A Brief Review on Cerium Oxide (CeO2NPs)-Based Scaffolds: Recent Advances in Wound Healing Applications

Abstract

The process of wound healing is complex and involves the interaction of multiple cells, each with a distinct role in the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases. Chronic, nonhealing wounds may result from reduced fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis, and cellular immunity, often associated with diabetes, hypertension, vascular deficits, immunological inadequacies, and chronic renal disease. Various strategies and methodologies have been explored to develop nanomaterials for wound-healing treatment. Several nanoparticles such as gold, silver, cerium oxide and zinc possess antibacterial properties, stability, and a high surface area that promotes efficient wound healing. In this review article, we investigate the effectiveness of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NPs) in wound healing-particularly the effects of reducing inflammation, enhancing hemostasis and proliferation, and scavenging reactive oxygen species. The mechanism enables CeO₂NPs to reduce inflammation, modulate the immunological system, and promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. In addition, we investigate the efficacy of cerium oxide-based scaffolds in various wound-healing applications for creating a favorable wound-healing environment. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NPs) exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative characteristics, enabling them to be ideal wound healing material. Investigations have shown that CeO₂NPs can stimulate wound closure, tissue regeneration, and scar reduction. CeO₂NPs may also reduce bacterial infections and boost wound-site immunity. However, additional study is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of CeO₂NPs in wound healing and their long-term impacts on human health and the environment. The review reveals that CeO₂NPs have promising wound-healing properties, but further study is needed to understand their mechanisms of action and ensure their safety and efficacy.

Keywords: cerium oxide; scaffolds; skin; wound healing.

Figure 1

The progression of wound healing through various phases.

Figure 2

Adverse reaction of increased oxidative stress on the cells [7].

Figure 3

Pro-oxidant and antioxidant behavior of CeO₂NPs with varying pH. Adapted from MDPI open access [28].

Figure 4

Implication of CeO₂NPs in anticancer and cell recovery mechanisms. Adapted from MDPI open access [38].

Figure 5

PHBV membrane with CeO₂NPs for diabetic wound healing in vivo [34].

Figure 6

Fabrication of a gelatin hydrogel composite with cerium oxide nanoparticles (G-CeO₂NPs) and crosslinking between the two using genipin [63].

Figure 7

Fabrication of trilayer PLA/PVA/PLA nanofibers with CeO₂NPs [72].

Figure 8

Wound healing via ROS scavenging using CeO₂NPs loaded PCL-gelatin nanofibers [57].

Figure 9

Synthesis of curcumin and CeO₂NP-integrated Dextran-based amphiphilic nano-hybrid hydrogel system [64].

Figure 10

Representing TEM images of CeO₂NPs–Bioglass nanocomposites i.e. (A) shows TEM images of 0 CeO₂NP-BG, (B) 2 CeO₂NP-BG and (C) 5 CeO₂NP-BG. Adapted from MDPI open access [78].