Reperfusion injury occurs when blood is returned to the brain after a period of time where it has been restricted, often due to stroke or heart attack. The absence of oxygen and nutrients from blood often creates a condition where the restoration of circulation will result in inflammation and oxidative damage to the brain. Researchers at the University of Nebraska have developed a method in which powerful antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), are encapsulated by biodegradable nanoparticles that can readily cross the blood brain barrier. When SOD-nanoparticles were injected at the time of reperfusion, animals demonstrated improved neurological behavior and a 70% reduction in the total infarct volume. This indicates that the use of SOD-nanoparticles would be highly beneficial in use with patients that undergo reperfusion. These targeted enzymes, SOD and CAT, can also be beneficial in reducing the cardiotoxic side effects of Anthracycline Chemotherapy drugs.