Oxidase‐Like Activity of Polymer‐Coated Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles

TLDR

Ceria nanoparticles exhibit unique oxidase‑like activity at acidic pH values. The authors modified ceria nanoparticles with targeting ligands to enable binding and catalytic oxidation of colorimetric dyes such as TMB in ELISA assays. The study examines inorganic enzyme activity.

Abstract

Inorganic enzyme? Ceria nanoparticles exhibit unique oxidase-like activity at acidic pH values. These redox catalysts can be used in immunoassays (ELISA) when modified with targeting ligands (see picture; light blue and yellow structures are nanoparticles with attached ligands). This modification allows both for binding and for detection by the catalytic oxidation of sensitive colorimetric dyes (e.g. TMB).