Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were synthesized by irradiating a solution containing sodium selenite (Se +4 ) as the precursor in YPG liquid medium with gamma-rays. Spherical particles were formed after reactions of sodium selenite with hydrated electrons (e aq -) and hydrogen radicals (H • ) produced following water radiolysis. No hazardous reducing agents were employed. The obtained nanoparticles were morphologically characterized, and their physicochemical and structural parameters were analyzed.SeNPs characterization showed all selenium in the Se 0 state. We incubated Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells with the SeNPs for 24 h and then challenged the cells with ionizing radiation. After radiation exposure, cells were assessed for cell viability, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, free radical generation, and total sulfhydryl content. The synthesized SeNPs were considered safe and less toxic at the concentration employed than the same selenite concentration. Except for the protein carbonylation results, there were no other signi cant modi cations in viability or the oxidative stress parameters in SeNP-treated cells. It was concluded that 1 mM of the synthesized SeNPs does not trigger oxidative stress. Furthermore, we veri ed that SeNPs attenuate the reactive oxygen species generation after in vitro ionizing radiation exposure. These observations open up tremendous possibilities for radiosensitizer development. HighlightsSynthesis of selenium nanoparticles with gamma irradiation and sodium selenite Generation of spherical, amorphous, and zero-valent selenium nanoparticlesIn vitro nanoparticle treatment reduces reactive oxygen species after irradiation Selenium nanoparticles are safe, nontoxic, not provoking oxidative stress in vitro Selenium nanoparticles as possible platform for radiosensitizers development

No abstract

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were synthesized by irradiating a solution containing sodium selenite (Se+4) as the precursor in YPG liquid medium with gamma-rays. Spherical particles were formed after reactions of sodium selenite with hydrated electrons (eaq-) and hydrogen radicals (H•) produced following water radiolysis. No hazardous reducing agents were employed. The obtained nanoparticles were morphologically characterized, and their physicochemical and structural parameters were analyzed. SeNPs characterization showed all selenium in the Se0 state. We incubated Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells with the SeNPs for 24 h and then challenged the cells with ionizing radiation. After radiation exposure, cells were assessed for cell viability, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, free radical generation, and total sulfhydryl content. The synthesized SeNPs were considered safe and less toxic at the concentration employed than the same selenite concentration. Except for the protein carbonylation results, there were no other significant modifications in viability or the oxidative stress parameters in SeNP-treated cells. It was concluded that 1 mM of the synthesized SeNPs does not trigger oxidative stress. Furthermore, we verified that SeNPs attenuate the reactive oxygen species generation after in vitro ionizing radiation exposure. These observations open up tremendous possibilities for radiosensitizer development.