Investigation of water and hydrogen peroxide interaction with model surfaces and functionalized nanoparticles of cerium oxide for biological applications (GAUK)

The project will be focused on a study of cerium oxide as a material able to replace specific enzyme named peroxidase and neutralize hydrogen peroxide. In this project, we will investigate the antioxidant properties of nanostructured model CeO_x surfaces in situ by studying the interaction of hydrogen peroxide with cerium oxide surfaces. Due to the important role of water in all biological processes, its reaction with well-defined surfaces of cerium oxide will be examined as well. Considering the fact that for biological applications ceria is used in a nanoparticle's form, the antioxidant activity of pure nano-sized ceria particles and its changes after coating of the nanoparticles by hydrophilic polymers will also be studied.

For these purposes, we will use such methods as photoelectron spectroscopy at high pressures NAP XPS (Near Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy), SRPES (Synchrotron Radiation Photoelectron Spectroscopy) and UV-visible spectroscopy. The morphology of ceria will be studied by means of TEM, SEM, STM and AFM microscopy. The results of the project would show the possibility of using CeO_x in following studies in vivo in cooperation with medical school.