A Review of the Antibacterial, Fungicidal and Antiviral Properties of Selenium Nanoparticles

Abstract

The resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial drugs is an important problem worldwide. To solve this problem, active searches for antimicrobial components, approaches and therapies are being carried out. Selenium nanoparticles have high potential for antimicrobial activity. The relevance of their application is indisputable, which can be noted due to the significant increase in publications on the topic over the past decade. This review of research publications aims to provide the reader with up-to-date information on the antimicrobial properties of selenium nanoparticles, including susceptible microorganisms, the mechanisms of action of nanoparticles on bacteria and the effect of nanoparticle properties on their antimicrobial activity. This review describes the most complete information on the antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects of selenium nanoparticles.

In vitro assessment of the effect of magnetic fields on efficacy of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles by Alborzia kermanshahica

“…The cell membrane broke down and lost its intrinsic function. TEM micrographs of SNP-treated E. coli cells showed that large gaps appeared in the cell membrane, and the bacteria were almost completely disintegrated into several parts [ 127 ].…”

Selenium compounds as promising antiviral agents

“…During the past decade, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have emerged as promising candidates for a wide range of biomedical applications. 133–136 Their interesting and favourable in vitro and in vivo biological properties like low toxicity, biocompatibility, high bioavailability and degradability compared with organic and inorganic selenium compounds have made them suitable for several therapeutic applications such as anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulatory. 133–142 Of late their antiviral activities have also been explored.…”

“…This route being environmentally friendly is often referred to as the ‘green synthesis’ approach. There is a series of review articles dealing with the detailed methods of SeNP synthesis 133,135,136,144,147 and therefore not elaborated here.…”

Selenium Nanomaterials Enhance the Nutrients and Functional Components of Fuding Dabai Tea

“…NMs, with their trace elements, often show better physical and chemical properties than ordinary materials. Selenium (Se) is a trace element necessary for human metabolism, with a variety of health benefits such as antioxidant, antibacterial, cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities [ 16 , 17 ]. In addition, low concentrations of selenium have beneficial effects on plant growth, yield, and nutritional quality improvement.…”