Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles in Biomedical Sciences: Properties, Current Trends, Novel Opportunities and Emerging Challenges in Theranostic Nanomedicine

Abstract

Selenium is an important dietary supplement and an essential trace element incorporated into selenoproteins with growth-modulating properties and cytotoxic mechanisms of action. However, different compounds of selenium usually possess a narrow nutritional or therapeutic window with a low degree of absorption and delicate safety margins, depending on the dose and the chemical form in which they are provided to the organism. Hence, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are emerging as a novel therapeutic and diagnostic platform with decreased toxicity and the capacity to enhance the biological properties of Se-based compounds. Consistent with the exciting possibilities offered by nanotechnology in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, SeNPs are useful tools in current biomedical research with exceptional benefits as potential therapeutics, with enhanced bioavailability, improved targeting, and effectiveness against oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated disorders. In view of the need for developing eco-friendly, inexpensive, simple, and high-throughput biomedical agents that can also ally with theranostic purposes and exhibit negligible side effects, biogenic SeNPs are receiving special attention. The present manuscript aims to be a reference in its kind by providing the readership with a thorough and comprehensive review that emphasizes the current, yet expanding, possibilities offered by biogenic SeNPs in the biomedical field and the promise they hold among selenium-derived products to, eventually, elicit future developments. First, the present review recalls the physiological importance of selenium as an oligo-element and introduces the unique biological, physicochemical, optoelectronic, and catalytic properties of Se nanomaterials. Then, it addresses the significance of nanosizing on pharmacological activity (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics) and cellular interactions of SeNPs. Importantly, it discusses in detail the role of biosynthesized SeNPs as innovative theranostic agents for personalized nanomedicine-based therapies. Finally, this review explores the role of biogenic SeNPs in the ongoing context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and presents key prospects in translational nanomedicine.

Physicochemical characteristics of a nanocomposite film based on purified sodium carboxymethylcellulose and selenium nanoparticles

“…where I t is the total intensity of the (200) peak and I a is the amorphous intensity 40 at 21.5 2θ for Na-CMC. The SeNP dimensions were measured by dynamic light scattering 44 (DLS) (Photocor Compact, Russia). A thermally stabilized semiconductor laser with a wavelength of 635.6 nm and a power of 25 mW was used to perform the tests at 298 K. 44 The coefficient of variation was determined in MathCad software.…”

Stabilization by Chaperone GroEL in Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles Produced from Bifidobacterium animalis H15 for the Treatment of DSS-Induced Colitis

“…There are some hypotheses for selenite reduction, including glutathione-mediated reduction, iron-carrier-mediated reduction, dissimilatory reduction, thioredoxin reductase, and sulfide-mediated reduction system. − The biosynthetic SeNPs (Bio-SeNPs) produced by microorganisms showed natural stability, due to some extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) or proteins naturally coated on the Bio-SeNP surface. − Some factors influence the biotransformation efficiency of Se, including pH, incubation temperature, oxygen content, and species of microorganisms. The bacteria that produce Bio-SeNPs include Firmicutes , Proteobacteria , Bacteroidetes , and Deferribacteres . − Nowadays, Bio-SeNPs have shown potential application in biomedicine, such as the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and oxidative stress-related intestinal diseases. , However, Bio-SeNP therapy is in its early stages, and it is still necessary to investigate the properties and mechanism for preparing to progress into clinical trials.…”

“…20−23 Nowadays, Bio-SeNPs have shown potential application in biomedicine, such as the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and oxidative stress-related intestinal diseases. 24,25 However, Bio-SeNP therapy is in its early stages, and it is still necessary to investigate the properties and mechanism for preparing to progress into clinical trials. Probiotics are recognized as live microorganisms that provide many beneficial effects on the health of the host.…”

Cloneable inorganic nanoparticles

“…, combined therapeutics and diagnostics) agents. 12,13 The applications of biogenic NPs listed here are at preliminary stages. It can be expected that the greater synthetic control of NP properties in biological contexts will become more desirable or necessary as implementations advance.…”

“…There are many ongoing studies developing bNPs for uses including catalysis, 8 solar photoconversion, 9 antimicrobial therapy, 10,11 and theranostic (i.e., combined therapeutics and diagnostics) agents. 12,13 The applications of biogenic NPs listed here are at preliminary stages. It can be expected that the greater synthetic control of NP properties in biological contexts will become more desirable or necessary as implementations advance.…”