Functionalised collagen spheres reduce H2O2 mediated apoptosis by scavenging overexpressed ROS

Abstract

Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in numerous diseases including cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Overexpression of ROS can lead to oxidative stress and subsequently to H2O2-mediated cell apoptosis. In this study, it was demonstrated that biodegradable PLGA microspheres coated with collagen type I and decorated with MnO2 nanoparticles acted as ROS scavengers controlling the H2O2-mediated apoptosis of cells undergoing oxidative stress. The results showed that the functionalized collagen spheres can protect cells even under very harsh conditions of oxidative stress.