Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This meta-analysis examined the antibacterial efficacy of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles (CeO(2) NPs) through statistical analysis of published data. METHOD: Following a comprehensive literature search and systematic screening, data were extracted and analyzed using STATA software to calculate pooled standard mean differences and effect sizes. RESULTS: Analysis of data from 58 articles (218 experiments) demonstrated significant antibacterial activity. Analysis of 189 agar diffusion tests showed substantial effect (EF = 15.04; 95% CI = 14.793-15.277; p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed greater efficacy for particles larger than 50 nm and rod-shaped nanoparticles. CeO(2) NPs were effective against both Gram-positive (EF = 18.194) and Gram-negative (EF = 14.049) bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Compared to conventional antibiotics, CeO(2) NPs were generally less effective (SMD = -2.846, p < 0.0001) but performed comparably to Amoxicillin, Streptomycin, Linezolid, and Clindamycin. MIC and CFU tests confirmed significant growth-inhibitory effects across multiple bacterial species. CONCLUSION: CeO(2) NPs demonstrate significant broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, suggesting potential against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Future research should explore synergistic effects with standard antibiotics.