Plasma sprayed cerium oxide coating inhibits H2O2-induced oxidative stress and supports cell viability

Abstract

Oxidative stress is a risk factor in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, and plays a major role in bone regeneration of osteoporotic patients. Cerium oxide (CeO₂) ceramics have the unique ability to protect various types of cells from oxidative damage, making them attractive for biomedical applications. In this study, we developed a plasma sprayed CeO₂ coating with a hierarchical topography where ceria nanoparticles were superimposed in the micro-rough coating surface. The protective effects of the CeO₂ coating on the response of osteoblasts to H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress have been demonstrated in terms of cell viability, apoptosis and differentiation. The CeO₂ coating reversed the reduced superoxide dismutase activity, decreased reactive oxygen species production and suppressed malondialdehyde formation in H₂O₂-treated osteoblasts. It indicated that the CeO₂ coating can preserve the intracellular antioxidant defense system. The cytocompatibility of the CeO₂ coating was further assessed in vitro by cell viability assay and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Taken together, the CeO₂ coating could provide an opportunity to be utilized as a potential candidate for bone regeneration under oxidative stress.