Alendronate as a robust anchor for ceria nanoparticle surface coating: facile binding and improved biological properties

The bisphosphonate group of alendronate was found to possess high binding affinity to ceria nanoparticles (CNPs). Using alendronate as an anchor, functional molecules could be easily grafted onto CNPs leading to enhanced enzyme mimetic activity, reduced cytotoxicity, improved stability, prolonged blood circulation, and decreased liver and especially spleen accumulation of the nanoparticles.