Synthesis, characterisation, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities of functionalised silica nanoparticles

Silica nanoparticles (NPs) modified by imidazole, carboxyl and phenol groups were designed and synthesised. The particles were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis techniques, scanning electron microscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Studies on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase-like activities of the NPs show that the NPs have both a high catalase-like activity with a 100% conversion rate of H₂O₂ and SOD activity with IC₅₀ = 0.023 mg/ml, exhibiting the activity level of 10 U/ml biological SOD.