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Zeolites are used in many fields of human activities [1]. Besides, new potential applications constantly emerge so understanding their possible impact on the environment is necessary [2]. In the frame of this study, zeolite beta nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by a complimentary set of experimental techniques. Their potential negative impact towards environment was evaluated using zebrafish Danio rerio embryos embryotoxicity test [3]. Such a comprehensive study pinpointed zeolite nanoparticles as safe materials and opened the door for their application, but also emphasized the need to reduce the presence of organic structure directing agents in nanosized zeolite synthesis reaction mixtures.

Selenium (Se), essential natural trace element for various organisms recently attracts attention due to its potential beneficial effects in various fields, i.e. biomedicine, electronics and some other industrial applications. However, depending on the dose, it can exhibit adverse effects. Current opinion is that possible Se toxicity could be reduced if Se is applied in the form of nanoparticles. Despite this, little is known about possible negative impact of SeNPs on different organisms. In general, when addressing nanotoxicity, aquatic organisms are of major interest, since majority of engineered nanoparticles are released through waters into environment. In aquatic ecosystem microalgae acts as a major vector of Se transport from water to filter-feeders and other consumers. With the aim to determine safety of their use in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industry the influence of SeNPs on growth of freshwater microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and marine microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta was compared to the influence of sodium selenite (NaSe2O3), inorganic Se source. SeNPs were synthesized by solution phase synthesis and characterized using powder X-ray diffraction. The hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of SeNPs were determined by dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering. Obtained results may contribute to the understanding of SeNPs toxicity and their biotechnological potential.

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient metabolically required by a variety of organisms, including microalgae and bacteria. Chlorophyta (green algae) is a large group of aquatic photosynthetic organisms and about half of the global microalgal production corresponds to green microalgae (Chlorella and Dunaliella) species. The range of Se concentrations within Se uptake goes from insufficient to toxic is very narrow. Se toxicity depends on its chemical structure and concentration and it is species- and dose- dependent in the case of microalgae. Recently, instead of sodium selenite (inorganic Se form), selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have obtained the attention as a possible Se source because of its lower toxicity. With the aim to determine safety of their use in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industry, the influence of SeNPs on growth and chlorophyll a content of freshwater microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and marine microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta was compared with the influence of sodium selenite. Within this study, SeNPs were synthesized by solution phase synthesis and characterized using powder X-ray diffraction to examine SeNPs composition and phase. The hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of SeNPs were determined by dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering. These results provide a better understanding of the effect of SeNPs on green microalgae and their biotechnological potential, which may help in the development of new technological applications considering that nanotechnology becomes a promising tool in many fields of research such as pharmacy, environmental, information technology and engineering, chemical industries, and others.