Fabrication of CeO$_2$ nanoparticles embedded in polysaccharide hydrogel and their application in skin wound healing

Nanocrystalline cerium oxide (CeO$_2$) is considered as one of the most promising inorganic materials for biomedical purposes. The unique redox-activity, high biocompatibility and low toxicity of CeO$_2$ nanoparticles open great prospects in their biomedical usage as a therapeutic agent, including acceleration of skin regeneration processes after injuries of various etiologies. As part of this work, a hydrogel based on natural polysaccharides modified with CeO$_2$ nanoparticles was synthesized and its therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of planar full thickness and linear skin wounds in rats was shown. Basing on wound surface area measurements, results of skin wounds tensiometry and histological analysis it was found that polysaccharide hydrogel significantly reduces planar and linear wound healing times. Polysaccharide hydrogel modified with CeO$_2$ nanoparticles facilitates rapid reduction of wound defect area and the scar formation with complete tissue regeneration in the wound area. Additionally, composite hydrogels reduce the manifestations of non-specific signs of inflammation and intoxication. Thus, polysaccharide hydrogel modified with CeO$_2$ nanoparticles can be regarded as an effective wound healing substance in the therapy of skin injuries of various etiologies.