Rare-Earth Oxide Nanoparticles: A New Weapon Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens with Potential Wound Healing Treatment

Abstract

Rare-earth oxide (REO) nanoparticles (NPs)—such as cerium (CeO2), samarium (Sm2O3), neodymium (Nd2O3), terbium (Tb4O7), and praseodymium (Pr2O3)—have demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Their effectiveness is attributed to unique physicochemical properties, including oxygen vacancies and redox cycling, which facilitate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage microbial membranes and biomolecules. Additionally, electrostatic interactions with microbial surfaces and sustained ion release contribute to membrane disruption and long-term antimicrobial effects. REOs also inhibit bacterial enzymes, DNA, and protein synthesis, providing broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal pathogens. However, dose-dependent cytotoxicity to mammalian cells—primarily due to excessive ROS generation—and nanoparticle aggregation in biological media remain challenges. Surface functionalization with polymers, peptides, or metal dopants (e.g., Ag, Zn, and Cu) can mitigate cytotoxicity and enhance selectivity. Scalable and sustainable synthesis remains a challenge due to high synthesis costs and scalability issues in industrial production. Green and biogenic routes using plant or microbial extracts can produce REOs at lower cost and with improved safety. Advanced continuous flow and microwave-assisted synthesis offer improved particle uniformity and production yields. Biomedical applications include antimicrobial coatings, wound dressings, and hybrid nanozyme systems for oxidative disinfection. However, comprehensive and intensive toxicological evaluations, along with regulatory frameworks, are required before clinical deployment.