Novel Synthesis of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles for Free Radical Scavenging

Abstract

AIMS: The aim of this article is to present a novel synthetic route to form CeO(2) nanoparticles that protects against the detrimental influence of oxidative stress in mammalian cells. METHODS: The noncytotoxic surfactant lecithin was used to synthesize CeO(2) nanoparticles and the products were colloidally stabilized in a biocompatible tri-sodium citrate buffer. These nanoparticles were delivered into murine insulinoma betaTC-tet cells, and intracellular free radical concentrations responding to exposure to hydroquinone were measured in a variety of extracellular CeO(2) concentrations. RESULTS: Well-dispersed, highly crystallized CeO(2) nanoparticles of 3.7 nm in size were achieved that are chemically and colloidally stable in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium for extended periods of time. Treating betaTC-tet cells with these nanoparticles alleviated detrimental intracellular free radical levels down to the primary level. CONCLUSION: CeO(2) nanoparticles synthesized from this route are demonstrated to be effective free radical scavengers within betaTC-tet cells. Furthermore, it is shown that CeO(2) nanoparticles provide an effective means to improve cellular survival in settings wherein cell loss due to oxidative stress limits native function.