Synthesis and Characterization of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles: Effect of Cerium Precursor to Gelatin Ratio

Hemocompatible nanoparticles with reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging properties for titanium implant surface coatings may eliminate implant failure related to inflammation and bacterial invasion. Cerium (Ce) is a rare earth element, that belongs to the lanthanide group. It exists in two oxidation states, Ce+3 and Ce+4, which contribute to antioxidant, catalytic, antibacterial, and ROS-scavenging properties. The purpose of the present study was to synthesize ceria nanoparticles and to evaluate their hemocompatibility and ROS scavenging properties. The synthesis of Ce-NPs was performed via the sol-gel method, and five different ratios of cerium precursors to gelatin were evaluated. Their characterization was achieved through FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM. Hemocompatibility and ROS analysis were evaluated at different concentrations with human erythrocytes. The morphology and size distribution were certified by TEM and the cubic CeO2 fluorite structure was identified by selected area electron diffraction and high-resolution TEM. The particle size of the lowest Ce concentration presented a mean diameter of 10 nm. At concentrations of <500 μg/mL, no hemolytic effect was observed. At the highest concentrations, no hemolytic behavior was recorded for samples with the highest Ce precursor, which also presented ROS scavenging properties (10–50% reduction in ROS). These properties make those CeO2 NPs unique candidates as nanofillers or nanocoatings with antibacterial properties.