Synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of selenium nanoparticles conjugated with polysaccharides.

Nanoparticles with unique properties have potential applications in food, medicine, pharmacology, and agriculture industries. Accordingly, many significant researches have been conducted to develop novel nanoparticles using chemical and biological techniques. This review focuses on the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using polysaccharides as templates. Various instrumental techniques being used to confirm the formation of polysaccharide-SeNPs conjugates and characterize the properties of nanoparticles are also introduced. Finally, the biological activities of the synthesized SeNPs and the influence of structural factors of polysaccharides on the property of synthetic nanocomposites are highlighted. In general, the polysaccharides functionalized SeNPs can be easily obtained using sodium selenite as precursor and ascorbic acid as reductant. The final products having different particle size, morphology, and selenium content exhibit abundant physiological activities. Structural factors of polysacchairdes involving molecular weights, substitution of functional groups, and chain conformation play determinant roles on the properties of nanocomposites, resulting in different biological performances. The review on the achievements and current status of polysaccharides conjugated SeNPs provides insights into this exciting research topic for further studies in the future.

New phenyl derivatives from endophytic fungus Botryosphaeria sp. SCSIO KcF6 derived of mangrove plant Kandelia candel.

Two new phenyl derivatives (1 and 3), along with two new natural products (4 and 5), and three known compounds (2, 6 and 7), were isolated from an endophytic fungus Botryosphaeria sp. SCSIO KcF6. The structures of these compounds 1-7 were elucidated by the extensive 1D and 2D-NMR and HRESIMS Data analysis, and compared with those of reported data. The absolute configuration of the compounds 1 and 3 were assigned by optical rotation and CD data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory (COX-2) and antimicrobial activities. Compound 3 exhibited a specific COX-2 inhibitory activity with the IC50 value of 1.12 µM.