Protective role against hydrogen peroxide and fibroblast stimulation via Ce-doped TiO2 nanostructured materials

Abstract Background Cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) and Ce-doped nanostructured materials (NMs) are being seen as innovative therapeutic tools due to their exceptional antioxidant effects; nevertheless their bio-applications are still in their infancy. Methods TiO 2 , Ce–TiO 2 and CeO 2 –TiO 2 NMs were synthesized by a bottom-up microemulsion-mediated strategy and calcined during 7 h at 650 °C under air flux. The samples were compared to elucidate the physicochemical characteristics that determine cellular uptake, toxicity and the influence of redox balance between the Ce 3 + /Ce 4 + on the cytoprotective role against an exogenous ROS source: H 2 O 2 . Fibroblasts were selected as a cell model because of their participation in wound healing and fibrotic diseases. Results Ce–TiO 2 NM obtained via sol–gel reaction chemistry of metallic organic precursors exerts a real cytoprotective effect against H 2 O 2 over fibroblast proliferation, while CeO 2 pre-formed nanoparticles incorporated to TiO 2 crystalline matrix lead to a harmful CeO 2 –TiO 2 material. TiO 2 was processed by the same pathways as Ce–TiO 2 and CeO 2 –TiO 2 NM but did not elicit any adverse or protective influence compared to controls. Conclusions It was found that the Ce atoms source and its concentration have a clear effect on material's physicochemical properties and its subsequent influence in the cellular response. It can induce a range of biological reactions that vary from cytotoxic to cytoprotective. General significance Even though there are still some unresolved issues and challenges, the unique physical and chemical properties of Ce-based NMs are fascinating and versatile resources for different biomedical applications.