Search Results (96)

The growing field of nanobiotechnology could provide an alternative platform for the development of new therapeutic agents. A potential means for achieving these goals are nanoparticles of rare-earth metals, for example, nanoceria. According to the results of numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, not only oxide forms of lanthanides can demonstrate a pharmacological effect. A promising nano-object for biomedical application is cerium phosphate, which exhibits both properties characteristic of cerium dioxide and its own unique properties, due to the diversity of morphology. However, at present, a unified methodological approach has not been formulated that would make it possible to formulate principles for obtaining a compound with specified properties. This review was conducted on using the international databases PubMed, PubChem, Scopus and Google Scholar, and included original studies and reviews. The literature describes the preparation of cerium phosphate nanoparticles by the hydrothermal, chemical precipitation, microwave, and sol–gel methods. It was established that reaction temperature, pH value of the medium, use of organic solvents, ratio of reagents, and precursors have a direct influence on the size, shape, and structure of the obtained nano-object, making it possible to synthesize nanospheres, nanorods, and nanoneedles by regulating these parameters. In addition, the strategy of obtaining nano-objects with specified properties can be implemented by using excipients of predominantly polymer nature. The use of auxiliary substances is capable both of exerting a stabilizing effect and improving adherence to the nanoscale range, and of influencing pharmacological activity. The literature describes the possibility of using cerium phosphate as a redox-active, regenerative, antibacterial, sunscreen, and antitumor agent. However, the insufficient amount of data on the toxicological profile, as well as the results of in vivo studies, remains a significant limitation for the introduction of cerium phosphate into clinical practice. Thus, the purpose of the present review is to identify patterns that make it possible to formulate recommendations for the synthesis of cerium phosphate with specified properties, to assess factors affecting its suitability for use in biomedicine, and to consider its prospects and limitations. Full article

Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) are promising for bone tissue engineering; however, surgical site infection and oxidative stress often compromise regeneration. To address this, MBGNs co-doped with cerium (Ce), zinc (Zn), and strontium (Sr) were synthesized using a microemulsion-assisted sol-gel route (xCe-yZn-Sr-MBGNs; x = 0, 1, 2; y = 0, 0.5, 1). The resulting spherical nanoparticles (150–200 nm) exhibited a mesoporous structure with a specific surface area of (~340–425 m²/g), sustained ion release, and apatite formation in simulated body fluid. In vitro evaluations with MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts demonstrated dose-dependent cytocompatibility, specifically in the co-doped formulations; however, higher Ce concentrations (2Ce-yZn-Sr-MBGNs) reduced viability following prolonged exposure. Crucially, the 1Ce-1Zn-Sr-MBGNs significantly enhanced osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by a two-fold increase in osteogenic marker gene expression and a ~45% increase in calcium mineral deposition compared to undoped MBGNs within 14 days. Moreover, these particles accelerated cell migration, achieving ~70% scratch-wound closure within 24 h. Furthermore, 1Ce-1Zn-Sr-MBGNs displayed strong radical scavenging capacity and potent antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. These findings indicated that 1Ce-1Zn-Sr-MBGNs exhibited multiple therapeutic effects, including antibacterial, radical-scavenging, and osteogenic effects. By optimizing dopant ratios, these multifunctional nanomaterials emerge as promising candidates for next-generation bone grafts or implant coatings. Within the scope of this study, they demonstrated the capacity to simultaneously address three critical challenges in bone healing: controlling infection, mitigating oxidative stress, and promoting mineralized tissue formation. While these in vitro results provide a robust foundation, further in vivo validation is warranted to confirm their efficacy within complex physiological environments. Full article

Cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanozymes, also known as nanoceria have emerged as a versatile class of catalytic nanomaterials capable of mimicking key redox enzymes, including oxidases and peroxidases. Their tunable Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ redox cycling, high density of oxygen vacancies, and exceptional resistance to thermal, pH, and storage stress distinguish CeO₂ from conventional enzyme labels, such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP). In immunoassays, CeO₂ enables H₂O₂-free TMB (3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine) oxidation, generating strong chromogenic signals with minimal background. Although CeO₂ nanozymes have been explored in colorimetric, chemiluminescent, and photoactive immunoassays, their integration into lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) remains limited, with only a few hybrid CeO₂-containing systems reported to date. This mini-review highlights the limitations of conventional peroxidase-based formats and explains how CeO₂’s redox cycling (Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺) and oxygen-vacancy-driven catalysis deliver stable, reagent-free signal amplification. Emphasis is placed on the synthetic control of CeO₂, conjugation chemistry with antibodies, and integration into LFIA architectures. CeO₂ enables hydrogen-peroxide-free colorimetric detection with improved robustness and sensitivity, positioning it as a promising catalytic label for point-of-care testing. However, it may aggregate in high-ionic-strength buffers, and its synthesis cost increases for highly uniform, vacancy-engineered materials. Surface functionalization with polymers or dopants and optimized dispersion strategies can mitigate these issues, guiding future practical implementations. Full article

The increased mobilization of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), due to emerging technologies, could impact human health. The study assessed the effects of CeO₂ nanopowder (100 μg/mL) in human intestinal cells (HT-29) following both acute (24 h) and, a novelty for in vitro study, sub-chronic exposure, treating subcultures of exposed cells to CeO₂ NP up to 35 days. Recovery was also examined in exposed cells’ progeny. CeO₂ NP internalization and acute cytotoxicity were dose and time dependent. A significant pro-oxidant effect was observed for up to 14 days. The highest mitochondrial impairment was detected after 7 days, but in post-exposure experiments the recovery was observed. Conversely, genotoxicity highlighted the saturation of the DNA repair mechanisms. The irreversible cell damage of sub-chronic exposure was highlighted by the percentage of death cells (p = 0.011) and by the weekly cell replication index (5.68 vs. 7.41). The homeostatic mitophagy pathway was able to counteract ROS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, as shown by overexpression of ATG5, LC3, and BECN1 genes throughout the examined times. Instead, the overexpression of the pro-apoptotic gene Bax was very brief, highlighting that prolonged exposure might cause more widespread adverse effects, also involving cells that are not directly exposed to nanoceria. Full article

Cutaneous regeneration remains a major challenge in biomedicine, prompting the exploration of novel therapeutic agents such as cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs, nanoceria). These nanoparticles exhibit multifaceted regenerative properties, including stimulation of metabolic and proliferative activity in keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, potent antioxidant effects, immunomodulatory potential, and antimicrobial activity. Although numerous in vitro studies have characterized these properties, there is a critical need to evaluate nanoceria in more physiologically relevant in vivo settings, where dynamic biological conditions may significantly influence their efficacy. Furthermore, the therapeutic performance of CeO₂ NPs is highly dependent on the synthesis methods and formulation components (excipients and co-administered active substances). A review of existing in vivo studies investigating nanoceria-based formulations for wound healing addresses this gap. The authors found 25 relevant studies published as of September 2025 in major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, which provided data on the effectiveness of using cerium oxide nanoparticles as components of medical devices or wound dressings in accelerating wound healing in animal models. This analysis synthesizes evidence on nanoparticle efficacy, formulation strategies, and observed biological outcomes across animal models. These findings indicate that nanoceria formulations can accelerate wound closure and modulate the key phases of tissue repair, although the outcomes vary with particle characteristics and delivery systems. While nanoceria hold considerable promise for clinical wound management, standardized reporting of synthesis protocols and rigorous comparative in vivo studies are essential to translate their potential into reliable therapeutic applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: This review summarizes and analyzes current data on the toxicological effects of cerium dioxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) on various anatomical and functional systems in healthy murine models, as reported in both in vivo and ex vivo experimental settings. Methods: This systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024503240). A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for the period 2019–2025, with the inclusion of earlier publications having significant scientific relevance. The final search update was conducted in July 2025 to ensure inclusion of the most recent studies. Results and Conclusions: Only in vivo and ex vivo studies in healthy murine models were included. Risk of bias was evaluated using the OHAT tool for animal studies, and data were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity among studies. A total of 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pharmacokinetic properties of nanoceria were considered, encompassing biodistribution, elimination pathways (including oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, inhalation, intratracheal, and instillation routes), and the influence of physicochemical characteristics on bioavailability and toxicity. The toxicological impact (TI) was assessed across major organ systems—respiratory, digestive, urinary, visual, reproductive, nervous, cardiovascular, immune, hematopoietic, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and skin. The liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys were identified as primary accumulation sites, with clearance dependent on particle size and coating. The TI spectrum ranged from the absence of morphological changes to inflammation, fibrosis, or organ dysfunction, depending on dose, exposure route, and physicochemical parameters. The main limitations include variability of nanoparticle formulations and incomplete toxicity reporting. In general, CeO₂ nanoparticles with sizes of 2–10 nm and doses ≤ 5 mg/kg showed no signs of systemic toxicity in short-term studies on healthy mice, provided that optimal coating and dosing intervals were used. Full article

Background: Cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) have attracted growing attention as promising anticancer agents due to their unique redox properties. Their selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells is thought to be mediated primarily through disruption of redox homeostasis. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying their action in breast cancer remain unclear. To address this gap, the present study investigates the dose-dependent cytotoxic, oxidative, and mitochondrial effects of nanoceria in MCF7 breast cancer cells, with mechanistic insights gained through gene expression and proteomic analyses. Methods: MCF7 breast cancer cells were treated with nanoceria (200 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity, ROS levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed via MTT, DCFDA staining, and MitoTracker, respectively. Gene expression and label-free LC-MS/MS proteomics were used to evaluate molecular and pathway-level changes. Results: Nanoceria exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity, significantly reducing MCF7 cell viability to 61 ± 1.5% (p < 0.01) and 57 ± 1.8% (p < 0.01) at 200 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL, respectively, compared with the control. ROS levels increased 1.4-fold (p < 0.01) and 1.5-fold (p < 0.0001), accompanied by a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential by 11% (p < 0.01) and 25% (p < 0.05), indicating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Gene expression analysis supported activation of apoptotic pathways demonstrated by upregulation of BNIP3, the BAX/BCL-2 ratio (p < 0.05), and disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis. Proteomic profiling revealed dose-specific alterations in >150 proteins (fold change ≥ 1.5, p < 0.05) related to redox balance, mitochondrial function, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation. Conclusions: Nanoceria induces dose-dependent oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in MCF7 breast cancer cells, triggering apoptotic pathways and widespread alterations in protein expression. These results offer valuable mechanistic insights into nanoceria’s selective anticancer activity and highlight its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for breast cancer. Full article

The immune system is crucial in protecting against disease, but it can also contribute to chronic illnesses when it malfunctions, with different conditions involving either inflammation or immune suppression. Current treatments often fall short due to limited effectiveness and side effects. Nanomedicine, particularly cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria), offers promising potential due to its unique therapeutic properties and role in modulating macrophages. Nanoceria (<5 nm) possess the catalytic ability to mimic natural enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, enabling effective scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation and cancer. This review comprehensively summarizes the current advances in the application of nanoceria for inflammatory and anti-inflammatory therapy, including their modulatory effects on immune cell activation, cytokine production, and resolution of inflammatory responses. We discuss the mechanisms underlying their immunomodulatory actions in various disease contexts, such as rheumatoid arthritis, women’s health conditions (e.g., endometriosis), wound healing, and cancer. Additionally, the review highlights biocompatibility, therapeutic efficacy, adaptability in imaging (theranostics), and challenges in translating nanoceria-based therapies into clinical practice. The multifunctionality of nanoceria positions them as innovative candidates for next-generation immunotherapy aimed at efficiently controlling inflammation and promoting tissue repair. Full article

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NPs) can boost crops’ salt tolerance, yet their regulatory mechanisms in rice cultivars with contrasting salt tolerance remain unclear. This study investigated the regulatory differences in poly (acrylic acid)-coated nanoceria (PNC)-primed in salt-sensitive (Huanghuazhan, H) and salt-tolerant (Xiangliangyou900, X) rice. The results showed that PNC priming improved salt tolerance in two cultivars, but the underlying mechanisms differed. In the H cultivar, the enhanced tolerance was primarily attributed to enhanced photosynthesis (net photosynthesis and transpiration rates were 53.27% and 20.52% higher than the X cultivar); increased abscisic acid (ABA) content (up by 18.80% compared to the X cultivar), and activated stress-responsive signaling. Metabolomics further revealed that the differential metabolites were enriched in galactose metabolism, ascorbate, and aldarate metabolism, synergistically maintaining intracellular redox balance. In the X cultivar, PNC boosted reactive oxygen species’ (ROS) scavenging capacity (catalase (CAT) increased 36.07%, H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased 27.31% and 48.61% compared to H); elevated endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid3 (GA3) levels by 9.55% and 9.08%; and specifically activated cellular defense response and glutathione metabolism. Transcriptome analysis further revealed that the expression of IAA/GA3 signal-responsive genes (OsARGOS/OsGASR2) and antioxidant genes (OsCatA, OsAPX1) were significantly higher in the X cultivar than the H cultivar (p < 0.05), whereas the H cultivar showed higher expression of GST and ABA-related genes. This study provides a new perspective for the mechanism of PNC-enhanced salt tolerance in rice. Full article

Nanoceria is a multifaceted enzyme-like catalyst of ROS-mediated (reactive oxygen species) reactions, which results in its multiple biomedical applications. Biodegradable polysaccharide coatings improve biocompatibility, while the effects of these coatings on the ROS-related activity of nanoceria in cells need thorough studies. Here, we used human embryonic lung fibroblasts to study the effects of maltodextrin and chitosan coatings on cellular oxidative metabolism of nanoceria by examining cell viability, mitochondrial potential, accumulation of nanoparticles in cells, intracellular ROS, expression of NOX4 (NADPH oxidase 4), NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) proteins as well as the expression of biomarkers of DNA damage/repair, cell proliferation, and autophagy. Both types of polysaccharide-coated nanoceria were non-toxic up to millimolar concentrations. For maltodextrin-coated nano-CeO₂, in contrast to bare nanoparticles, there was no oxidative DNA damage/repair with moderate activation of NOX4 expression. Like bare nanoceria, maltodextrin-coated nanoparticles demonstrate the proliferative impact and do not activate autophagy. However, maltodextrin-coated nanoparticles have an activating impact on mitochondrial potential and the NF-κB pathway. Chitosan-coated nanoceria causes short-term intracellular oxidative stress, activation of the expression of NOX4, STAT3, and NRF2, oxidative DNA damage, and double-strand breaks accompanied by activation of DNA repair systems. In contrast to maltodextrin-coated nanoparticles, chitosan-coated nanoceria inhibits the NF-κB pathway and activates autophagy. These findings would be useful in the development of advanced nanoceria-based pharmaceuticals and contribute to the understanding of the biochemical properties of nanoceria as a modulator of ROS-dependent signaling pathways. Full article

This review explores the dual role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, aiming to deepen our understanding of these processes through a systematic literature review. To assess the induction and involvement of ROS in endometriosis, we conducted a comprehensive literature review using Cochrane Libraries, EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, and SCOPUS databases. Of 30 qualifying papers ultimately reviewed, 28 reported a significant contribution of ROS to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, while two found no association. The presence of ROS in endometriosis is associated with infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, painful menstruation, and chronic pelvic discomfort. Among individual ROS types studied, hydrogen peroxide was most frequently investigated, followed by lipid peroxides and superoxide radicals. Notable polymorphisms associated with ROS in endometriosis include those for AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) isoforms. Key enzymes for ROS scavenging and detoxification include superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase. Effective inhibitors of ROS related to endometriosis are vitamins C and E, astaxanthin, fatty acid-binding protein 4, cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria), osteopontin, sphingosine 1-phosphate, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, catalase, and a high-antioxidant diet. Elevated levels of ROS and free radicals are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, suggesting that targeting these molecules could offer potential therapeutic strategies. Full article

This study designed a polyurethane core–shell fiber (PU CSF) wound dressing, which achieved unique redox catalytic function by loading nanoceria (n-CeO₂) nanozyme and effectively reduced potential side effects. The stability of ceria nanoparticles with superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic activity was optimized. Engineered PU CSFs with different doses of citrate-modified nanospheres (CeO₂@PU CSFs) were successfully fabricated via electrospinning and showed excellent SOD-mimetic activity in reducing oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, low-dose nanoceria PU CSFs demonstrated advantages in promoting wound healing and reducing scar formation compared to high-dose and SOD-loaded groups (p < 0.05), despite lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity (p < 0.001). Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct mechanisms in rat skin studies: the CeO₂-loaded dressing systemically downregulated cell activation- and innate immunity-related genes (Fos, Trpm2, Cybb, and Nlrc4), while the SOD-loaded group specifically regulated inflammation mediated by oxidative stress (IL17a and Ccl20). The optimized core–shell structure and low-dose nanoceria provided balanced redox modulation, effectively protecting cells from oxidative damage while providing a multifunctional therapeutic platform for damaged wound healing. Full article

Excessive levels of heavy metal pollutants in the environment pose significant threats to human health and ecosystem stability. Consequently, the accurate and rapid detection of heavy metal ions is critically important. A AgNPs@CeO₂/Nafion composite was prepared by dispersing nano-ceria (CeO₂) in a Nafion solution and incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The morphology, microstructure, and electrochemical properties of the modified electrode materials were systematically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). By leveraging the oxygen vacancies and high electron transfer efficiency of CeO₂, the strong adsorption capacity of Nafion, and the superior conductivity of AgNPs, an AgNPs@CeO₂/Nafion/GCE electrochemical sensor was developed. Under optimized conditions, trace Pb²⁺ in water was detected using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The sensor demonstrated a linear response for Pb²⁺ within the concentration range of 1–100 μg·L⁻¹, with a detection limit of 0.17 μg·L⁻¹ (S/N = 3). When applied to real water samples, the method achieved recovery rates between 93.7% and 110.3%, validating its reliability and practical applicability. Full article

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a predominant cause of vision loss, posing significant challenges in its management despite advancements such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. Nanomedicine, with its novel properties and capabilities, offers promising potential to transform the treatment paradigm for AMD. This review reports the significant advancements in the use of diverse nanoparticles (NPs) for AMD in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo, including liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, nanoceria, nanofibers, magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, dendrimers, and polymer nanoparticles delivered in forms such as gels, eye drops, intravitreally, or intravenously. Drug delivery was the most common use of NPs for AMD, followed by photodynamic therapy dose enhancement, antioxidant function for nanoceria, biomimetic activity, and immune modulation. Innovative approaches arising included nanotechnology-based photodynamic therapy and light-responsive nanoparticles for controlled drug release, as well as gene therapy transfer. Nanomedicine offers a transformative approach to the treatment and management of AMD, with diverse applications. The integration of nanotechnology in AMD management not only provides innovative solutions to overcome current therapeutic limitations but also shows potential in enhancing outcomes and patient quality of life. Full article

Herein, anionic (sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, SDBS) and cationic (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB) surfactants are involved in the synthesis of a poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) copolymer, p(AA-co-AM), containing nanoceria (CeO₂). The physicochemical and optical properties of CTAB-CeO₂@p(AA-co-AM) and SDBS-CeO₂@p(AA-co-AM) nanocomposites can be studied using different techniques. The physicochemical properties of nanoceria-immobilized p(AA-co-AM) are significantly developed when handled with SDBS. Compared to the CTAB-CeO₂@p(AA-co-AM) nanocomposite, SDBS-CeO₂@p(AA-co-AM) exhibits pronounced negatively charged mesoporous surfaces with Corel reef-like morphology. SDBS-CeO₂@p(AA-co-AM) contains ceria nano-cubes of ~30 nm size, evenly dispersed along a copolymeric moiety, displaying narrower energy bandgap. The photocatalytic efficiency of this nanocomposite is performed in activating persulfate-ions (PS) under visible light irradiation, yielding reactive oxygen species that effectively treat dye wastewater. Advanced SDBS-CeO₂@p(AA-co-AM)/PS/Vis photocatalytic oxidation system possesses ~100% methylene blue degradation efficiency within 2 h for five consecutive purification-cycles with thorough mineralization performance. Such superior photo-degradability consults efficacious synergistic combinations gathering the nanocomposite, persulphate-ions, and visible light radiation, yielding an escalated synergy-index value (SI = 6) with intensive generation of reactive-oxidizing species (SO₄^•−/h⁺ synergistic ratio 1:5.6). Including anionic-surfactant molecules in the synthesis of metal-containing copolymer nanocomposites is indispensably profitable in the future for the treatment of industrial wastewater. Full article