Manganese oxide particles as cytoprotective, oxygen generating agents.

Abstract

Cell culture and cellular transplant therapies are adversely affected by oxidative species and radicals. Herein, we present the production of bioactive manganese oxide nanoparticles for the purpose of radical scavenging and cytoprotection. Manganese comprises the core active structure of somatic enzymes that perform the same function, in vivo. Formulated nanoparticles were characterized structurally and surveyed for maximal activity (superoxide scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging with resultant oxygen generation) and minimal cytotoxicity (48-h direct exposure to titrated manganese oxide concentrations). Cytoprotective capacity was tested using cell exposure to hydrogen peroxide in the presence or absence of the nanoparticles. Several ideal compounds were manufactured and utilized that showed complete disproportionation of superoxide produced by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase reaction. Further, the nanoparticles showed catalase-like activity by completely converting hydrogen peroxide into the corresponding concentration of oxygen. Finally, the particles protected cells (murine β-cell insulinoma) against insult from hydrogen peroxide exposure. Based on these observed properties, these particles could be utilized to combat oxidative stress and inflammatory response in a variety of cell therapy applications. Maintaining viability once cells have been removed from their physiological niche, e.g. culture and transplant, demands proper control of critical variables such as oxygenation and removal of harmful substances e.g. reactive oxygen species. Limited catalysts can transform reactive oxygen species into molecular oxygen and, thereby, have the potential to maintain cell viability and function. Among these are manganese oxide particles which are the subject of this study.