Nanobubbles Suppressing Singlet Oxygen-Mediated Oxidation via Size-Dependent Interfacial Effects

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Chemistry

Background:

• Oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to numerous diseases.
• Current antioxidants have limitations in stability and targeting.
• Nanobubbles (NBs) have shown potential in regulating hydroxyl radical (•OH) reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if nanobubbles can control singlet oxygen (¹O₂) mediated oxidation.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind nanobubble and ¹O₂ interactions.
• To explore the potential of nanobubbles as a novel antioxidant strategy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized photodynamic reactions to generate ¹O₂.
• Systematically tested NBs of varying particle sizes and gas compositions (N₂ or O₂).
• Assessed the impact of NBs on ¹O₂-mediated oxidation of fluorescent probes.

Main Results:

• Ultrasmall NBs demonstrated significant antioxidant activity across all tested systems.
• NBs, even those containing O₂, inhibited ¹O₂-mediated substrate oxidation.
• Particle size and gas composition influenced NB antioxidant efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Established a framework for designing NB-based antioxidant platforms.
• Ultrasmall NBs show promise for biomedical antioxidant therapy.
• NBs offer potential applications in material protection and food preservation.