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The cotton leafworm, Spodoptra littoralis, causes great damage to cotton crops. A new, safer method than insecticide is necessary for its control. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are metalloid nanomaterial, with extensive biological activities. They have low toxicity and can be used safely in plant disease management. In this study, we successfully bio-fabricated selenium nanoparticles and chitosan-selenium nanocomposite (Ch-SeNPs) using a fungal cell-free filtrate of Penicillium griseofulvum. The biosynthesized nanomaterials were initially detected optically by the formation of a red color in the solution mixture and the appearance of a strong plasmon resonance peak at 240–300 nm. The biosynthesized nanomaterials were fully characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, energy dispersive X-ray, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared. We tested the anti-insect activities of SeNPs, and Ch-SeNPs against larvae of S. littoralis compared to spore suspensions of P. griseofulvum. The results indicated that Ch-SeNPs followed by SeNPs gave a significantly higher mortality percentage than the spore suspension of the tested fungus. The highest production of all biosynthesized nanomaterials was detected after 7 days at 40 °C under alkaline conditions (pH 9). The average size diameter of SeNPs and Ch-SeNPs were 91.25 and 67.41 nm with zeta potential − 8.05 and + 41 mV, respectively. Both Ch-SeNPs and SeNPs gave high mortality rates and low values of LC50 and LC90 for both larvae and pupae. Ch-SeNPs showed stronger activity against S. littoralis than SeNPs and spore suspension at all experimental conditions. Cytotoxicity experiments indicated their safety against honeybee populations. The current study reveals the significant ultrastructure impact of SeNPs on larvae. These findings suggest that selenium nanoparticles and nanocomposite can be fabricated with a costless easy route using fungal filtrate, and they can be used safely in pest control systems that are safe for honeybee populations. It is the first report about the application of Ch-SeNPs as an anti-insect agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hazardous dyes used in various industries pose significant threats to human health, underscoring the urgent need for eco-friendly methods of dye removal. This study explores the catalytic synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) by the gram-negative bacterium Aeromonas sobria, which demonstrated remarkable tolerance to sodium selenite concentrations of up to 20 mM. Characterization of the synthesized SeNPs revealed a distinctive UV-vis absorption peak at 300 nm, indicative of successful nanoparticle formation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified key biomolecules involved in the synthesis, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline structure of the SeNPs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the SeNPs ranged in size from 40 to 100 nm, exhibiting predominantly oval shapes with irregular surfaces. The efficacy of these biosynthesized SeNPs in dye removal was evaluated against methylene blue (MB), Congo red, methyl red, and Eriochrome Black T (EBT). Ultrasonication significantly enhanced the catalytic activity, achieving a remarkable 49% removal rate for MB, while the removal rate for Congo red was consistent at approximately 8.6% across all agitation conditions. Kinetic analysis indicated that the degradation of MB followed a pseudo-first-order model with a rate constant of 2.49 × 10⁻² min⁻¹. Mechanistic studies highlighted hydroxyl radicals as the primary active species in the degradation process. This research emphasizes the potential of A. sobria as a promising bio-factory for the sustainable synthesis of SeNPs, offering innovative solutions for the efficient environmental remediation of dye-contaminated waste and contributing to the advancement of nanotechnology in pollution management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) can be absorbed by plants, thereby affecting plant physiological activity, regulating gene expression, and altering metabolite content. However, the molecular mechanisms by which exogenous selenium affects Polygonatum kingianum coll.et Hemsl plant secondary metabolites remain unclear. In this study, we exposed P. kingianum plants to SeNPs at 0, 10, 25, and 50 mg/L concentrations. Joint physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses were performed to reveal the response mechanisms of major secondary metabolites of P. kingianum to SeNPs. Our data shows that under the treatment of 25 mg/L, the photosynthetic electron transfer rate of plants significantly increases and the carbon-nitrogen ratio significantly decreases. In parallel, the main active components, polysaccharides and saponins, showed a significant increase in content, while flavonoid content decreased. SeNPs affect polysaccharide accumulation mainly through up-regulation of SPS, UGPase, AGPase, UTP, and SUS genes in starch and sucrose metabolic pathways. The accumulation of saponins was affected by upregulating genes in the sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis pathways, including PAD, ADH, PK, and GS. The accumulation of flavonoids was mainly regulated by metabolic pathways such as flavonoid biosynthesis, isoflavonoid biosynthesis, and the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids. In summary, this study reveals the key metabolic pathways affected by SeNPs in the main secondary metabolic products of P. kingianum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total polysaccharides extracted from Laetiporus sulphureus fruiting bodies by ultrasound-assisted complex enzyme method were separated by freeze–thaw combined with fehling reagent to prepare purified polysaccharide (LSPS1). The results of monosaccharide composition and molecular weight distribution demonstrated that LSPS1 contained galactose (51.83%), mannose (26.89%), fucose (16.13%) and glucose (5.15%), and the molecular weight was around 17.3 kDa. Methylation analysis indicated that the backbone of LSPS1 consisted of 1,6-Galp residues, branched at O-2 of Galp with t-Manp, t-Fucp and t-Glcp residues as side chains. In addition, LSPS1 was used for the synthesis of SeNPs based on the redox system of sodium selenite and ascorbic acid. The L. sulphureus polysaccharide selenium nanoparticles (LSPS1–SeNPs) were characterized by UV, FT-IR, ICP-MS, EDX, DLS and SEM, inferring that LSPS1–SeNPs were stabilized with spherical and granular surface structure as well as a mean particle size of 96.72 ± 1.12 nm. Both of LSPS1 and LSPS1–SeNPs possessed strong antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities while the effects of LSPS1–SeNPs were superior to LSPS1. The findings provided valuable structural information for L. sulphureus polysaccharide, and will promote the application of SeNPs by L. sulphureus polysaccharide in potential antioxidant agent and hypoglycemic candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we attempted to make a nanocomposite wound dressing that was both interactive and bioactive. In order to characterize the biogenic selenium nanoparticles, characterization techniques such as SEM, EDX, DLS, Zetasizer, FTIR, and XRD were utilized. The XRD results showed that the peaks located at around 2θ = 23.9°, 30.1°, 41.6°, 44.1°, and 52.9° that are corresponded to the (100), (101), (110), (102), and (201) reflections of the pure hexagonal phase of selenium crystals. The results of zeta potential measurement showed that the biosynthesized SeNPs have a zeta potential of around −27.5 mV. Studies conducted on animals using a full-thickness wound model of the rat's skin showed that the wound dressing was able to speed up the natural process of wound healing. Based on the findings, it was determined that the wound dressing has the potential to serve as an effective wound dressing and healing material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminaria polysaccharides (LP) have been shown to effectively stabilize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), forming LP–SeNP complexes with enhanced bioactivity. However, the correlation between their bioactivity and physicochemical properties remains inadequately explored. This study used chemical reduction with LP as stabilizer to investigate how LP-to-selenium mass ratio (LPSMR), reaction time, and temperature influence particle size, selenium content, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of LP–SeNPs. The results showed that enhanced DPPH scavenging correlated with higher selenium content and smaller particle size, primarily modulated by LPSMR and temperature. Under optimal conditions (LPSMR of 1; temperature of 25°C), the resulting LP–SeNPs exhibited uniform morphology with a particle size of 81.41 nm and selenium content of 653.91 mg/g. This stability was achieved through non-covalent interactions between LP and SeNPs, providing superior light and acid resistance compared to unmodified SeNPs. Notably, LP–SeNPs showed synergistic antioxidant effects, with lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) values for scavenging DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion radicals than LP or SeNPs alone, and enhanced hypoglycemic activity. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed LP–SeNPs had reduced toxicity compared to Na 2 SeO 3 and selenopeptide. These findings provide insights into the structure-activity relationships of LP–SeNPs and support their potential application as antioxidant and hypoglycemic agents. [Display omitted] • Laminaria polysaccharide (LP) was used to stabilise selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). • Preparation of LP–SeNPs by an antioxidant activity-oriented approach. • Stability and antioxidant activity of LP–SeNPs depend on their size and Se content. • SeNPs modified with LP are resist to light and acid exposure. • LP–SeNPs exert synergistic antioxidant and hypoglycaemic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The convergence of nanotechnology with bioinformatics and the study of plant secondary metabolites hold remarkable potential for transformative scientific breakthroughs. Synergy enables a deeper understanding of the biosynthesis and functions of plant secondary metabolites, unlocking avenues to engineer novel applications in areas like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and sustainable materials. The present study was conducted to check the effect of plant-mediated selenium nanoparticles to improve the bioactive compounds in sesame. Three varieties of sesame (TS-5, TH-6, and Till-18) were sown and got treated with different concentration of selenium nanoparticles. On the basis of antioxidant, biochemical, and physiological parameters, best performing seed samples from crop were selected and subjected to UHPLC analysis. From all 276 identified metabolites, the top 20 differentially expressed bioactive, medicinally important compounds were subjected to Swiss target prediction, KEGG, and Metascape analysis to reveal drug targets, gene targets, cell targets, and disease targets. Swiss target prediction revealed that most of the drug targets had kinases as the highest target in all the bioactive metabolites, followed by nuclear transporters, cytochrome P450, and proteins associated with electrochemical channels. Metascape analysis revealed that most of the compounds had highest enrichment in non-canonical activation of NOTCH3 followed by regulation of hormone levels. Furthermore, DisGeNET analysis revealed that most of the metabolites had strong association with impaired glucose tolerance followed by myocardial ischemia and neuralgia. Tissue and cell accumulation analysis by PaGeneBase revealed the highest accumulation in the small intestine, colon, ovary, and DRG cells. The study concluded that selenium nanoparticles has an ability to improve certain medicinally important metabolites in sesame, coupled with bioinformatics tools which revealed a great insight into the potential of those compounds, and the information can further be used in future studies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, attention is focused on the lack of selenium in the average diet, which is a highly valued element in the body's antioxidant system. The major metabolites of selenium are selenoproteins, which have an irreplaceable function in the body. This study focused on optimizing conditions for the biofortification of maize (Zea mays L.) with selenium (Se). Three separate pot experiments were conducted to identify the key factors influencing the efficacy of foliar selenium application. The experiments were designed to investigate the effects of different forms of selenium (selenite, selenate, and selenium nanoparticles) on maize development, the influence of the phenological stage of maize at the time of foliar Se application, and the optimal application rate of Se (100, 150, 200, or 250 µg). The results indicated that sodium selenate without a wetting agent was the most effective form for enhancing total Se content in maize, with the greatest accumulation being in leaves (3.01 mg/kg dry matter). Phenological stages (BBCH) 51 and 60 were identified as the most suitable phenological stages for Se application in terms of total Se content about 1 mg/kg in leaves and about 0.4 mg/kg in grain and the presence of organic Se compounds (mostly selenate ion and selenomethionine). We concluded from the study that a foliar application of 200 µg of sodium selenate per pot during these stages resulted in maximum Se uptake without adversely affecting plant yield. Further research is recommended to validate these findings under field conditions, paving the way for improved agricultural practices in selenium biofortification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report for the first time, green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using pharmacologically potent herb of Polygonum bistorta Linn. for multiple biomedical applications. In the study, a facile and an eco-friendly approach is utilized for synthesis of SeNPs using an aqueous roots extract of P. bistorta Linn. followed by extensive characterization via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis. The XRD and FTIR data determine the phase composition and successful capping of plant extract onto the surface of NPs while SEM and TEM micrographic examination reveals the elliptical and spherical morphology of the particles with a mean size of 69 ± 23 nm. After comprehensive characterization, the NPs are investigated for antifungal, antibacterial, antileishmanial, antioxidant, and biocompatibility properties. The study reveals that Polygonum bistorta Linn. synthesized SeNPs exhibit significant antibacterial and antifungal activities with Staphylococcus aureus and Fusarium oxysporum inducing the highest zone of inhibition of 14 ± 1.0 mm and 20 ± 1.2 mm, respectively at the concentration of 40 mg/mL. The NPs are also found to have antiparasitic potential against promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania tropica. Furthermore, the NPs are discovered to have excellent potential in neutralizing harmful free radicals thus exhibiting considerable antioxidant potential. Most importantly, Polygonum bistorta Linn. synthesized SeNPs showed substantial compatibility against blood cells in vitro studies, which signifies the nontoxic nature of the NPs. The study thus concludes that medicinally important Polygonum bistorta Linn. roots can be utilized as an eco-friendly, sustainable, and green source for the synthesis of pharmacologically potent selenium nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) plays a crucial role in modulating inflammation and oxidative stress within the human system. Biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) synthesized by Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, positioning them as a promising alternative to traditional supplements characterized by limited bioavailability. With this context in mind, this study investigates the impact of selenium and L. casei in ameliorating inflammation and oxidative stress using a cell line model. The study is centered on the biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) by L. casei 393 under anaerobic conditions using a solution of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) in the bacterial culture medium. The generation of SeNPs ensued from the interaction of L. casei bacteria with selenium ions, a process characterized via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to confirm the synthesis of SeNPs. To induce inflammation, the human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line, Caco-2 was subjected to interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) at concentrations of 0.5 and 25 ng/ml. Subsequent analyses encompass the evaluation of SeNPs derived from L. casei, its supernatant, commercial selenium, and L. casei probiotic on Caco2 cell line. Finally, we assessed the inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The assessment of inflammation involved the quantification of NF-κB and TGF-β gene expression levels, while oxidative stress was evaluated through the measurement of Nrf2, Keap1, NOX1, and SOD2 gene levels. L. casei successfully produced SeNPs, as confirmed by the color change in the culture medium and TEM analysis showing their uniform distribution within the bacteria. In the inflamed Caco-2 cell line, the NF-κB gene was upregulated, but treatment with L. casei-SeNPs and selenium increased TGF-β expression. Moreover, L. casei-SeNPs upregulated SOD2 and Nrf2 genes, while downregulating NOX1, Keap1, and NF-κB genes. These results demonstrated the potential of L. casei-SeNPs for reducing inflammation and managing oxidative stress in the Caco-2 cell line. The study underscores the ability of L. casei-SeNPs to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in inflamed Caco-2 cell lines, emphasizing the effectiveness of L. casei as a source of selenium. These insights hold significant promise for the development of SeNPs derived from L. casei as potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents, paving the way for novel therapeutic applications in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B acteriocins are proteinaceous substances with a broad range of bioactive characteristics that are produced by various bacteria. However, the limited use of bacteriocin is due to its low yield and short stability. Enterolycin-A, a type of enterocin (bacteriocin produced by Enterococcus), was extracted and purified from the Enterococcus faecium SMAN_Baghdad strain. The objective of this study was to synthesize an enterolycin-A conjugate with selenium nanoparticles to form a novel nanohybrid system that may increase the bioactivity of enterolycin-A and overcome these hurdles. The nanohybrid system was characterized via FTIR, XRD, TEM, SEM, and EDX. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results indicate the presence of biological moieties, and the crystallite size was calculated to be 15.29 nm via X-ray diffraction (XRD). The shape and size of the Se-enterolycin-A nanohybrid were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the presence of selenium and protein (carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen). As a result, the Se-enterolycin-A nanohybrid showed strong antibacterial activity against MDR bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii) according to agar well diffusion methods, MIC and MBC measurements, and antibiofilm measurements. In addition, compared with enterolycin-A alone, the Se-enterolycin-A nanohybrid exhibited promising antioxidant activity with the DPPH compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic stress induces changes in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) showed promising results in several neurological animal models. The implementation of SeNPs in chronic restraint stress (CRS) remains to be elucidated. This study was done to determine the possible protective effects of selenium nanoparticles on behavioral changes and brain oxidative stress markers in a rat model of CRS. 50 rats were divided into three groups; control group (n = 10), untreated CRS group (n = 10) and CRS-SeNPs treated group (n = 30). Restraint stress was performed 6 h./day for 21 days. Rats of CRS-SeNPs treated group received 1, 2.5 or 5 mg/kg SeNPs (10 rats each) by oral gavage for 21 days. Rats were subjected to behavioral assessments and then sacrificed for biochemical and histological analysis of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Prefrontal cortical and hippocampal serotonin levels, oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3 were assessed. Accordingly, different doses of SeNPs showed variable effectiveness in ameliorating disease parameters, with 2.5 mg/kg dose of SeNPs showing the best improving results in all studied parameters. The present study exhibited the neuroprotective role of SeNPs in rats subjected to CRS and proposed their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects as the possible mechanism for increased prefrontal cortical and hippocampal serotonin level, ameliorated anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors and improved prefrontal cortical and hippocampal histological architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this study, bovine collagen peptide (BCP) decorated selenium nanoparticles (BCP-SeNPs) were prepared using BCP as a protective and reducing agent, and their structure, hypolipidemic and antitumor activities were investigated. The results of the various techniques including dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of BCP-SeNP. The polydispersity index (PDI) and ζ-potential analysis displayed that the PDI of BCP-SeNPs was about 0.12, smaller than BCP. The ζ-potential absolute value of BCP-SeNPs was found to be 34.2 mV, higher than BCP, suggesting that the stability of the BCP-SeNPs was better than BCP. Hypolipidemic performance evaluation indicated that binding capacity of BCP-SeNPs to bile salts was the highest when its concentration was 0.3 mM, and significantly higher than bare SeNPs, bovine serum albumin decorated SeNPs (BSA-SeNPs), and hyaluronic acid decorated SeNPs (HA-SeNPs). Moreover, the viability of HepG2 cells after BCP-SeNPs treatment was only 22.95%, which was considerably lower than that of bare SeNPs, BSA-SeNPs, and HA-SeNPs, showing better antitumor activity. These findings are expected to provide novel active ingredients that can be employed as functional foods and drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huanglongbing disease (HLB) is the most severe citrus disease destroying Citrus reticulata L. 'Kinnow', the most commonly grown mandarin in Pakistan. It is caused by Candidatus Liberibacter bacterial species and it spreads through the sucking Asian citrus psyllid insect. The current study was designed to investigate the potential impact of plant extract mediated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on antioxidant defense system, fruit quality and protein regulation in the fruits of HLB-infected 'Kinnow' mandarin plants. Garlic cloves extract was used as reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of SeNPs. Various concentrations of SeNPs (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L−1) were exogeneously applied to HLB-positive citrus plants. SeNPs at the concentration of 75 mg L-1 affected positively fruit physio-biochemical parameters, e.g., peel thickness, peel weight, fruit weight, fruit diameter, total soluble solids, juice volume, ascorbic acid content and reduced total acidity. Furthermore, SeNPs also enhanced the amounts of total protein and total sugar as well as elevated antioxidant enzymes, e.g., superoxide dismutase, peroxidases, and catalases. Non-enzymatic antioxidant content, e.g., total phenolic and total flavonoids, was also elevated. Proteomics analysis revealed that exposure to SeNPs at the concentration of 75 mg·L–1 significantly altered in HLB infected mandarin fruting plants the expression of proteins associated with transcription, protection, cell wall biogenesis, cell wall organization, reproduction, stamen formation, embryo development, inflorescence development, as well as translation and response to oxidative stress. Our results revealed that foliar application of SeNPs influences the protein contents positively, therefore ameliorating fruit physio-biochemical quality by boosting antioxidant defense systems of HLB-infected 'Kinnow' mandarin plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium is a well‐known element that can be toxic and potentially harmful in excessive amounts. In this study, the microwave‐assisted synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNP) was achieved using glucose as a green reductant, resulting in reduced toxicity. This method provides a rapid, cost‐effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional SeNP synthesis techniques. The antioxidant activity of the SeNPs was assessed using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, while their antibacterial properties were tested against both Gram‐positive (E. coli) and Gram‐negative (S. aureus) bacteria using the agar diffusion method. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of SeNPs towards the Beas2B cell line was evaluated using the MTT viability assay at various concentrations. Results produced confirm the successful synthesis of SeNPs with notable antioxidant and antibacterial properties through a simple and economical approach, indicating potential applications in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fagopyrum dibotrys is a herbal plant. Selenium (Se) is a beneficial element for plants; selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are gaining importance in food and agriculture due to their low toxicity and high activity. This study revealed that foliar application of SeNPs enhanced superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and peroxisome activities and significantly enhanced the flavonoid compound content in F. dibotrys. SeNPs with a concentration of 5.0 mg L−1 also promoted the growth of F. dibotrys. The foliar application of SeNPs could be absorbed by pores in leaves of F. dibotrys and mainly transformed to selenomethionine (32.5–43.2%) and selenocysteine (23.4–38.4%) in leaves and tubers of F. dibotrys. Consequently, this study offers a profound understanding of plants' uptake and biotransformation of SeNPs. Furthermore, the findings of this study have suggested that SeNPs can be applied to improve the quantity and quality of the herbal plant of F. dibotrys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The total polysaccharides extracted from Laetiporus sulphureus fruiting bodies by ultrasound-assisted complex enzyme method were separated by freeze–thaw combined with fehling reagent to prepare purified polysaccharide (LSPS1). The results of monosaccharide composition and molecular weight distribution demonstrated that LSPS1 contained galactose (51.83%), mannose (26.89%), fucose (16.13%) and glucose (5.15%), and the molecular weight was around 17.3 kDa. Methylation analysis indicated that the backbone of LSPS1 consisted of 1,6-Galp residues, branched at O-2 of Galp with t-Manp, t-Fucp and t-Glcp residues as side chains. In addition, LSPS1 was used for the synthesis of SeNPs based on the redox system of sodium selenite and ascorbic acid. The L. sulphureus polysaccharide selenium nanoparticles (LSPS1–SeNPs) were characterized by UV, FT-IR, ICP-MS, EDX, DLS and SEM, inferring that LSPS1–SeNPs were stabilized with spherical and granular surface structure as well as a mean particle size of 96.72 ± 1.12 nm. Both of LSPS1 and LSPS1–SeNPs possessed strong antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities while the effects of LSPS1–SeNPs were superior to LSPS1. The findings provided valuable structural information for L. sulphureus polysaccharide, and will promote the application of SeNPs by L. sulphureus polysaccharide in potential antioxidant agent and hypoglycemic candidate. Graphical Abstract

In 2023, breast cancer is expected to have nearly 2 million new cases, making it the second most common cancer overall and the most prevalent among women. Multidrug resistance limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy; however, quercetin, a natural flavonoid, helps combat this issue. The goal of the current investigation is to determine the impact of a novel composite of quercetin and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on the breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 in order to enhance quercetin’s tumor-suppressive action and decrease selenium (Se) toxicity. Particle size, zeta potential, FTIR, SEM, UV–VIS spectroscopy, and EDX were used to characterize quercetin-selenium nanoparticles (Que-SeNPs), in addition to evaluation of the antioxidant, apoptotic, and anticancer properties. Moreover, autophagy (Atg-13) protein receptors and PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint were targeted using molecular docking modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess the interaction stability between Que-SeNPs and three targets: PDL-1, PD-1, and Atg-13HORMA domain. Que-SeNPs, synthesized with quercetin, were stable, semi-spherical (80–117 nm), and had a zeta potential of − 37.8 mV. They enhanced cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and apoptosis compared to quercetin alone in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Docking simulations showed strong binding to the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint and Atg-13HORMA protein receptors. Moreover, the molecular dynamics simulation revealed that the behavior of the PD-L1 intriguing insights into its structural dynamics, therefore, suggesting a stable phase where the complex is adjusting to the simulation environment. The present data confirmed that the stable formula of Que-SeNPs is cytotoxic, antioxidant, and has a potential activity to increase apoptosis in breast cancer cells, with the potential to inhibit PD-1/PD-L1 and Atg-13 proteins. Role of Que-SeNPs on breast cancer cells in vitro against two breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium-based nanoparticles exhibit antiviral activity by directly modulating immune function. Despite recent promising developments in utilizing selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) against viral infections, the impact of surface ligand charge on the conformation and interaction with viral proteins, as well as the effectiveness of Se NPs in anti-Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection remains unexplored. In this study, three types of selenium nanoparticles (CTAB-Se, PVP-Se, SDS-Se) with distinct surface charges were synthesized by modifying the surface ligands. We found that apart from differences in surface charge, the size, morphology, and crystal structure of the three types of Se NPs were similar. Notably, although the lipophilicity and cellular uptake of SDS-Se with a negative charge were lower compared to positively charged CTAB-Se and neutrally charged PVP-Se, SDS-Se exhibited the strongest protein binding force during interaction with HSV-1. Consequently, SDS-Se demonstrated the most potent anti-HSV-1 activity and safeguarded normal cells from damage. The mechanistic investigation further revealed that SDS-Se NPs effectively inhibited the proliferation and assembly of HSV-1 by powerfully suppressing the key genes and proteins of HSV-1 at various stages of viral development. Hence, this study highlights the significant role of surface ligand engineering in the antiviral activity of Se NPs, presenting a viable approach for synthesizing Se NPs with tailored antiviral properties by modulating surface charge. This method holds promise for advancing research on the antiviral capabilities of Se NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials such as selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are commonly used in everyday products and offer numerous health benefits to aquatic animals. Vitamin C (Vit C) is an essential micronutrient for fish because of its strong antioxidant properties. However, the combined effects of SeNPs and Vit C on enhancing disease resistance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) have not been thoroughly explored. This study investigates the impacts of SeNPs and/or Vit C on the performance, blood parameters, histology, gene expression, and resistance to Saprolegnia ferax in Nile tilapia (O. niloticus). The fish fingerlings (n = 240, averaging 32 ± 3.0 g) were divided equally into four experimental groups, with 60 fish in each group. The fish were fed a basal diet as a control group (CON group) or supplemented with 100 mg of Vit C (VC100 group), 1 mg of SeNPs/kg (SeNP group), or a combination of SeNPs and vitamin C (SeNPs + VC100 group) for 70 days. At the end of the study, a challenge trial with S. ferax was conducted. The growth and feed efficiency results indicated a significant improvement in the combined group (SeNPs + VC100 group) compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Significant reduction in fat and moisture contents and the crude protein and ash significantly improved in the combined group (P < 0.05). Liver enzymes were reduced, with the lowest values observed in the SeNPs + VC group, and total protein and globulin contents were improved in all supplemented groups (P < 0.05). All supplements resulted in significant improvements in digestive enzymes (lipase, protease, and amylase) and immune response (lysozyme and phagocytic activities) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase significantly increased in fish of the SeNPs and SeNPs + VC100 groups, while lipid peroxidation (MDA) significantly reduced by the treatments with the best reduction in the combined group. The liver of fish in the supplemented groups showed improved structural integrity of hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoids, and pancreatic ducts, with reduced inflammatory cell presence and fibrocytes compared to the control fish. The intestinal structure of fish fed supplemented diets exhibited normal histomorphometry with an increase in villus length, height, and layer thickness. Diets fortified with SeNPs, VC100, or their mixture significantly boosted the growth (GH and IGF-1) and immune-antioxidant-related genes (IL-1β, IL-8, CAT, and SOD) compared with the untreated groups. Fish treated with a combination of nutrients exhibited higher survival rates and increased resistance to S. ferax. This study revealed that a dietary combination of SeNPs and Vit C synergistically enhanced tilapia fish’s antioxidant capacity, immune response, organ health, growth, and disease resistance. This approach offers a promising strategy to reduce production losses in tilapia aquaculture, particularly during disease outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative splicing (AS) is an important post-transcriptional regulation, which can expand the functional diversity of gene products and is a mechanism for eukaryotes to cope with abiotic stress. However, there are few studies on AS events in rainbow trout under heat stress. In this study, RNA-Seq data were used to clarify the effect of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on the AS events of rainbow trout head kidney under heat stress. The results showed that a total of 45,398 AS events were identified from 9804 genes, of which Skipped Exon (SE) was the most common type of AS event. Through the analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each group, we learned that DEGs were enriched in the spliceosome, and the relevant genes were significantly changed, which promoted the occurrence of AS. We found that lysine degradation, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, RNA degradation, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum processing and other pathways were significantly enriched after addition of SeNPs. In addition, some immune related signaling pathways, such as the mTOR signaling pathway, interact with each other to enhance the resistance of rainbow trout to heat stress. These results indicated that AS in head kidney of rainbow trout changed under heat stress and SeNPs played a key role in alleviating heat stress for rainbow trout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that involves the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and matrix metabolism imbalance in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Selenium, an indispensable trace element, plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial redox homeostasis by being incorporated into antioxidant selenoproteins as selenocysteine. In this study, we employed a straightforward synthesis method to produce selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with consistent size and distribution, and evaluated their potential protective effects in ameliorating IVDD. In a simulated inflammatory environment induced by interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in vitro, SeNPs demonstrated a protective effect on the matrix synthesis capacity of NPCs through the up-regulation of aggrecan and type II collagen, while concurrently suppressing the expression of matrix degradation enzymes including MMP13 and ADAMTS5. Additionally, SeNPs preserved mitochondrial integrity and restored impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism by activating glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1) to rebalance redox homeostasis. In a rat lumbar disc model induced by puncture, the local administration of SeNPs preserved the hydration of nucleus pulposus tissue, promoted matrix deposition, and effectively mitigated the progression of IVDD. Our results indicate that the enhancement of GPX1 by SeNPs may offer a promising therapeutic approach for IVDD by restoring mitochondrial function and redox homeostasis.

Abstract Background Accumulation of biofilm over composite resin restorations is one of the principal causes of recurrent caries. Therefore, this study aimed to develop antibacterial composite resins by crystalline selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), assessing the antibacterial, mechanical, and physical properties of the composite resin after SeNPs incorporation. Methods SeNPs were synthesized via a green method. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nano-filled composite (Filtek™ Z350XT ) was considered as a control group (G0). Two concentrations of SeNPs (0.005 wt% and 0.01 wt%.) were added to the tested resin composite (G1& G2), respectively. The physical/mechanical and antibacterial properties of the composite specimens (n = 10/group) were characterized. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to analyze these data followed by Bonferroni post hoc test for pairwise comparison. Results Modified composites with SeNPs showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. mutans. Mechanical properties including diametral tensile strength, compressive strength, or surface roughness were not affected by nano-incorporation compared to control. Furthermore, the degree of conversion showed no statistical difference. However, SeNPs incorporation into resin composite produces color change that can be visually perceived. Conclusions The green synthesized SeNPs significantly improved the antimicrobial properties of the dental composite without compromising mechanical performance. However, it shows color change after SeNPs incorporation.

In order to reduce the toxicity of inorganic arsenic and improve the bioavailability of selenium, this study used yeast to convert inorganic selenium into synthesize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). Through the screening of seven probiotic yeast strains, Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 18824 was finally screened as the best nano-selenium synthesized strain and its optimal nano-selenium synthesized conditions were established. The synthesized nano-selenium was observed and characterized in terms of structure and morphology using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, the safety of nano-selenium was verified by feeding experiments in mice for 30 days. ATCC 18824 synthesized nano-selenium exhibited good dispersion, presenting Se0 nano selenium monoliths of uniform size and full spherical shape, and the Na2SeO3 addition was controlled to be optimal at 0.5~1.5 mg/mL, 30 °C, and 60~72 h incubation. It was also found that nano-selenium was synthesized intracellularly and gradually released over time, ultimately excreted within 72 hours. The 30 days feeding experiment showed that nano-selenium had no significant effect on body weight change, organ index, blood routine and biochemical analysis, and major organ tissues in mice, verifying the safety of nano-selenium. Based on the results of the study, the present study successfully developed yeast-derived nano-selenium milk tablets with good sensory evaluation and rich nutritional content of 12.67 μg/g, 16.67 μg/g, and 33.33 μg/g of selenium, its nutritional value was higher than part of the commercially available milk tablets, showing its potential as a novel and safe food additive in the food processing industry application value in the food processing industry.

Selenium (Se), is an essential trace element that primarily functions in the form of selenoproteins. These selenoproteins play crucial roles in the functioning of the human organism, including anti-inflammatory processes, regulating redox balance, participating in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, and maintaining the proper functioning of the immune system. The synthesis of selenoproteins is a complex process that relies on adequate selenium intake and involves multiple specific factors. A deficiency in selenium can lead to a variety of health issues, such as Keshan disease (cardiomyopathy) and Kashin–Beck disease (osteochondropathy), liver diseases, and cancer. Nanoscale selenium particles exhibit superior conversion and utilization compared to conventional inorganic and organic forms. Surface modifications of Se nanoparticles enable them to perform diverse physiological functions. Thus, the modification of selenium-containing nanomaterials, particularly their surface properties, is crucial for understanding Se’s biological roles in antitumor activity, immunotherapy, and inflammatory responses. We summarize the preparation methods and chemical properties of various active selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), discuss the rational design and biomedical applications of modified selenium nanomaterials in immunotherapy, and propose a network approach for their design and biological effects.

Polysaccharide nano-selenium (polysaccharide selenium nanoparticles, Polysaccharide-SeNPs) exhibits unique properties and biological functions, offering limitless potential and promising applications in various fiels such as medicine, food and pharmacology. This review mainly focuses on the structure and properties of polysaccharides, nano-selenium (selenium nanoparticles, SeNPs) and the complementary combination of polysaccharides and SeNPs. SeNPs utilizes the hydrogen or Se-O bonds on its surface, thereby achieving dispersion and stability. The article provides a summary of the preparation conditions, methods, and optimization strategies for Polysaccharide-SeNPs. Currently, chemical synthesis methods are commonly used to produce Polysaccharide-SeNPs, with auxiliary techniques such as ultrasound, vacuum, high pressure, or enzymes employed to enhance yield or biological activity. Furthermore, the article reviews representative biological effects of Polysaccharide-SeNPs reported in the international literature over the past five years. Finally, emphasis is placed on the application and progress of Polysaccharide-SeNPs in the fields of medicine, food, pharmaceuticals, and health products. The study of Polysaccharide-SeNPs expands new perspectives in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, particularly polysaccharides derived from Chinese herbal medicine, providing a valuable reference for exploring novel and highly biologically active "selenium-shaped" entities.

Kai Yao,1,* Yongbo Peng,2,* Qiyu Tang,3 Kaixuan Liu,3 Cheng Peng3 1Department of Vascular Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 2College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Plastic Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Cheng Peng, Email pcheng83@csu.edu.cnIntroduction: Photoaging-induced skin damage leads to appearance issues and dermatoma. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) possess high antioxidant properties but are prone to inactivation. In this study, human serum albumin/SeNPs (HSA-SeNPs) were synthesized for enhanced stability.Methods: HSA-SeNPs were prepared by self-assembling denatured human serum albumin and inorganic selenite. The cytotoxicity of HSA-SeNPs was assessed using the MTT method. Cell survival and proliferation rates were tested to observe the protective effect of HSA-SeNPs on human skin keratinocytes against photoaging. Simultaneously, ICR mice were used for animal experiments. H&E and Masson trichromatic staining were employed to observe morphological changes in skin structure and collagen fiber disorders after UVB irradiation. Quantitative RT-PCR was utilized to measure changes in mRNA expression levels of factors related to collagen metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress regulation, and senescence markers.Results: The HSA-SeNPs group exhibited significantly higher survival and proliferation rates of UVB-irradiated keratinocytes than the control group. Following UVB irradiation, the back skin of ICR mice displayed severe sunburn with disrupted collagen fibers. However, HSA-SeNPs demonstrated superior efficacy in alleviating these symptoms compared to SeNPs alone. In a UVB-irradiated mice model, mRNA expression of collagen type I and III was dysregulated while MMP1, inflammatory factors, and p21 mRNA expression were upregulated; concurrently Nrf2 and Gpx1 mRNA expression were downregulated. In contrast, HSA-SeNPs maintained the mRNA expression of those factors to be stable In addition, the level of SOD decreased, and MDA elevated significantly in the skin after UVB irradiation, but no significant differences in SOD and MDA levels between the HSA-SeNPs group with UVB irradiation and the UVB-free untreated group.Discussion: HSA-SeNPs have more anti-photoaging effects on the skin than SeNPs, including the protective effects on skin cell proliferation, cell survival, and structure under photoaging conditions. HSA-SeNPs can be used to protect skin from photoaging and repair skin injury caused by UVB exposure.Keywords: selenium nanoparticles, human serum albumin, skin photoaging, senescence, SOD

This study introduces a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) by using Calluna vulgaris as a reducing agent. The process involves the addition of Na2SeO3 to a C. vulgaris aqueous solution, followed by reduction with ascorbic acid. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed SeNP formation, with a distinct absorption peak at 289 nm. Morphological analysis via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed spherical nanoparticles below 100 nm, as corroborated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images displaying sizes ranging from 42.91 to 66.93 nm. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the presence of selenium. Antibacterial assessments demonstrated the efficacy of C.vulgaris Selenium Nanoparticles (Cv-SeNPs) against gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). Cv-SeNPs exhibited notable antibacterial activity, particularly against E. Faecalis. In terms of antioxidant activities, Cv-SeNPs exhibited significant scavenging potential against DPPH and ABTS radicals, with low IC50 values of 24.72 and 16.87 µg/mL, respectively. The scavenging activities increased with concentration, reaching 86.6% for DPPH and 99.7% for ABTS at specific concentrations. The inclusion of ascorbic acid as a capping agent further augmented the free radical scavenging capabilities, indicating a synergistic relationship between selenium nanoparticles and capping agents. This research underscores the dual functionality of Cv-SeNPs as effective antibacterial agents and potent antioxidants. The green synthesis methodology utilizing C. vulgaris offers a sustainable approach for producing selenium nanoparticles with desirable characteristics, suggesting potential applications in medicine and industry. Further research on biomedical and industrial uses of Cv-SeNPs is needed.

Abstract The nanoparticles (NPs) of metals and metal oxides constitute significant components of technology in terms of monometallic NPs (MNPs). Over the last decade, the most fascinating and in‐depth uses of NPs have been found in the biomedical field, which has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of these particles. Significant strides have been made in the application of nanotechnology across various industries, including biomedical sciences. In biomedicine, two of the most important applications of NPs are in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Given their ability to deliver specific drugs, these next‐generation NPs provide safe and effective pharmacotherapies for a wide range of disorders. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs offer potential treatments for various applications, including hair care and cancer treatment. SeNPs help with abiotic stress, plant disease, and growth, while TiO2 NPs enhance bio‐imaging and drug delivery. This comprehensive review focuses on MNPs like Se (metal‐based) and TiO2 (metal‐oxide based). It covers their synthesis methods, nanoscale physicochemical properties, and the definition of specific industrial applications in various fields of applied nanotechnology, including biomedicine.

Human adenovirus (HAdV) can cause severe respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients, but its clinical treatment is seriously limited by side effects of drugs such as poor efficacy, low bioavailability and severe nephrotoxicity. Trace element selenium (Se) has been found will affect the disease progression of pneumonia, but its antivirus efficacy could be improved by speciation optimization. Therefore, herein we performed anti-HAdV effects of different Se speciation and found that lentinan (LNT)-decorated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) exhibited low cytotoxicity and excellent anti-HAdV antiviral activity. Furthermore, SeNPs@LNT reduced the HAdV infection-induced mitochondrial damage and excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It was also involved in the repair of host cell DNA damage and inhibition of viral DNA replication. SeNPs@LNT inhibited HAdV-induced apoptosis mainly by modulating the p53/Bcl-2 apoptosis signaling pathway. In vivo, SeNPs@LNT replenished Se by targeting the infected site through the circulatory system and was involved in the synthesis of Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1). More importantly, GPx1 played an antioxidant and immunomodulatory role in alleviating HAdV-induced inflammatory cytokine storm and alleviating adenovirus pneumonia in Se-deficient mice. Collectively, this study provides a Se speciation of SeNPs@LNT with anti-HAdV activity, and demonstrate that SeNPs@LNT is a promising pharmaceutical candidate for the treatment of HAdV.

Background The search for efficient treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has highlighted the potential of plant-based therapeutic compounds and eco-friendly processes for producing selenium nanoparticles. This study investigates the antidiabetic potential of Moringa oleifera-mediated biogenic selenium nanoparticles (MO-SeNPs) in diabetic rats. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced with diabetes via a high-fat diet for 2 weeks followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 45 mg/kg body weight (BW). The rats were divided into five groups: normal, diabetic control, metformin at 100 mg/kg/BW, and two groups treated with oral administration of MO-SeNPs at 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Food and water intake as well as fasting blood glucose and body weight were measured weekly. After the treatment period, rats were sacrificed, and blood and liver samples were harvested for further analysis. Results MO-SeNPs treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels ( p < 0.05) and restored insulin resistance, with lower dose demonstrating better glycaemic control than larger dose. MO-SeNPs also increased hepatic antioxidant enzyme activity, including GSH-Px, CAT, and T-SOD, which neutralise oxidative stress. MO-SeNPs also improves cardiovascular health by raising HDL and lowering LDL. MO-SeNPs showed hepatoprotective benefits by lowering inflammatory markers such TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS, and AGEs, and reduced lipid peroxidation. Diabetes raises inflammatory indicators, causing liver damage and other problems. The reduction in these indicators shows MO-SeNPs reduce liver inflammation and protect the liver. The normalisation of liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST, ALP) showed improved liver function. Conclusions The findings suggest that the green synthesis of SeNPs using Moringa oleifera offers a viable alternative for diabetes treatment, highlighting its potential to enhance glycemic control and improve overall metabolic health.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that involves the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and matrix metabolism imbalance in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Selenium, an indispensable trace element, plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial redox homeostasis by being incorporated into antioxidant selenoproteins as selenocysteine. In this study, we employed a straightforward synthesis method to produce selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with consistent size and distribution, and evaluated their potential protective effects in ameliorating IVDD. In a simulated inflammatory environment induced by interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in vitro, SeNPs demonstrated a protective effect on the matrix synthesis capacity of NPCs through the up-regulation of aggrecan and type II collagen, while concurrently suppressing the expression of matrix degradation enzymes including MMP13 and ADAMTS5. Additionally, SeNPs preserved mitochondrial integrity and restored impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism by activating glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1) to rebalance redox homeostasis. In a rat lumbar disc model induced by puncture, the local administration of SeNPs preserved the hydration of nucleus pulposus tissue, promoted matrix deposition, and effectively mitigated the progression of IVDD. Our results indicate that the enhancement of GPX1 by SeNPs may offer a promising therapeutic approach for IVDD by restoring mitochondrial function and redox homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accumulation of biofilm over composite resin restorations is one of the principal causes of recurrent caries. Therefore, this study aimed to develop antibacterial composite resins by crystalline selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), assessing the antibacterial, mechanical, and physical properties of the composite resin after SeNPs incorporation. Methods: SeNPs were synthesized via a green method. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nano-filled composite (Filtek™ Z350XT) was considered as a control group (G0). Two concentrations of SeNPs (0.005 wt% and 0.01 wt%.) were added to the tested resin composite (G1& G2), respectively. The physical/mechanical and antibacterial properties of the composite specimens (n = 10/group) were characterized. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to analyze these data followed by Bonferroni post hoc test for pairwise comparison. Results: Modified composites with SeNPs showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. mutans. Mechanical properties including diametral tensile strength, compressive strength, or surface roughness were not affected by nano-incorporation compared to control. Furthermore, the degree of conversion showed no statistical difference. However, SeNPs incorporation into resin composite produces color change that can be visually perceived. Conclusions: The green synthesized SeNPs significantly improved the antimicrobial properties of the dental composite without compromising mechanical performance. However, it shows color change after SeNPs incorporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the synthesis of nanoparticles using bioactive agent, the so-called green synthesis, has attracted scientist's attentions due to their unique potentials. Since breast cancer death is one of the most prevalent causes of mortality in women, providing the nanoparticles in a facile, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient method for treatment of breast cancer is necessary. For this purpose, the evaluation of toxicity, antioxidant capacity, and anticancer activity of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles using Crataegus monogyna extract (SeNPs@CM) against breast cancer cell line was investigated in this study. The biosynthesized SeNPs@CM was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, EDS, and TEM analysis. TEM images confirmed the oval and spherical morphology of SeNPs@CM with particle size ranging about 30–60 nm. Anticancer activity of SeNPs@CM on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) was studied and compared with balk selenium (Se). MTT assay results showed toxicity of both SeNPs@CM and bulk Se on MCF-7 cell line at lower concentration, but no toxicity was observed for SeNPs@CM on normal cell line. In contrast, bulk selenium showed toxicity against normal cell lines at higher concentrations. Clonogenic assay data showed that proliferation of MCF-7 decreased in group treated with SeNPs@CM in contrast to control and bulk Se groups. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity showed no significant changes in group treated with SeNPs@CM compare to control group, but the average amount of activity increased by increasing the concentrations. Furthermore, catalase activity showed that SeNPs@CM increased the amount of activity on both cell lines at 24 and 48 h, but bulk Se reduced the catalase activity on MCF-7 cell line after 48 h. Our results demonstrated that SeNPs@CM has better efficiency especially when using in high concentrations in contrast to selenium. The present study suggests that the Crataegus monogyna extract mediated synthesized Se NPs can be exploited for potential biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]