How Do Nanoparticles Enhance Antioxidant Properties?
Nanoparticles can enhance antioxidant properties through several mechanisms:
1. Increased Surface Area: The small size of nanoparticles leads to a high surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing more active sites for antioxidant reactions. 2. Enhanced Bioavailability: Nanoparticles can improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble antioxidant compounds, such as curcumin. 3. Controlled Release: Nanoparticles can be engineered to provide a controlled and sustained release of antioxidant molecules, thereby prolonging their activity. 4. Targeted Delivery: Functionalizing nanoparticles with specific ligands enables targeted delivery to tissues or cells where oxidative stress is prevalent.
