University of Central Florida researchers have found that brain cells exposed to a single dose of ten-nanometer-size oxide particles routinely outlived untreated cells by three- to four-fold and remained functional.

Nanoparticles also have potent anti-inflammatory properties, they discovered. The investigators hope to create a coating from the particles that could be used for vascular and orthopedic implants, stents and other devices prone to inflammatory reactions.

The nanoparticle anti-oxidants regenerate once they penetrate the cell — meaning one dose could conceivably continue its therapeutic effects indefinitely.

University of Central Florida press release