Quercetin in the form of a nano-antioxidant (QTiO2) provides stabilization of quercetin and maximizes its antioxidant capacity in the mouse fibroblast model

Living cells are constantly exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) causing them to rely on a constant supply of exogenous antioxidants. Quercetin (Q) is one of the potent exogenous antioxidants utilized in various antioxidant formulations. However, the potential application of Q is largely limited because of its poor water solubility. In this study, we employed titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles to maximize cellular penetration and antioxidant effect of Q on mouse fibroblast cells. To accomplish this, polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified TiO2-nanoparticle surfaces were utilized that exhibited better dispersion, with enhanced biocompatibility. Cell viability assays using Q and Q-conjugated TiO2-nanoparticles (QTiO(2)) were evaluated in terms of cell morphology as well as with an immunoblotting analysis to look for key biomarkers of apoptosis. In addition, cleavages of Cas 3 and PARP were obtained in cells treated with Q. Furthermore, antioxidant defence with QTiO(2) was validated by means of the Nrf2 upregulation pathway. We also observed increased expressions of target enzymes; HO-1, NQO1 and SOD1 in QTiO(2)-treated cells. The antioxidant potency of the QTiO(2) nano-antioxidant form was successfully tested in ROS and superoxide radicals induced cells. Our results demonstrated that the QTiO(2) nano-antioxidant promoted a high quercetin bioavailability and stability, in cells with maximal antioxidant potency against ROS, with no signs of cytotoxicity.