Preparation and antioxidant properties of selenium nanoparticles-loaded chitosan microspheres

Abstract

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), as a special form of selenium (Se) supplement, have attracted worldwide attention due to their favorable properties and unique bioactivities. Herein, an eco-friendly and economic way to prepare stable SeNPs is introduced. SeNPs were synthesized in aqueous chitosan (CTS) and then embedded into CTS microspheres by spray-drying, forming selenium nanoparticles-loaded chitosan microspheres (SeNPs-M). The physicochemical properties including morphology, elemental state, size distribution and surface potential were investigated. Institute of Cancer Research mice were used as model animal to evaluate the bioactivities of SeNPs-M. Trigonal-phase SeNPs of ~35 nm were synthesized, and SeNPs-M physically embedding those SeNPs were successfully prepared. Amazingly, acute toxicity test indicated that SeNPs-M were much safer than selenite in terms of Se dose, with a LD 50 of around 18-fold of that of selenite. In addition, SeNPs-M possessed powerful antioxidant activities, as evidenced by a dramatic increase of both Se retention and the levels of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase. The design of SeNPs-M can offer a new way for further development of SeNPs with a higher efficacy and better biosafety. Thus, SeNPs-M may be a potential candidate for further evaluation as an Se supplement with antioxidant properties and be used against Se deficiency in animals and human beings.

Antioxidant Capacity and Hepatoprotective Role of Chitosan-Stabilized Selenium Nanoparticles in Concanavalin A-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

“…CS-SeNPs were synthesized in the presence of CS, as described in previous studies [15,16]. A CS-SeNPs colloid was obtained with the final concentrations of Se, CS, and VC of 4 mM, 0.1% (w/w), and 16 mM, respectively.…”

“…After that, a purified CS-SeNPs colloid was obtained, and the content of CS-SeNPs was measured by lyophilizing the colloid. The size distribution, morphological characteristics, and zeta-potential of SeNPs were also investigated as previously described [15,16]. In addition, part of the purified CS-SeNPs were added to another stock of acetic acid solution containing CS, and then the mixture was spray-dried to acquire a dried CS-SeNPs powder, as reported in our previous studies [15,16].…”

“…The size distribution, morphological characteristics, and zeta-potential of SeNPs were also investigated as previously described [15,16]. In addition, part of the purified CS-SeNPs were added to another stock of acetic acid solution containing CS, and then the mixture was spray-dried to acquire a dried CS-SeNPs powder, as reported in our previous studies [15,16]. Se content was determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) [22].…”

“…Se in the liver blood was determined by ICP-MS assay, as previously described [15,16]. Briefly, the sample was mixed with HNO 3 and H 2 O 2 , and the mixture was digested in a microwave device (JK-MDA-23, Shanghai, China).…”

Inhibitory activity of selenium nanoparticles functionalized with oseltamivir on H1N1 influenza virus

“…28 Selenium NPs (SeNPs) have attracted considerable attention with their unique antimicrobial activities. [29][30][31] Selenium is an essential nutritional trace element regulated by cellular redox homeostasis, [32][33][34] and is an integral component of several selenoproteins that control several crucial biological processes, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination and specific enzyme modulation. [35][36][37] A deficiency in selenium can result in susceptibility to infections, including respiratory virus infections.…”