Cerium oxide nanoparticles scavenge nitric oxide radical (•NO)

In this study we have obtained evidence that cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are able to scavenge nitric oxide radical. Surprisingly, this activity is present in CeO2 NPs with a lower level of cerium in the 3+ state (CeO2 NPs with low 3+/4+ ratio and therefore a reduced number of oxygen vacancies), in contrast to the superoxide scavenging properties which are correlated with an increased level of cerium in the 3+ state (CeO2 NPs with high 3+/4+ ratio and therefore an increased number of oxygen vacancies).