Research Advances in Preparation, Stability, Application, and Possible Risks of Nanoselenium: Focus on Food and Food-Related Fields

Abstract

Nanoselenium is a promising selenium supplement as a result of its low toxicity and high bioavailability. However, the understanding on the preparation, stability, bioavailability, possible risks, and related underlying mechanisms of nanoselenium is not in-depth. Thus, the above aspects were reviewed on the basis of the latest literature. The reducing capacity and stability of the reducing agent and binding force between nanoselenium and the template decide the nanoselenium stability. Although research on nanoselenium application in food, agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture has been widely carried out, it is not widely applied in the fields. Se-containing amino acids are synthesized using nanoselenium adsorbed by organisms, and they constitute Se-containing proteins with other amino acids, which improves the health of organisms via scavenging excessive radicals. Notably, excessive nanoselenium intake generates redundant Se-containing amino acids, leading to dysfunction of key proteins in organisms, and its toxic doses vary with organisms. Furthermore, some issues related to nanoselenium still need to be solved urgently.

The cardiomyopathy of cystic fibrosis: a modern form of Keshan disease

“…There is a growing consensus that even CF patients who adhere to current nutritional guidelines may experience micronutrient shortfalls that are associated with poorer clinical outcomes ( 44 ). Selenium supplementation must be judiciously administered, as elevated levels are linked to adverse consequences ( 45 , 46 ). Future research is essential for elucidating the underlying mechanisms of cardiomyopathy tied to selenium deficits.…”

Radioprotective effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone modified selenium nanoparticles and its antioxidation mechanism in vitro and in vivo

“…When utilized as therapeutic agents within the body, Se NPs can gradually release biologically available selenium in a controlled manner ( Zhang et al, 2001 ). Compared to molecular forms of selenium, the toxicity of Se NPs is reduced by 50–100 times ( Gao et al, 2023 ). In this study, we synthesized polyvinylpyrrolidone-modified selenium nanoparticles (PVP Se NPs) and explored their protective effects against radiation, along with their potential molecular mechanism.…”

Selenium-Mediated (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Dynamics via Flavanone-3-Hydroxylase Regulation of Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Fu Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)

“…These research studies illustrate that selenium biofortification increases the selenium content of agricultural products and is a secure and efficient strategy to ensure organic selenium intake. In the case of inorganic selenium, when the human intestinal tract absorbs it, the other elements in the intestinal tract compete with the selenium for binding to the organic ligands, while organic selenium is absorbed from the gut via the mechanism of amino acid transport. , Tea absorbs exogenous selenium converting it to organic selenium (selenopolysaccharides, selenopolyphenols, selenoproteins, seleno-substituted amino acids, etc.) .…”