Novel synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles for free radical scavenging

Aims: The aim of this article is to present a novel synthetic route to form CeO2 nanoparticles that protects against the detrimental influence of oxidative stress in mammalian cells. Methods: The noncytotoxic surfactant lecithin was used to synthesize CeO2 nanoparticles and the products were colloidally stabilized in a biocompatible tri-sodium citrate buffer. These nanoparticles were delivered into murine insulinoma beta TC-tet cells, and intracellular free radical concentrations responding to exposure to hydroquinone were measured in a variety of extracellular CeO2 concentrations. Results: Well-dispersed, highly crystallized CeO2 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 beta TC-tet cells with these nanoparticles alleviated detrimental intracellular free radical levels down to the primary level. Conclusion: CeO2 nanoparticles synthesized from this route are demonstrated to be effective free radical scavengers within beta TC-tet cells. Furthermore, it is shown that CeO2 nanoparticles provide an effective means to improve cellular survival in settings wherein cell loss due to oxidative stress limits native function.