Selenium bioactive compounds produced by beneficial microbes.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element present as selenocysteine (SeCys) in selenoproteins, which have an important role in thyroid metabolism and the redox system in humans. Se deficiency affects between 500 and 1000 million people worldwide. Increasing Se intake can prevent from bacterial and viral infections. Se deficiency has been associated with cancer, Alzheimer, Parkinson, decreased thyroid function, and male infertility. Se intake depends on the food consumed which is directly related to the amount of Se in the soil as well as on its availability. Se is unevenly distributed on the earth's crust, being scarce in some regions and in excess in others. The easiest way to counteract the symptoms of Se deficiency is to enhance the Se status of the human diet. Se salts are the most toxic form of Se, while Se amino acids and Se-nanoparticles (SeNPs) are the least toxic and most bio-available forms. Some bacteria transform Se salts into these Se species. Generally accepted as safe selenized microorganisms can be directly used in the manufacture of selenized fermented and/or probiotic foods. On the other hand, plant growth-promoting bacteria and/or the SeNPs produced by them can be used to promote plant growth and produce crops enriched with Se. In this chapter we discuss bacterial Se metabolism, the effect of Se on human health, the applications of SeNPs and Se-enriched bacteria, as well as their effect on food fortification. Different strategies to counteract Se deficiency by enriching foods using sustainable strategies and their possible implications for improving human health are discussed.

Copper selenide nanosheets with photothermal therapy-related properties and multienzyme activity for highly effective eradication of drug resistance.

Bacterial infections are among the most significant causes of death in humans. Chronic misuse or uncontrolled use of antibiotics promotes the emergence of multidrug-resistant superbugs that threaten public health through the food chain and cause environmental pollution. Based on the above considerations, copper selenide nanosheets (CuSe NSs) with photothermal therapy (PTT)- and photodynamic therapy (PDT)-related properties have been fabricated. These CuSe NSs possess enhanced PDT-related properties and can convert O2 into highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause significant oxidative stress and damage to bacteria. In addition, CuSe NSs can efficiently consume glutathione (GSH) at bacterial infection sites, thus further enhancing their sterilization efficacy. In vitro antibacterial experiments with near-infrared (NIR) irradiation have shown that CuSe NSs have excellent photothermal bactericidal properties. These experiments also showed that CuSe NSs exerted excellent bactericidal effects on wounds infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and significantly promoted the healing of infected wounds. Because of their superior biological safety, CuSe NSs are novel copper-based antimicrobial agents that are expected to enter clinical trials, serving as a modern approach to the major problem of treating bacterially infected wounds.

Preparation, characterization and cytotoxicity assessment of a novel selenized polysaccharide from Morchella sextelata.

Selenylation modification has been widely developed to improve the biological effects of natural polysaccharides. In this study, a purified new polysaccharide (MSP-4) was isolated from Morchella Sextelata, and selenized into SeMSP-4 using the HNO3-Na2SeO3 method. The selenium (Se) content of SeMSP-4 was 101.81 ± 9.90 mg/kg, and the molecular weight of SeMSP-4 was 1.23 × 105 Da. The FT-IR, XRD and AFM results showed that MSP-4 was successfully combined with the Se element. The structure characters of SeMSP-4 were analyzed by methylation analysis combined with 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. And, the radical scavenging test revealed that SeMSP-4 exhibited higher antioxidant capacities in vitro than MSP-4. The cytotoxicity analysis indicated that SeMSP-4 could dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 and HeLa cells, but did not show a cytotoxic effect on normal cells (HEK293). Furthermore, SeMSP-4 stimulation significantly increased the macrophage viability and enhanced NO production in macrophage cells. This study suggested that SeMSP-4 could be utilized as a potential selenium source with antioxidant, antitumor, and immunostimulatory activities.

Liposomes as selenium nanocarriers for foliar application to wheat plants: A biofortification strategy.

In the present work, liposomes have been used as nanocarriers in the biofortification of wheat plants with selenium (Se) through foliar application. Liposomal formulations were prepared using 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and Phospholipon®90H (P90H) (average size <100 nm), loaded with different concentrations of inorganic Se (selenite and selenate) and applied twice to the plants in the stage of vegetative growth. Liposomes enhanced Se uptake by wheat plants compared to direct application. The highest Se enrichment was achieved using the phospholipid DPPC and a concentration of 1000 µmol·L-1 of Se without affecting the biomass, chlorophylls, carotenoids, and the concentration of mineral nutrients of the plants. The chemical speciation of Se in the plants was further investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The results from XAS spectra revealed that most of the inorganic Se was transformed to organic Se and that the use of liposomes influenced the proportion of C-Se-C over C-Se-Se-C species.

Exploring the antioxidant potential of chalcogen-indolizines throughout in vitro assays.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are highly reactive molecules produced naturally by the body and by external factors. When these species are generated in excessive amounts, they can lead to oxidative stress, which in turn can cause cellular and tissue damage. This damage is known to contribute to the aging process and is associated with age-related conditions, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the development of compounds with antioxidant potential to assist in the treatment of disorders related to oxidative stress. In this way, compounds containing sulfur (S) and/or selenium (Se) have been considered promising due to the relevant role of these elements in the biosynthesis of antioxidant enzymes and essential proteins with physiological functions. In this context, studies involving heterocyclic nuclei have significantly increased, notably highlighting the indolizine nucleus, given that compounds containing this nucleus have been demonstrating considerable pharmacological properties. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of eight S- and Se-derivatives containing indolizine nucleus and different substituents. The in vitro assays 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) scavenger activity, ferric ion (Fe3+) reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), and protein carbonylation (PC) were used to access the antioxidant profile of the compounds. Our findings demonstrated that all the compounds showed FRAP activity and reduced the levels of TBARS and PC in mouse brains homogenates. Some compounds were also capable of acting as DPPH scavengers. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that eight novel organochalcogen compounds exhibit antioxidant activity.

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

Inflammatory bowel diseases have a high rate of mortality and pose a serious threat to global public health. Selenium is an essential trace element, which has been shown to play important roles in redox control and antioxidant defense. Microorganisms play important roles in the reduction of toxic inorganic selenium (selenite and selenate) to less-toxic biogenic selenium nanoparticles (Bio-SeNPs), which have higher biocompatibility. In the present study, novel Bio-SeNPs with high stability were synthesized using probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis H15, which was isolated from breastfed infant feces. The Bio-SeNPs with a size of 122 nm showed stability at various ionic strengths, temperatures, and in simulated gastrointestinal fluid, while chemosynthetic SeNPs underwent aggregation. The main surface protein in the Bio-SeNPs was identified as chaperone GroEL by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The overexpression and purification of GroEL demonstrated that GroEL controlled the assembly of Bio-SeNPs both in vitro and in vivo. In vivo, oral administration of Bio-SeNPs could alleviate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by decreasing cell apoptosis, increasing antioxidant capacity and the number of proliferating cells, and improving the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier. In vitro experiments verified that Bio-SeNPs inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation. These results suggest that the Bio-SeNPs with high stability could have potential as a nutritional supplement for the treatment of colitis in nanomedicine applications.

Effects of selenium nanoparticles produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus HN23 on lipid deposition in WRL68 cells.

Selenium is an essential trace element for most organisms, protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and serving as an adjunctive treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, We used the lactic acid bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus HN23 to reduce tetra-valent sodium selenite into particulate matter, and analyzed it through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We found that it consisted of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with a mass composition of 65.8 % zero-valent selenium and some polysaccharide and polypeptide compounds, with particle sizes ranging from 60 to 300 nm. We also detected that SeNPs were much less toxic to cells than selenite. We further used free fatty acids (FFA)-induced WRL68 fatty liver cell model to study the therapeutic effect of SeNPs on NAFLD. The results show that SeNPs are more effective than selenite in reducing lipid deposition, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and antioxidant capacity of WRL68 cells, which is attributed to the chemical valence state of selenium and organic composition in SeNPs. In conclusion, SeNPs produced by probiotics L. acidophilus had the potential to alleviate NAFLD by reducing hepatocyte lipid deposition and oxidative damage. This study may open a new avenue for SeNPs drug development to treat NAFLD.

Green Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles using Green Coffee Beans: An Optimization Study.

In this study, ultrasonication extraction of some bioactive compounds from green coffee beans was optimized with the response surface method using Box-Behnken experimental design. The best condition was selected as 90.90 W ultrasonic power, 33.63 min sonication time and 30 % solid concentration. The responses obtained under optimum conditions had TPC, DPPH and CUPRAC values identified as 6603.33±2025.94 ppm GAE, 9638.31±372.17 ppm TE and 98.83 mmol, respectively. Microwave-assisted selenium nanoparticle production was carried out using the extract obtained under optimized conditions. The produced selenium nanoparticles showed absorbance between 350-400 nm. The surface morphology and size of the nanoparticles were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spherical nanoparticles of about 100 nm were produced. Functional groups affecting the reduction were determined by FTIR analysis. In addition, the produced selenium nanoparticles had amorphous (non-uniform) structure and could maintain their stability at high temperatures.

Selenium Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Examination of Synthesis Techniques and Their Diverse Applications in Medical Research and Toxicology Studies.

Selenium is a trace and necessary micronutrient for human, animal, and microbial health. Many researchers have recently been interested in selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) due to their biocompatibility, bioavailability, and low toxicity. As a result of their greater bioactivity, selenium nanoparticles are widely employed in a variety of biological applications. Physical, chemical, and biological approaches can all be used to synthesize selenium nanoparticles. Since it uses non-toxic solvents and operates at a suitable temperature, the biological technique is a preferable option. This review article addresses the processes implemented in the synthesis of SeNPs and highlights their medicinal uses, such as the treatment of fungi, bacteria, cancer, and wounds. Furthermore, we discuss the most recent findings on the potential of several biological materials for selenium nanoparticle production. The precursor, extract, process, time, temperature, and other synthesis criteria will be elaborated in conjunction with the product's physical properties (size, shape, and stability). The synergies of SeNP synthesis via various methods aid future researchers in precisely synthesizing SeNPs and using them in desired applications.

Mycosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Penicillium tardochrysogenum as a therapeutic agent and their combination with infrared irradiation against Ehrlich carcinoma.

Over the past years, the assessment of myco-fabricated selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) properties, is still in its infancy. Herein, we have highly stable myco-synthesized SeNPs using molecularly identified soil-isolated fungus; Penicillium tardochrysogenum OR059437; (PeSeNPs) were clarified via TEM, EDX, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR and zeta potential. The therapeutic efficacy profile will be determined, these crystalline PeSeNPs were examined for antioxidant, antimicrobial, MIC, and anticancer potentials, indicating that, PeSeNPs have antioxidant activity of (IC50, 109.11 µg/mL) using DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Also, PeSeNPs possess antimicrobial potential against Penicillium italicum RCMB 001,018 (1) IMI 193,019, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 4330 and Porphyromonas gingivalis RCMB 022,001 (1) EMCC 1699; with I.Z. diameters and MIC; 16 ± 0.5 mm and MIC 500 µg/ml, 11.9 ± 0.6 mm, 500 µg/ml and 15.9±0.6 mm, 1000 µg/ml, respectively. Additionally, TEM micrographs were taken for P. italicum treated with PeSeNPs, demonstrating the destruction of hyphal membrane and internal organelles integrity, pores formation, and cell death. PeSeNP alone in vivo and combined with a near-infrared physiotherapy lamp with an energy intensity of 140 mW/cm2 showed a strong therapeutic effect against cancer cells. Thus, PeSeNPs represent anticancer agents and a suitable photothermal option for treating different kinds of cancer cells with lower toxicity and higher efficiency than normal cells. The combination therapy showed a very large and significant reduction in tumor volume, the tumor cells showed large necrosis, shrank, and disappeared. There was also improvement in liver ultrastructure, liver enzymes, and histology, as well as renal function, urea, and creatinine.

Laboratory Evolution of Metalloid Reductase Substrate Recognition and Nanoparticle Product Size.

Glutathione reductase-like metalloid reductase (GRLMR) is an enzyme that reduces selenodiglutathione (GS-Se-SG), forming zerovalent Se nanoparticles (SeNPs). Error-prone polymerase chain reaction was used to create a library of ∼10,000 GRLMR variants. The library was expressed in BL21Escherichia coli in liquid culture with 50 mM of SeO32- present, under the hypothesis that the enzyme variants with improved GS-Se-SG reduction kinetics would emerge. The selection resulted in a GRLMR variant with two mutations. One of the mutations (D-E) lacks an obvious functional role, whereas the other mutation is L-H within 5 Šof the enzyme active site. This mutation places a second H residue within 5 Šof an active site dicysteine. This GRLMR variant was characterized for NADPH-dependent reduction of GS-Se-SG, GSSG, SeO32-, SeO42-, GS-Te-SG, and TeO32-. The evolved enzyme demonstrated enhanced reduction of SeO32- and gained the ability to reduce SeO42-. This variant is named selenium reductase (SeR) because of its emergent broad activity for a wide variety of Se substrates, whereas the parent enzyme was specific for GS-Se-SG. This study overall suggests that new biosynthetic routes are possible for inorganic nanomaterials using laboratory-directed evolution methods.

Selenium Decipher: Trapping of Native Selenomethionine-Containing Peptides in Selenium-Enriched Milk and Unveiling the Deterioration after Ultrahigh-Temperature Treatment.

Selenopeptide identification relies on databases to interpret the selenopeptide spectra. A common database search strategy is to set selenium as a variable modification instead of sulfur on peptides. However, this approach generally detects only a fraction of selenopeptides. An alternative approach, termed Selenium Decipher, is proposed in the present study. It involves identifying collision-induced dissociation-cleavable selenomethionine-containing peptides by iteratively matching the masses of seleno-amino acids in selenopeptide spectra. This approach uses variable-data-independent acquisition (vDIA) for peptide detection, providing a flexible and customizable window for secondary mass spectral fragmentation. The attention mechanism was used to capture global information on peptides and determine selenomethionine-containing peptide backbones. The core structure of selenium on selenomethionine-containing peptides generates a series of fragment ions, namely, C3H7Se+, C4H10NSe+, C5H7OSe+, C5H8NOSe+, and C7H11N2O2Se+, with known mass gaps during higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD) fragmentation. De-selenium spectra are generated by removing selenium originating from selenium replacement and then reassigning the precursors to peptides. Selenium-enriched milk is obtained by feeding selenium-rich forage fed to cattle, which leads to the formation of native selenium through biotransformation. A novel antihypertensive selenopeptide Thr-Asp-Asp-Ile-SeMet-Cys-Val-Lys TDDI(Se)MCVK was identified from selenium-enriched milk. The selenopeptide (IC50 = 60.71 µM) is bound to four active residues of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) active pocket (Ala354, Tyr523, His353, and His513) and two active residues of zinc ligand (His387 and Glu411) and exerted a competitive inhibitory effect on the spatial blocking of active sites. The integration of vDIA and the iteratively matched seleno-amino acids was applied for Selenium Decipher, which provides high validity for selenomethionine-containing peptide identification.

Modelling selenium behavior in aquatic systems: a review of status, challenges, and opportunities.

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for aquatic organisms as well as humans. It can be toxic to organisms depending on its concentration and chemical speciation; thus, considerable efforts have been made to unravel the biogeochemical cycling of Se in aquatic systems. Mathematical models provide an important tool to better understand the fate of Se in different environment compartments. However, a comprehensive review of modeling Se in aquatic systems with current challenges and opportunities is missing. To fill this gap, we firstly summarize the processes governing Se cycling in aquatic systems, including particle adsorption and desorption, diffusion, biological uptake, redox reactions, and volatilization. Then, we critically review the available models, identifying the compartments modelled, environmental factors considered, and the Se species and geochemical processes used in each model, providing an assessment of their advantages and limitations. Data availability for modeling studies is investigated, highlighting how to better quantify the redox reactions, estimate of Se loadings, and mass balance. For the modeling of Se cycling in aquatic systems, the ability of the models to link sources to biota concentrations under a range of hydrodynamic conditions and with mechanistic representations of transport, transformation, and uptake processes is required. The majority of the current models can conduct this task; however, to better present the uptake processes of Se in the food web, two-way coupling of the Se cycling model with a food web model is recommended.

Effect of Administration of Selenium Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Onion Extract on Biochemical and Inflammatory Parameters in Mice Fed with High-Fructose Diet: In Vivo and In Silico Analysis.

Fructose consumption has increased globally and has been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) can regulate glucose and lipid concentrations and have immunoregulatory properties. Four study groups (n = 7/group) of eight-week-old male mice (Balb/c) were formed for this investigation. One group received a standard diet (C), another standard diet plus SeNPs (C + SeNPs), a high fructose diet (F), and a group with a high fructose diet plus SeNPs (F + SeNPs). Weight, glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol were evaluated. In the end, mice were sacrificed, blood samples were obtained to assess cytokine profile, and liver, kidney, and pancreas were removed for histological examination. The study was complemented with an in silico analysis where the CTD, STITCH, ToppGene Suite, ShinyGO 0.76.3 databases, and Cytoscape software were implemented. The results of in vivo analysis showed that SeNPs regulated biochemical parameters and showed anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma and increasing IL-10. No damage was observed in the studied organs. In addition, SeNPs regulate oxidative stress, preserve cell organelles, and regulate metabolic pathways to avoid the adverse effects of fructose consumption, according to bioinformatics analysis. In conclusion, SeNPs protect against the undesirable effects of a diet rich in fructose.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of a novel biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles using Rosa roxburghii extract and chitosan: Preparation, characterization, properties, and mechanisms.

Developing efficient and safe antibacterial agents to inhibit pathogens including Physalospora piricola and Staphylococcus aureus is of great importance. Herein, a novel compound composed of Rosa roxburghii procyanidin, chitosan and selenium nanoparticle (RC-SeNP) was bio-synthesized, with the average diameter and zeta potential being 84.56 nm and -25.60 mV, respectively. The inhibition diameter of the RC-SeNP against P. piricola and S. aureus reached 18.67 mm and 13.13 mm, and the maximum scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS reached 96.02% and 98.92%, respectively. Moreover, the RC-SeNP completely inhibited the propagation P. piricola and S. aureus on actual apples, suggesting excellent in vivo antimicrobial capacity. The transcriptome analysis and electron microscope observation indicated that the antibacterial activity would be attributed to adhering to and crack the cell walls as well as damage the cytomembrane and nucleus. Moreover, the RC-SeNP effectively maintained the vitamin C, total acid, and water contents of red bayberry, demonstrating potential application for fruit preservation. At last, the RC-SeNP showed no cell toxicity and trace selenium residual dose (0.03 mg/kg on apple, 0.12 mg/kg on red bayberry). This study would enlighten future development on novel nano-bioantibacterial agents for sustainable agriculture.

Green synthesis of biogenic selenium nanoparticles functionalized with ginger dietary extract targeting virulence factor and biofilm formation in Candida albicans.

To treat the systemic infections caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans), various drugs have been used, however, infections still persisted due to virulence factors and increasing antifungal resistance. As a solution to this problem, we synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) by using Bacillus cereus bacteria. This is the first study to report a higher (70 %) reduction of selenite ions into SeNPs in under 6 h. The as-synthesized, biogenic SeNPs were used to deliver bioactive constituents of aqueous extract of ginger for inhibiting the growth and biofilm (virulence factors) in C. albicans. UV-visible spectroscopy revealed a characteristic absorption at 280 nm, and Raman spectroscopy showed a characteristic peak shift at 253 cm-1 for the biogenic SeNPs. The synthesized SeNPs are spherical with 240-250 nm in size as determined by electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the functionalization of antifungal constituents of ginger over the SeNPs (formation of Ginger@SeNPs nanoconjugates). In contrast to biogenic SeNPs, nanoconjugates were active against C. albicans for inhibiting growth and biofilm formation. In order to reveal antifungal mechanism of nanoconjugates', real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was performed, according to RT-PCR analysis, the nanoconjugates target virulence genes involved in C. albicans hyphae and biofilm formation. Nanoconjugates inhibited 25 % growth of human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cell line, indicating moderate cytotoxicity of active nanoconjugates in an in-vitro cytotoxicity study. Therefore, biogenic SeNPs conjugated with ginger dietary extract may be a potential antifungal agent and drug carrier for inhibiting C. albicans growth and biofilm formation.

Unlocking the key role of bentonite fungal isolates in tellurium and selenium bioremediation and biorecovery: Implications in the safety of radioactive waste disposal.

Research on eco-friendly bioremediation strategies for mitigating the environmental impact of toxic metals has gained attention in the last years. Among all promising solutions, bentonite clays, to be used as artificial barriers to isolate radioactive wastes within the deep geological repository (DGR) concept, have emerged as effective reservoir of microorganisms with remarkable bioremediation potential. The present study aims to investigate the impact of bentonite fungi in the speciation and mobility of selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te), as natural analogues 79Se and 132Te present in radioactive waste, to screen for those strains with bioremediation potential within the context of DGR. For this purpose, a multidisciplinary approach combining microbiology, biochemistry, and microscopy was performed. Notably, Aspergillus sp. 3A demonstrated a high tolerance to Te(IV) and Se(IV), as evidenced by minimal inhibitory concentrations of >16 and >32 mM, respectively, along with high tolerance indexes. The high metalloid tolerance of Aspergillus sp. 3A is mediated by its capability to reduce these mobile and toxic elements to their elemental less soluble forms [Te(0) and Se(0)], forming nanostructures of various morphologies. Advanced electron microscopy techniques revealed intracellular Te(0) manifesting as amorphous needle-like nanoparticles and extracellular Te(0) forming substantial microspheres and irregular accumulations, characterized by a trigonal crystalline phase. Similarly, Se(0) exhibited a diverse array of morphologies, including hexagonal, irregular, and needle-shaped structures, accompanied by a monoclinic crystalline phase. The formation of less mobile Te(0) and Se(0) nanostructures through novel and environmentally friendly processes by Aspergillus sp. 3A suggests it would be an excellent candidate for bioremediation in contaminated environments, such as the vicinity of deep geological repositories. It moreover holds immense potential for the recovery and synthesis of Te and Se nanostructures for use in numerous biotechnological and biomedical applications.

One-step novel synthesis of alginate-based SeNPs of cluster beans by reduction of Se(IV) by vitamin C in aqueous media.

Alginate powder was applied as stabilizer and capping agent surfactant in green synthesis of SeNPs of cluster shapes for the first time by reduction of Se (IV) with vitamin C. The naked eyes observations noticed a rapid change in color of Se (IV) solution from colorless to bright crimson aggregates as just the solution gets in contact with added mixture of vitamin C and alginate of powder natures then is rapidly turned to a reddish-pink aggregate. The formed aggregate was converted into violet crystals by aging or heating. In absence of vitamin C, addition of alginate powder to Se (IV) electrolyte whilst stirring the mixture leads to the formation of a precipitate of granule grains nature. The FTIR, XRD and SEM and TEM investigations indicated the formation of SeNPs of cluster beans for the crystals and alginate-based Se (IV) complex for the granule grains, respectively. The complex was invested for evaluation the alginate capacity for removal of Se (IV) ions from aqueous solutions and was found to be 63.66 mg/g at 25 °C. Some kinetic runs were performed to gain some information on growth rates of SeNPs formation in terms of electron-transfer pathway in the rate-determining step.

Selenium bio-nanocomposite based on extracellular polymeric substances (EPS): Synthesis, characterization and application in alleviating cadmium toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have gained significant attention owing to their favorable bioavailability and low toxicity, making them widely applications in the fields of medicine, food and agriculture. In this study, bacterial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were used as a novel stabilizer and capping agent to prepare dispersed SeNPs. Results show that EPS-SeNPs presented negative potential (-38 mV), spherical morphologies with average particle size about 100-200 nm and kept stable at room temperature for a long time. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated that the synthesized nanoparticles were pure amorphous nanoparticles, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum showed a spike at 55.6 eV, indicating the presence of zero-valent nano­selenium. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy analysis confirmed proteins and polysaccharides in EPS played a crucial role in the synthesis of EPS-SeNPs. Compared to EPS or sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), EPS-SeNPs showed a relatively moderate result in terms of scavenging free radicals in vitro. In contrast, EPS-SeNPs demonstrated lower toxicity to rice seeds than Na2SeO3. Notably, the exogenous application of EPS-SeNPs effectively alleviated the growth inhibition and oxidative damaged caused by cadmium (Cd), and significantly reduced Cd accumulation in rice plants.

Anti-breast cancer activity of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles using Bacillus coagulans supernatant.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) were prepared using Bacillus coagulans, which is a type of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), and then they were applied to treat breast cancer cells. METHODS: The chemicophysical properties of the bioengineered SeNPs were investigated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), zeta potential, dynamic light scattering, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The cytotoxic potential of SeNPs was evaluated by MTT assay against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The expression levels of apoptotic genes including BAX, BCL2, VEGF, ERBB2, CASP3, CASP9, CCNE1, CCND1, MMP2 and MMP9 were determined by real-time PCR. The rate of apoptosis and necrosis of the cancer cells as well as the results of the cell cycle were evaluated by flow cytometry method. RESULTS: The synthesized SeNPs had an average particle size of about 24-40 nm and a zeta potential of -16.1 mV, indicating the high stability of SeNPs. EDX results showed presence of SeNPs because amount of selenium in SeNPs was 86.6 % by weight. The cytotoxicity results showed a concentration-dependent effect against MCF-7 cells. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of B. coagulans supernatant and SeNPs against breast cancer cells were 389.7 µg/mL and 17.56 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, SeNPs synthesized by the green process exhibited enhanced apoptotic potential in MCF-7 cancer cells compared with bacterial supernatants. Cancer cells treated with IC50 concentration of SeNPs induced 32 % apoptosis compared to untreated cells (3 % apoptosis). The gene expression levels of BAX, CASP3, and CASP9 were upregulated, while the expression levels of BCL2, CCNE1, CCND1, MMP2, MMP9, VEGF, and ERBB2 were downregulated after SeNPs treatment of cells. The potential of SeNPs to induce cell apoptosis was demonstrated by the increase in the expression level of BAX gene and the decrease in the expression level of BCL2 after treatment of cancer cells with SeNPs. CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicated that SeNPs had strong potential to induce significant cell apoptosis and are cytotoxic against the MCF-7 cancer cell line.