Catalytically active cerium oxide nanoparticles protect mammalian cells from endogenous reactive oxygen species

Abstract Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) possess antioxidant properties due to the oxygen vacancy/defect in their crystal structure and therefore have found potential to be used in several biomedical applications. Recently, CeNPs with high 4+ oxidation state [CeNPs (4+)], in their surface “Ce” atoms, have been reported to exhibit biological catalase enzyme-like activity. In this work, we report the application of CeNPs (4+) towards the protection of normal human liver cells (WRL-68) from 3-Amino-1,2,4-Triazole (3-AT) mediated depletion of inherent catalase enzyme levels. The cell viability estimation and free radical level quantification data revealed that CeNPs (4+) can effectively scavenge the intracellular reactive oxygen species and protect cells from the produced deleterious effect. Our finding substantiates the reinforcement of CeNPs as pharmacological agents for the treatment of broad spectrum oxidative stress related diseases.