Intercalating cerium into layered double hydroxide as a promising reactive oxygen species scavenger for inflammation treatment

Nanoceria has been studies for many decades given its capability in quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS) in inflammatory diseases. The regenerative exchanges between Ce³⁺ and Ce⁴⁺ as well as the ratio between these two cations have been reported as one of the most important factors for enhancing their ROS scavenging activity. In this study, a novel method for increasing the active sites and the ratio of Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ utilising layered double hydroxides (LDH) nano system has been developed. Ce doped LDH nanoparticles with various Ce-loading amounts were prepared, and the physicochemical properties were characterised. The anti-hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) capability of these Ce–LDH NPs has been evaluated in vitro against the treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The optimal Ce–LDH NPs were then introduced into a 3D cell-hydrogel construct resembling the pathological morphology of atherosclerosis to investigate their ability to capture ROS in a more complex cell system. The successful development of this Ce-doped LDH nanosystem provides a promising biocompatible agent for future treatment of inflammatory disorders.