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

BackgroundCerium oxide (CeO₂) 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.MethodsTiO₂, Ce–TiO₂ and CeO₂–TiO₂ 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: H₂O₂. Fibroblasts were selected as a cell model because of their participation in wound healing and fibrotic diseases.ResultsCe–TiO₂ NM obtained via sol–gel reaction chemistry of metallic organic precursors exerts a real cytoprotective effect against H₂O₂ over fibroblast proliferation, while CeO₂ pre-formed nanoparticles incorporated to TiO₂ crystalline matrix lead to a harmful CeO₂–TiO₂ material. TiO₂ was processed by the same pathways as Ce–TiO₂ and CeO₂–TiO₂ NM but did not elicit any adverse or protective influence compared to controls.ConclusionsIt 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 significanceEven 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.