Functionalised collagen spheres reduce HO mediated apoptosis by scavenging overexpressed ROS.

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 HO-mediated cell apoptosis. In this study, it was demonstrated that biodegradable PLGA microspheres coated with collagen type I and decorated with MnO nanoparticles acted as ROS scavengers controlling the HO-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.