Mesoporous Silica-Encapsulated Cerium Oxide Nanozymes and Quercetin for Synergistic ROS-Modulated Downregulation of Inflammatory Cytokines

Introduction: Combining natural antioxidants with nanozymes represents a promising strategy to enhance therapeutic outcomes in oxidative stress-related diseases. This study integrates quercetin (Que), a plant-derived flavonoid with strong antioxidant activity, and cerium oxide nanozymes (CeO<inf&...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Zhou, Shanlei, Zhang, Yu, Casals, Eudald, Zhang, Bo, Casals, Gregori, Zeng, Muling, Morales Ruiz, Manuel, Liu, Qingshi
Format: article
Status:Published version
Publication Date:2025
Country:España
Institution:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repository:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:digitalcsic_::04a9facc9be574fedf17e697e09d7788
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/432051
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105009486718
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Cerium oxide nanoparticles
Chronic inflammation
Nanozymes
Oxidative stress
Quercetin
Description
Summary:Introduction: Combining natural antioxidants with nanozymes represents a promising strategy to enhance therapeutic outcomes in oxidative stress-related diseases. This study integrates quercetin (Que), a plant-derived flavonoid with strong antioxidant activity, and cerium oxide nanozymes (CeO<inf>2</inf> NZs) into mesoporous silica (mSiO<inf>2</inf>) to enhance therapeutic efficacy and overcome the poor solubility and bioavailability of natural antioxidants. Methods: Large-pore mSiO₂ (11 nm) were synthesized via a sol–gel method to encapsulate cerium oxide nanozymes (CeO₂NZs). Que was loaded using solvent impregnation to obtain (CeO₂/Que)@mSiO₂ nanocomposites. Structural and chemical characterization was performed, and biological evaluations were conducted in A549 cells. Results: The incorporation of a large mesopore mSiO₂ (11 nm) significantly enhanced Que loading capacity and its sustained release in cell culture media. The (CeO₂/Que)@mSiO₂ nanocomposite demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, effective ROS scavenging, and significant downregulation of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) compared to free Que. Conclusion: The (CeO₂/Que)@mSiO₂ nanoplatform offers synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its potential for treating oxidative stress-related inflammatory conditions.

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