Cyclodextrin-Modified CeO₂ Nanoparticles as a Multifunctional Nanozyme for Combinational Therapy of Psoriasis

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly contributes to psoriasis pathogenesis.
• Current antioxidative strategies for psoriasis are limited, and nanozymes with antioxidant properties remain unexplored for this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-modified ceria nanoparticles (β-CDs/CeO2 NPs) with drug-loading capabilities and multi-enzyme mimetic activities.
• To evaluate the potential of these novel nanozymes for combinational therapy in psoriasis.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis of β-CDs/CeO2 NPs using β-CDs as a protecting agent.
• Characterization of NPs using DLS, TEM, XPS, and FTIR.
• In vitro assessment of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase-mimetic activities.
• Drug loading and release studies with dithranol (DIT).
• Evaluation of anti-psoriatic efficacy in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse model.

Main Results:

• Synthesized β-CDs/CeO2 NPs exhibited uniform quasi-spherical morphology and optimal particle size.
• NPs demonstrated excellent SOD-mimetic (79.4% inhibition) and catalase-mimetic (50% efficiency) activities.
• High drug-loading efficiency (94.7%) and suitable in vitro drug release were achieved.
• DIT-loaded NPs showed significant therapeutic effects in the IMQ-induced psoriasis mouse model.

Conclusions:

• β-CDs/CeO2 NPs possess potent antioxidant and drug-delivery capabilities.
• These nanozymes show promise as a novel and effective therapeutic tool for psoriasis treatment.