD2, GPX1, GPX3, GPX4, and CAT in ileum, and IL-1β and SOD in colon. At the antioxidant level, H₂O₂ decreased T-AOC in the jejunum. In the H₂O₂ treatment, sodium selenite and nano-selenium increased the ratio of VH to CD (VH/CD) in jejunum; sodium selenite up-regulated the expression of TXNRD1 in jejunum, down-regulated the expression of GPX3 in ileum, at the antioxidant level, decreased the T-SOD and T-AOC in colon, and increased the content of MDA in ileum; and nano-selenium down-regulated the expression of TXNRD1 in colon. At the same time, the expression of IL-1β, NF-κB, IL-10, TXNRD1, TXNRD2, GPX1, GPX4, and CAT can be restored to normal levels by selenium supplementation. According to the results, drinking H₂O₂ induced intestinal oxidative stress in mice to a certain extent, and selenium supplementation mitigated the destructive effect of H₂O₂ on the intestinal morphology of mice jejunum and restored the level of related inflammatory factors, and had a positive effect on antioxidants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 752 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) Extracts Modified with Pseudomonas shirazensis Nanoparticles

by Enrique Gutierrez-Albanchez, Elena Fuente-González, Svitlana Plokhovska, Francisco Javier Gutierrez-Mañero and Beatriz Ramos-Solano

Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14080931 - 29 Jul 2025

Viewed by 572

Abstract

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is renowned for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic properties, largely attributed to its rich phytochemical profile. This study evaluates the potential of metabolites from Pseudomonas shirazensis NFV3, formulated in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), to enhance the bioactivity of rosemary extracts in postharvest applications. Rosemary stems were treated with AgNPs coated with bacterial metabolites (NP), bacterial cells, or metabolites (LM), and the extracts’ phytochemical composition and bioactivities were assessed. HPLC and HPLC–MS analyses revealed that the NP treatment induced significant metabolic remodeling, particularly upregulating rosmarinic acid and selected triterpenes (ursolic and betulinic acids), while reducing carnosic acid levels. NP-treated extracts exhibited significantly enhanced inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), indicating improved anti-inflammatory potential. The α-glucosidase inhibition and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) of the extracts were not substantially altered, suggesting the selective enhancement of pharmacological functions. These findings demonstrate that nanoparticle-based elicitation selectively remodels secondary metabolism in rosemary, improving extract quality and bioactivity. This strategy offers a novel, sustainable tool for optimizing plant-based therapeutics in the phytopharmaceutical industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)

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33 pages, 4739 KB

Open AccessArticle

Chitosan Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of Alstonia venenata R.Br. Root Methanolic Extract: A Promising Strategy for Breast Cancer Therapy in DMBA-Induced Breast Cancer in Sprague Dawley Rats

by Aarthi Jeganathan, Karuppusamy Arunachalam, Anju Byju, Anju Rani George, Sradha Sajeev, Kavimani Thangasamy and Geetha Natesan

Antioxidants 2024, 13(12), 1513; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121513 - 11 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Alstonia venenata R.Br., a plant native to the Western Ghats, is recognized for its diverse medicinal properties. The plant’s extracts, particularly rich in alkaloids and other bioactive compounds, have shown potential anticancer activity. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) loaded with the root methanolic extract (RME) of A. venenata in combating breast cancer induced by dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) in female Sprague Dawley rats. The RME-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (RME-EnCNPs) were synthesized and characterized, and their in vivo efficacy was evaluated. Treatment with RME-EnCNPs significantly inhibited tumor progression, which is evidenced by reduced tumor volume, burden, and incidence. Moreover, the nanoparticles demonstrated a sustained release of the active compounds, leading to marked improvements in various biochemical, enzymatic, and histopathological parameters. The study found that both RME and RME-EnCNPs effectively suppressed tumor growth, with RME-EnCNPs showing superior efficacy in modulating tumor progression. Antioxidant assays revealed that treatment with RME-EnCNPs (500 mg/kg) resulted in significant increases in total protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) levels, alongside a marked reduction in lipid peroxidation (LPO) (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that RME-EnCNPs exert a potent antioxidant effect, mitigating oxidative stress within the tumor microenvironment. The root extract of A. venenata and its nanoparticle formulation hold promise as a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer, warranting further investigation to isolate active bioactive compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)

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29 pages, 10529 KB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant, Antitumoral, Antimicrobial, and Prebiotic Activity of Magnetite Nanoparticles Loaded with Bee Pollen/Bee Bread Extracts and 5-Fluorouracil

by Cornelia-Ioana Ilie, Angela Spoiala, Cristina Chircov, Georgiana Dolete, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Bogdan-Stefan Vasile, Simona Adriana Crainiceanu, Adrian-Ionut Nicoara, Ioana Cristina Marinas, Miruna Silvia Stan, Lia-Mara Ditu, Anton Ficai and Eliza Oprea

Antioxidants 2024, 13(8), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080895 - 24 Jul 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1935

Abstract

The gut microbiota dysbiosis that often occurs in cancer therapy requires more efficient treatment options to be developed. In this concern, the present research approach is to develop drug delivery systems based on magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) as nanocarriers for bioactive compounds. First, MNPs were synthesized through the spraying-assisted coprecipitation method, followed by loading bee pollen or bee bread extracts and an antitumoral drug (5-fluorouracil/5-FU). The loaded-MNPs were morphologically and structurally characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and thermogravimetric analysis. UV-Vis spectroscopy was applied to establish the release profiles and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antitumoral activity of loaded-MNPs was assessed. The results demonstrate that MNPs with antioxidant, antibacterial, antiproliferative, and prebiotic properties are obtained. Moreover, the data highlight the improvement of 5-FU antibacterial activity by loading on the MNPs’ surface and the synergistic effects between the anticancer drug and phenolic compounds (PCs). In addition, the prolonged release behavior of PCs for many hours (70–75 h) after the release of 5-FU from the developed nanocarriers is an advantage, at least from the point of view of the antioxidant activity of PCs. Considering the enhancement of L. rhamnosus MF9 growth and antitumoral activity, this study developed promising drug delivery alternatives for colorectal cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 8569 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rod-Shaped Mesoporous Zinc-Containing Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles: Structural, Physico-Chemical, Antioxidant, and Immuno-Regulation Properties

by Xiuan Zhu, Wenjie Wen, Jingjing Yan, Yuran Wang, Rumeng Wang, Xiang Ma, Dandan Ren, Kai Zheng, Chao Deng and Jue Zhang

Antioxidants 2024, 13(7), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13070875 - 21 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2053

Abstract

Bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNs) are applied widely in tissue regeneration. Varied micro/nanostructures and components of BGNs have been designed for different applications. In the present study, nanorod-shaped mesoporous zinc-containing bioactive glass nanoparticles (ZnRBGNs) were designed and developed to form the bioactive content of composite materials for hard/soft tissue repair and regeneration. The nanostructure and components of the ZnRBGNs were characterized, as were their cytocompatibility and radical-scavenging activity in the presence/absence of cells and their ability to modulate macrophage polarization. The ZnRBGNs possessed a uniform rod shape (length ≈ 500 nm; width ≈ 150 nm) with a mesoporous structure (diameter ≈ 2.4 nm). The leaching liquid of the nanorods at a concentration below 0.5 mg/mL resulted in no cytotoxicity. More significant improvements in the antioxidant and M1-polarization-inhibiting effects and the promotion of M2 polarization were found when culturing the cells with the ZnRBGNs compared to when culturing them with the RBGNs. The doping of the Zn element in RBGNs may lead to improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial in tissue regeneration/repair. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)

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Review

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33 pages, 2203 KB

Open AccessReview

Cyclodextrin-Based Nanotransporters as a Versatile Tool to Manage Oxidative Stress-Induced Lung Diseases

by Supandeep Singh Hallan, Francesca Ferrara, Maddalena Sguizzato and Rita Cortesi

Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14081007 - 17 Aug 2025

Viewed by 962

Abstract

Oxidative stress is one of the key elements in lung-related complications such as cystic fibrosis, acute lung injury, pulmonary hypertension, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic airway diseases, lung cancer, COVID-19, and many others. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy can be considered as supportive alternatives in their management. However, most naturally derived antioxidants face issues with poor aqueous solubility and stability, which hinder their clinical utility. Remarkably, local pulmonary delivery circumvents the severe limitations of oral delivery, including hepatic first-pass metabolism and organ toxicity, and enables a higher drug payload in the lungs. Here, in this review, we present cyclodextrin as a potential drug carrier for pulmonary administration, exploring the possibilities of its surface modification, complexation with other drug transporters, and loading of cannabidiols, siRNA, and antibodies as future trends. However, the lack of a robust physiological model for assessing the efficacy of lung-oriented drug targeting is a significant concern in its path to clinical and commercial success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)

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28 pages, 2293 KB

Open AccessReview

Nanotechnological Approaches to Enhance the Potential of α-Lipoic Acid for Application in the Clinic

by Chiara Bellini, Fabrizio Mancin, Emanuele Papini and Regina Tavano

Antioxidants 2024, 13(6), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13060706 - 9 Jun 2024

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5127

Abstract

α-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound with potent antioxidant properties that helps protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress. Its incorporation into nanoplatforms can affect factors like bioavailability, stability, reactivity, and targeted delivery. Nanoformulations of α-lipoic acid can significantly enhance its solubility and absorption, making it more bioavailable. While α-lipoic acid can be prone to degradation in its free form, encapsulation within nanoparticles ensures its stability over time, and its release in a controlled and sustained manner to the targeted tissues and cells. In addition, α-lipoic acid can be combined with other compounds, such as other antioxidants, drugs, or nanomaterials, to create synergistic effects that enhance their overall therapeutic benefits or hinder their potential cytotoxicity. This review outlines the advantages and drawbacks associated with the use of α-lipoic acid, as well as various nanotechnological approaches employed to enhance its therapeutic effectiveness, whether alone or in combination with other bioactive agents. Furthermore, it describes the engineering of α-lipoic acid to produce poly(α-lipoic acid) nanoparticles, which hold promise as an effective drug delivery system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)

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