MOVING FORWARD
Dr Eudald Casals, Project Manager and R&D Manager at Premium Research, has actively contributed to this recently published study (June 2025).
The study introduces a novel approach that combines synthetic nanozymes with natural antioxidants in a single nanocomposite, aimed at addressing key challenges related to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. A core–shell-type nanocomposite was developed, integrating cerium oxide nanozymes (CeO₂NZs) and the flavonoid quercetin within a mesoporous silica (mSiO₂) nanocarrier.
This nanoformulation enables cells exposed to excessive oxidative stress to sustainably eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS)—the molecules responsible for cellular damage—through the antioxidant properties of quercetin and the redox behaviour of CeO₂NZs. The results show a reduction in ROS levels to physiological ranges, as well as a more significant decrease in the expression of inflammatory markers compared to the use of CeO₂NZs and quercetin individually. This enhanced effect is attributed to the synergistic action between the ROS-scavenging ability of cerium and the antioxidant effects of quercetin, which act through distinct cellular pathways.
This platform represents an innovative strategy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of natural compounds by overcoming limitations such as poor solubility, instability, and rapid metabolism, while also expanding the applications of nanozyme-based medicine. Furthermore, integrating natural products with nanotechnology could facilitate the future clinical translation of such nanomedicine solutions.
