Enhanced antioxidant activity of CeO2/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites for cardiovascular protection

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in both physiological and pathological processes within the cardiovascular system. However, an excess of ROS can result in oxidative stress, which may lead to cellular damage, dysfunction, and the promotion of various cardiovascular diseases. How to remove the excess ROS is especially important. Cerium oxide (CeO 2 ), a well-known antioxidant, has the ability to scavenge ROS. However, it is important to improve the antioxidant activity of CeO 2 while avoiding cytotoxicity. In this paper, different nanocomposites have been obtained by compositing different masses of transition metal carbide/carbon-nitride (Ti 3 C 2 T x ) with CeO 2 . In the POD activity assay, COMX-50 shows the best ability to decompose hydrogen peroxide. In subsequent free radical scavenging experiments, COMX-50 scavenges free radicals better than CeO 2 and Ti 3 C 2 T x , which may be attributed to the excellent electron transport ability of Ti 3 C 2 T x to facilitate free radical scavenging. Meanwhile, the POD activity and ROS scavenging ability of COMX-50 exhibit concentration and time dependence. More importantly, COMX-50 can promote the spreading and proliferation of endothelial cells. This provides a new strategy to combat cardiovascular diseases caused by oxidative stress.