Cerium oxide nanoparticles in neuroprotection and considerations for efficacy and safety

Cerium oxide nanoparticles have widespread use in the materials industry, and have recently come into consideration for biomedical use due to their potent regenerative antioxidant properties. Given that the brain is one of the most highly oxidative organs in the body, it is subject to some of the greatest levels of oxidative stress, particularly in neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, cerium oxide nanoparticles are currently being investigated for efficacy in several neurodegenerative disorders and have shown promising levels of neuroprotection. This review discusses the basis for cerium oxide nanoparticle use in neurodegenerative disease and its hypothesized mechanism of action. The review focuses on an up-to-date summary of in vivo work with cerium oxide nanoparticles in animal models of neurodegenerative disease. Additionally, we examine the current state of information regarding biodistribution, toxicity, and safety for cerium oxide nanoparticles at the in vivo level. Finally, we discuss future directions that are necessary if this nanopharmaceutical is to move up from the bench to the bedside. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1444. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1444 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.