Biodistribution and biopersistence of ceria engineered nanomaterials: size dependence

The aims were to determine the biodistribution, translocation, and persistence of nanoceria in the brain and selected peripheral organs. Nanoceria is being studied as an anti-oxidant therapeutic. Five, 15, 30, or 55 nm ceria was iv infused into rats which were terminated 1, 20, or 720 h later. Cerium was determined in blood, brain, liver, and spleen. Liver and spleen contained a large percentage of the dose, from which there was no significant clearance over 720 h, associated with adverse changes. Very little nanoceria entered brain parenchyma. The results suggest brain delivery of nanoceria will be a challenge.From the Clinical EditorThis team of investigators revealed that nanoceria, which is being studied as an anti-oxidant, has very limited uptake by the brain regardless of the range of sizes studied, suggesting major challenges in the application of this novel approach in the central nervous system.

Graphical AbstractNanoceria that is delivered into the blood or translocates from uptake routes such as the lung into the blood enters the liver and spleen, from which it is not cleared for 30 days. Very little nanoceria enters the brain.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (179 K)Download as PowerPoint slide