Direct synthesis of nanoceria in aqueous polyhydroxyl solutions

Nanoceria has shown excellent biomedical properties for potential use in treatment of diseases caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present work, the synthesis and redox chemistry of nanoceria in the presence of polyhydroxyl groups such as glucose and dextran are reported. The effect of both acidic and basic medium on the synthesis and oxidation state stability of nanoceria in the absence of buffer was examined using UV-vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The basic and acidic mediums show a difference in the synthesis of nanoceria in terms of the size and structure without interfering with the redox chemistry. A comparison of pure and aqueous saccharides suspension of nanoceria in acid/base media undergoing redox transformation is also reported in this paper.