Abstract
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have found a way to use cerium oxide nanoparticles to potentially protect mammalian cells against reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are extremely aggressive compounds which attack their surrounding tissue, causing irreversible damage over time. Currently no satisfactory remedies to prevent the eventual outcome of blindness from these ROS exist, until now.
Technical Details
Cerium oxide nanoparticles show great potential to treat retinal degenerative conditions since studies have shown they protect neurons from apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (an extremely harmful ROS) in tests on the cellular (in vitro) and whole organism (in vivo) levels. By breaking down these ROS, cerium oxide nanoparticles effectively extend the longevity of neurons and any other cells within the body which are plagued by the accumulation of these harmful chemical species.
Benefit
The invention can potentially be used to treat virtually any disease caused by reactive oxygen speciesThe therapeutics synthesis method is inexpensive and scalable to industrial quantitiesNo other effective remedies exist for the prevention and treatment of light-induced retina degenerationMarket Application
Treatment of diseases:
Age-related macular degenerationLight-induced retina degenerationNeuronal death in strokesDegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's
Brochure
