Catalytic topological insulator Bi₂Se₃ nanoparticles for in vivo protection against ionizing radiation

Bi₂Se₃ nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted wide interests in biological and medical applications. Layer-like Bi₂Se₃ with high active surface area is promising for free radical scavenging. Here, we extended the medical applications of Bi₂Se₃ NPs further to in vivo protection against ionizing radiation based on their superior antioxidant activities and electrocatalytic properties. It was found that Bi₂Se₃ NPs can significantly increase the surviving fraction of mice after exposure of high-energy radiation of gamma ray. Additionally, the Bi₂Se₃ NPs can help to recover radiation-lowered red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts and platelet levels. Further investigations revealed that Bi₂Se₃ NPs behaved as functional free radical scavengers and significantly decreased the level of methylenedioxyamphetamine. In vivo toxicity studies showed that Bi₂Se₃ NPs did not cause significant side effects in panels of blood chemistry, clinical biochemistry and pathology.