Nanotechnology enabled radioprotectants to reduce space radiation‐induced reactive oxidative species

Abstract

Interest in space exploration has seen substantial growth following recent launch and operation of modern space technologies. In particular, the possibility of travel beyond low earth orbit is seeing sustained support. However, future deep space travel requires addressing health concerns for crews under continuous, longer‐term exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Among these challenges, radiation‐induced health issues are a major concern. Their potential to induce chronic illness is further potentiated by the microgravity environment. While investigations into the physiological effects of space radiation are still under investigation, studies on model ionizing radiation conditions, in earth and micro‐gravity conditions, can provide needed insight into relevant processes. Substantial formation of high, sustained reactive oxygen species (ROS) evolution during radiation exposure is a clear threat to physiological health of space travelers, producing indirect damage to various cell structures and requiring therapeutic address. Radioprotection toward the skeletal system components is essential to astronaut health, due to the high radio‐absorption cross‐section of bone mineral and local hematopoiesis. Nanotechnology can potentially function as radioprotectant and radiomitigating agents toward ROS and direct radiation damage. Nanoparticle compositions such as gold, silver, platinum, carbon‐based materials, silica, transition metal dichalcogenides, and ceria have all shown potential as viable radioprotectants to mitigate space radiation effects with nanoceria further showing the ability to protect genetic material from oxidative damage in several studies. As research into space radiation‐induced health problems develops, this review intends to provide insights into the nanomaterial design to ameliorate pathological effects from ionizing radiation exposure.This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Nanozyme-Engineered Hydrogels for Anti-Inflammation and Skin Regeneration

“…In this context, NZ@hydrogels presents a promising solution possessing enzymatic and antioxidant capabilities. They offer a viable avenue for highly efficient radioprotective agents in situations involving radiotherapy and nuclear radiation accidents [ 257 ]. For instance, Xie et al developed a nanosized graphdiyne-loaded sodium hyaluronate hydrogel (nano-GDY@SH hydrogel) that exhibits potent holistic free radical scavenging activity through nano-GDY and excellent low-energy X-ray attenuation ability due to the high-water content of hydrogel [ 258 ].…”

Inorganic Nanoparticles as Radiosensitizers for Cancer Treatment

“…With respect to radiation incidences, the majority of research explains the radioprotective properties of CNP due to its ROS scavenging ability [211][212][213]. In fact, a recent article even explains the role of this radioprotective property in protecting astronauts from space radiation [19]. However, the oxygen storage capabilities of CNPs can enhance radio-sensitization effects by creating more reactants in the creation of radical oxygen species that can eliminate tumor cells (Table 7).…”

“…Nanomaterials can combine macromolecules such as miRNAs and proteins with functional material characteristics [14,16]. These material characteristics include control of the radiation absorption and emission, higher selectivity, production of reactive oxidative species (ROS), up-conversion/down-conversion processes, and tumor microenvironment control [17][18][19]. While all these processes can be effective in killing tumor cells, the production of ROS can coincide with the processes of radiolysis of tumor cells.…”

Exploring the Impact of Simulated Microgravity on Cellular DNA: A Comparative Analysis of Cancer and Normal Cell Lines

“…Beyond morphological modi cations, SMG has been associated with decreased cell viability in diverse cell lines, including human lymphocytes, human promyelocytic leukemic cells, and murine melanoma cells (Baghoum et al, 2022). Moreover, the proliferative potential of speci c cancer cells, such as MCF-7, K562, and A549, has been reported to diminish under simulated microgravity conditions (Topal & Zamur, 2021) (Babu et al, 2023) .Furthermore, an augmented pattern of DNA damage has been documented across diverse cell types, encompassing human hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, and BL6-10 melanoma cells, in response to simulated microgravity (Prasad et al, 2020).…”