Cerium oxide nanoparticles: green synthesis and biological applications

Int J Nanomedicine. 2017 Feb 20:12:1401-1413. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S124855. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have shown promising approaches as therapeutic agents in biology and medical sciences. The physicochemical properties of CeO2-NPs, such as size, agglomeration status in liquid, and surface charge, play important roles in the ultimate interactions of the NP with target cells. Recently, CeO2-NPs have been synthesized through several bio-directed methods applying natural and organic matrices as stabilizing agents in order to prepare biocompatible CeO2-NPs, thereby solving the challenges regarding safety, and providing the appropriate situation for their effective use in biomedicine. This review discusses the different green strategies for CeO2-NPs synthesis, their advantages and challenges that are to be overcome. In addition, this review focuses on recent progress in the potential application of CeO2-NPs in biological and medical fields. Exploiting biocompatible CeO2-NPs may improve outcomes profoundly with the promise of effective neurodegenerative therapy and multiple applications in nanobiotechnology.

Keywords: biocompatibility; cerium oxide nanoparticles; green synthesis; morphology; size; surface Ce3+.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopolymers / chemistry
  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Cerium / chemistry*
  • Cerium / toxicity
  • Enzymes / metabolism
  • Green Chemistry Technology / methods*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / toxicity

Substances

  • Biopolymers
  • Enzymes
  • Cerium
  • ceric oxide