Reactive Oxygen Species-Activated Nanomaterials as Theranostic Agents

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated from the endogenous oxidative metabolism or from exogenous pro-oxidant exposure. Oxidative stress occurs when there is excessive production of ROS, outweighing the antioxidant defense mechanisms which may lead to disease states. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is one of the most abundant and stable forms of ROS, implicated in inflammation, cellular dysfunction and apoptosis, which ultimately lead to tissue and organ damage. This review is an overview of the role of ROS in different diseases. We will also examine ROS-activated nanomaterials with emphasis on hydrogen peroxide, and their potential medical implications. Further development of the biocompatible, stimuli-activated agent responding to disease causing oxidative stress, may lead to a promising clinical use.

Keywords::

• hydrogen peroxide
• nanomaterials
• nanoparticles
• oxidative stress
• reactive oxygen species
• theranostics

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This study was supported in part by the grants from NIH R44DK103389–01 (PM Kang), Brain Korea 21 Plus program from Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, South Korea (D Lee, PM Kang), Basic Science Research Program 2013R1A1A2A10061828 through National Research Foundation of Korea and Korean Health Technology R&D Project HI13C13700000 (both to D Lee). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported in part by the grants from National Institute of Health NIH R44DK103389–01 (PM Kang), Brain Korea 21 Plus program from Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, South Korea (D Lee, PM Kang), Basic Science Research Program 2013R1A1A2A10061828 through National Research Foundation of Korea and Korean Health Technology R&D Project HI13C13700000 (both to D Lee). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.