Methods and materials for making cerium nanoparticles

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods and materials for influencing proliferation of stem cells. Specifically exemplified herein are compositions comprising cerium oxide nanoparticles which can be used to stimulate proliferation of stem cells under common culture conditions, or which can be utilized to improve therapeutic outcomes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of synthesizing ceria nanoparticles, the method comprising:
 (a) dissolving cerium nitrate in water to produce dissolved cerium nitrate (Ce(NO 3 ) 3 .6H 2 O); and   (b) subjecting the dissolved cerium nitrate to hydrogen peroxide for a period of time to oxidize the cerium nitrate, whereby water-dispersed ceria nanoparticles are produced.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the water-dispersed ceria nanoparticles comprise 3-5 spherical crystals. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said water-dispersed nanoparticles comprise agglomerates of 3-5 nm sized individual crystals. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said agglomerates are about 15-20 nm. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method consists essentially of steps (a) and (b).