Open AccessReactive oxygen species-activated nanomaterials as theranostic agents
Author(s) -
Kye S Kim,
Dongwon Lee,
Chul-Gyu Song,
Peter M. Kang
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
nanomedicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.947
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1748-6963
pISSN - 1743-5889
DOI - 10.2217/nnm.15.108
Subject(s) - reactive oxygen species , oxidative stress , hydrogen peroxide , antioxidant , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , oxidative phosphorylation , inflammation , biochemistry , biology , immunology
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.