Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Selenium

The objective of this study was to synthesize a new organic selenium compound, carboxymethyl chitosan-selenium (CMCTS-Se), and evaluate its antioxidant abilities on hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals. Sodium selenite and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS) were used to prepare CMCTS-Se. It was characterized by ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) techniques. The results proved the successful synthesis of CMCTS-Se. The yield was 44.78% and the content of selenium (Se) was 20.50mg/g determined by colorimetry at 420nm using 3.3-diaminobenzidine as color-produced reagent. The antioxidant activities on hydroxyl radicals and super oxide radicals of CMCTS-Se were investigated. The results showed that antioxidant activities were concentration related in the setting concentration range and the antioxidant effects of CMCTS-Se were totally better than that of CMCTS. The scavenging rates on hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals of 2.0mg/mL CMCTS-Se were 68.25% and 62.15%, respectively. VC, a well-known antioxidant, as a standard in our assay, showed a little higher antioxidant activity than CMCTS-Se. This research provides a possible application of CMCTS-Se as a low toxic and effective organic Se-enriched healthy product.