Dual-functional cerium-containing mesoporous bioactive glasses for drug delivery

Cerium-doped mesoporous bioactive glasses were synthesized and individually loaded with polyphenols (quercetin, 3-hydroxyflavone, morin hydrate and a natural mixture) and common drugs (ibuprofen and paracetamol). The resulting materials were then combined in a 1:1 weight ratio to exploit their complementary therapeutic functionalities. The antioxidant activity of the dual-loaded systems was assessed through enzymatic assays, revealing a clear synergistic effect between cerium and polyphenols; this interaction endowed the materials with highly effective and stable antioxidant properties, which remained unaffected by the simultaneous presence of the drugs. In vitro bioactivity tests confirmed the ability of the dual-loaded systems to promote the formation of an apatite layer, indicative of their osteoconductive potential; this mineralization process was slightly delayed as a consequence of the dual loading and cerium incorporation. Cytocompatibility assays performed with relevant cell models demonstrated the biocompatibility of all formulations, with particularly promising outcomes for the systems combining cerium, ibuprofen, and quercetin. These findings highlight the potential of these newly developed dual-loaded systems for biomedical applications requiring both antioxidant protection and sustained bioactivity, such as bone tissue regeneration or therapies targeting inflammation-prone environments.