Carbogenic Nanozyme with Ultrahigh Reactive Nitrogen Species Selectivity for Traumatic Brain Injury.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Neuroscience
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) contribute to neuronal damage in nervous system diseases like traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Existing treatments face challenges in effectively neutralizing diverse RONS, particularly reactive nitrogen species (RNS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a carbogenic nanozyme with potent antioxidant and multienzyme mimetic properties.
• To evaluate the nanozyme's efficacy in scavenging various RONS and RNS.
• To assess the therapeutic potential of the nanozyme for acute TBI.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a carbogenic nanozyme.
• In vitro antioxidant activity assays comparing nanozyme to ascorbic acid (AA).
• In vitro studies on neuron cell recovery after RONS-induced injury.
• In vivo studies in mice to assess RONS elimination and therapeutic effects.

Main Results:

• The carbogenic nanozyme demonstrated antioxidant activity 12 times higher than AA.
• Nanozyme exhibited ultrahigh scavenging efficiency for RNS (•NO, ONOO−) and ROS (O2•−, H2O2, •OH), significantly exceeding AA.
• In vitro, nanozyme treatment recovered neuron cells injured by H2O2 or lipopolysaccharide.
• In vivo, nanozyme eliminated harmful peroxides and glutathione disulfide in injured mice.

Conclusions:

• The developed carbogenic nanozyme possesses superior antioxidant and RONS scavenging capabilities.
• The nanozyme acts as a multienzyme mimetic, showing significant therapeutic potential for acute TBI.
• This nanozyme represents a promising therapeutic agent for conditions involving oxidative and nitrosative stress.