Sparks fly between ascorbic acid and iron-based nanozymes: A study on Prussian blue nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Free Radical Biology

Background:

• Ascorbic acid (AA) is a vital biomolecule with therapeutic potential, including anti-cancer effects.
• Nanozymes are emerging as promising tools in various biological applications.
• Understanding interactions between nanomaterials and biomolecules is crucial for developing new therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the enzymatic activities of Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs).
• To explore the impact of PBNPs on ascorbic acid (AA) activity, particularly its anti-cancer effects.
• To elucidate the correlation between iron and AA in biological systems.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of PBNPs for their oxidase and peroxidase-like activities.
• Assessing the effect of PBNPs on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation in the presence of AA.
• Evaluating the influence of PBNPs on the anti-cancer efficacy of AA.

Main Results:

• PBNPs demonstrated significant ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO)-like and ascorbic acid peroxidase (APOD)-like activities.
• These activities led to the suppression of harmful hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation.
• The suppressed H2O2 formation ultimately inhibited the anti-cancer efficiency of ascorbic acid (AA).

Conclusions:

• Prussian blue nanoparticles possess inherent AAO and APOD-like activities.
• This interaction between PBNPs and AA offers new insights into nanozyme function.
• The findings contribute to the understanding of iron-AA interactions in free radical biology and nanozyme studies.