Antibacterial properties and mechanism of selenium nanoparticles synthesized by Providencia sp. DCX

Cross-Talk Between Selenium Nanoparticles and Cancer Treatment Through Autophagy

Autophagy is commonly referred as self-eating and a complex cellular process that is involved in the digestion of protein and damaged organelles through a lysosome-dependent mechanism, and this mechanism is essential for maintaining proper cellular homeostasis. Selenium is a vital trace element that plays essential functions in antioxidant defense, redox state control, and range of particular metabolic processes. Selenium nanoparticles have become known as a promising agent for biomedical use, because of their high bioavailability, low toxicity, and degradability. However, and in recent years, they have attracted the interest of researchers in developing anticancer nano-drugs. Selenium nanoparticles can be used as a potential therapeutic agent or in combination with other agents to act as carriers for the development of new treatments. More intriguingly, selenium nanoparticles have been extensively shown to impact autophagy signaling, allowing selenium nanoparticles to be used as possible cancer treatment agents. This review explored the connections between selenium and autophagy, followed by developments and current advances of selenium nanoparticles for autophagy control in various clinical circumstances. Furthermore, this study examined the functions and possible processes of selenium nanoparticles in autophagy regulation, which may help us understand how selenium nanoparticles regulate autophagy for the potential cancer treatment.

Antibiofilm and antivirulence activity of selenium nanoparticles synthesized from cell-free extract of moderately halophilic bacteria

Biofilm-forming microbes can pose a major health risk that is difficult to combat. Nanotechnology, on the other hand, represents a novel technique for combating and eliminating biofilm-forming microbes. In this study, the selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were biosynthesized from moderate halophilic bacteria isolated from Pichavaram mangrove sediments. The bacterial strain S8 was found to be efficient for SeNPs synthesis and hence identified by 16s r RNA sequencing as Shewanella sp. In UV- spectral analysis the SeNPs displayed a peak at 320 nm due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The cell-free extract of Shewanella sp. and SeNPs indicates that the various functional groups in the cell-free extract were mainly involved in the synthesis and stabilization of SeNPs. The SeNPs had a spherical form with average diameter of 49 ± 0.01 nm, according to the FESEM analysis. The EDX shows the distinctive peaks of selenium at 1.37, 11.22.12.49 Kev. In the agar well diffusion method, the SeNPs show inhibitory activity against all the test pathogens with the highest activity noted against P.aeruginosa with a zone of inhibition of 22.7 ± 0.3 mm. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 80 μg/ml, minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 160 μg/ml, and susceptibility constant of 0.043 μg/ml show that SeNPs highly effective against P.aeruginosa. The Sub-MIC value of SeNPs of 20 μg/ml was found to inhibit P.aeruginosa biofilm by 85% as compared to the control. Further, the anti-virulence properties viz., pyocyanin, pyoverdine, hemolytic, and protease inhibition revealed the synthesized SeNPs from halophilic bacteria control the pathogenicity of P.aeruginosa.

Recent advances in the therapeutic applications of selenium nanoparticles

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are an appealing carrier for the targeted delivery. The selenium nanoparticles are gaining global attention because of the potential therapeutic applications in several diseases e.g., rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, liver, and various autoimmune disorders like psoriasis, cancer, diabetes, and a variety of infectious diseases. Despite the fact still there is no recent literature that summarises the therapeutic applications of SeNPs. There are some challenges that need to be addressed like finding targets for SeNPs in various diseases, and the various functionalization techniques utilized to increase SeNP's stability while facilitating wide drug-loaded SeNP distribution to tumor areas and preventing off-target impacts need to focus on understanding more about the therapeutic aspects for better understanding the science behind it. Keeping that in mind we have focused on this gap and try to summarize all recent key targeted therapies for SeNPs in cancer treatment and the numerous functionalization strategies. We have also focused on recent advancements in SeNP functionalization methodologies and mechanisms for biomedical applications, particularly in anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infection therapeutics. Based on our observation we found that SeNPs could potentially be useful in suppressing viral epidemics, like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in complement to their antibacterial and antiparasitic uses. SeNPs are significant nanoplatforms with numerous desirable properties for clinical translation.

Silver Nanoparticle-Embedded Carbon Nitride: Antifungal Activity on Candida albicans and Toxicity toward Animal Cells

The development of engineered nanomaterials has been considered a promising strategy to control oral infections. In this study, silver-embedded carbon nitrides (Ag@g-CN) were synthesized and tested against Candida albicans, investigating their antifungal action and biocompatibility in animal cells. Ag@g-CN was synthesized by a simple one-pot thermal polymerization technique and characterized by various analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed slight alterations in the crystal structure of g-CN upon the incorporation of Ag. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Ag-N bonds, indicating successful silver incorporation and potential interactions with g-CN's amino groups. UV-vis spectroscopy demonstrated a red shift in the absorption edge of Ag@g-CN compared with g-CN, attributed to the surface plasmon resonance effect of silver nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the 2D layered sheet like morphology of both materials. The Ag 3d peaks found in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of metallic Ag0 nanoparticles in Ag@g-CN. The Ag@g-CN materials exhibited high antifungal activity against reference and oral clinical strains of C. albicans, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges between 16-256 μg/mL. The mechanism of Ag@g-CN on C. albicans was attributed to the disruption of the membrane integrity and disturbance of the biofilm. In addition, the Ag@g-CN material showed good biocompatibility in the fibroblastic cell line and in Galleria mellonella, with no apparent cytotoxicity observed at a concentration up to 1000 μg/mL. These findings demonstrate the potential of the Ag@g-CN material as an effective and safe antifungal agent for the treatment of oral fungal infections.

Sporadic regional re-emergent cholera: a 19th century problem in the 21st century

Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, is a severe diarrheal disease that necessitates prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. This review comprehensively examines various diagnostic methods, from traditional microscopy and culture to advanced nucleic acid testing like polymerase spiral reaction and rapid diagnostic tests, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Additionally, we explore evolving treatment strategies, with a focus on the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance due to the activation of the SOS response pathway in V. cholerae. We discuss promising alternative treatments, including low-pressure plasma sterilization, bacteriophages, and selenium nanoparticles. The paper emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches combining novel diagnostics and treatments in managing and preventing cholera, a persistent global health challenge. The current re-emergent 7th pandemic of cholera commenced in 1961 and shows no signs of abeyance. This is probably due to the changing genetic profile of V. cholerae concerning bacterial pathogenic toxins. Given this factor, we argue that the disease is effectively re-emergent, particularly in Eastern Mediterranean countries such as Lebanon, Syria, etc. This review considers the history of the current pandemic, the genetics of the causal agent, and current treatment regimes. In conclusion, cholera remains a significant global health challenge that requires prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. Understanding the history, genetics, and current treatments is crucial in effectively addressing this persistent and re-emergent disease.

Superoxide Dismutase Catalyzed Size-Adjustable Selenium Nanoparticles in Saccharomyces boulardii

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are important and safe food and feed additives that can be used for dietary supplementation. In this study, a mutagenic strain of Saccharomyces boulardii was employed to obtain biologically synthesized SeNPs (BioSeNPs) with the desired particle size by controlling the dosage and duration of sodium selenite addition, and the average particle size achieved was 55.8 nm with protease A encapsulation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that increased expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in the mutant strain effectively promoted the synthesis of BioSeNPs and the formation of smaller nanoparticles. Under sodium selenite stress, the mutant strain exhibited significantly increased expression of glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPx2), which was significantly greater in the mutant strain than in the wild type, facilitating the synthesis of glutathione selenol and providing abundant substrates for the production of BioSeNPs. Furthermore, based on the experimental results and transcriptomic analysis of relevant genes such as sod1, gpx2, the thioredoxin reductase 1 gene (trr1) and the thioredoxin reductase 2 gene (trr2), a yeast model for the size-controlled synthesis of BioSeNPs was constructed. This study provides an important theoretical and practical foundation for the green synthesis of controllable-sized BioSeNPs or other metal nanoparticles with potential applications in the fields of food, feed, and biomedicine.

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.

Cytocompatibility, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of a Mucoadhesive Biopolymeric Hydrogel Embedding Selenium Nanoparticles Phytosynthesized by Sea Buckthorn Leaf Extract

Phytosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are less toxic than the inorganic salts of selenium and show high antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Chitosan prevents microbial biofilm formation and can also determine microbial biofilm dispersal. Never-dried bacterial nanocellulose (NDBNC) is an efficient carrier of bioactive compounds and a flexible nanofibrillar hydrophilic biopolymer. This study aimed to develop a selenium-enriched hydrogel nanoformulation (Se-HNF) based on NDBNC from kombucha fermentation and fungal chitosan with embedded biogenic SeNPs phytosynthesized by an aqueous extract of sea buckthorn leaves (SbLEx)-SeNPsSb-in order to both disperse gingival dysbiotic biofilm and prevent its development. We determined the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of SbLEx. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used for the identification of polyphenols from SbLEx. SeNPsSb were characterized by transmission electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS). The hydrogel nanoformulation with embedded SeNPsSb was characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, rheology, mucin binding efficiency, contact angle and interfacial tension measurements. We also assessed the in vitro biocompatibility, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of SeNPsSb and Se-HNF. TEM, DLS and SAXS evidenced polydisperse SeNPsSb, whereas FTIR highlighted a heterogeneous biocorona with various biocompounds. The contact angle on the polar surface was smaller (52.82 ± 1.23°) than that obtained on the non-polar surface (73.85 ± 0.39°). The interfacial tension was 97.6 ± 0.47 mN/m. The mucin binding efficiency of Se-HNF decreased as the amount of hydrogel decreased, and the SEM analysis showed a relatively compact structure upon mucin contact. FTIR and XRD analyses of Se-HNF evidenced an interaction between BNC and CS through characteristic peak shifting, and the rheological measurements highlighted a pseudoplastic behavior, 0.186 N adhesion force and 0.386 adhesion energy. The results showed a high degree of cytocompatibility and the significant antioxidant and antimicrobial efficiency of SeNPsSb and Se-HNF.

Selenium Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis and Biomedical Application

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are extremely popular objects in nanotechnology. "Green" synthesis has special advantages due to the growing necessity for environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and low-cost methods. This review considers the biosynthesis mechanism of bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants, including the role of various biological substances in the processes of reducing selenium compounds to SeNPs and their further packaging. Modern information and approaches to the possible biomedical use of selenium nanoparticles are presented: antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other properties, as well as the mechanisms of these processes, that have important potential therapeutic value.

Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles: Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Insecticidal Properties and Their Impact on Soybean (Glycine max L.) Seed Germination and Seedling Growth

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have demonstrated significant potential in a variety of disciplines, making them an extremely desirable subject of research. This study investigated the anticancer and antibacterial properties of my-co-fabricated selenium SeNPs, as well as their effects on soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds, seedling growth, cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis) combat, and plant pathogenic fungi inhibition. SeNPs showed anticancer activity with an IC50 value of 1.95 µg/mL against MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells. The myco-synthesized SeNPs exhibited an antibacterial effect against Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae at 20 mg/mL. The use of 1 µM SeNPs improved soybean seed germination (93%), germination energy (76.5%), germination rate (19.0), and mean germination time (4.3 days). At 0.5 and 1.0 µM SeNPs, the growth parameters of seedlings improved. SeNPs increased the 4th instar larval mortality of cotton leafworm compared to control, with a median lethal concentration of 23.08 mg/mL. They inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Fusarium solani. These findings demonstrate that biogenic SeNPs represent a promising approach to achieving sustainable progress in the fields of agriculture, cancer therapy, and infection control.

Growth patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in milk fortified with chitosan and selenium nanoparticles during refrigerated storage

Pseudomonas spp are considered a common milk-associated psychotropic bacteria, leading to milk deterioration during storage; therefore, our study aimed to study the distribution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in raw milk and its associated products then studying the growth behavior of P. aeruginosa in milk after employing chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs 50, 25, and 15 mg/100ml) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs 0.5, 0.3 and 0.1 mg/100ml) as a trial to control the bacterial growth in milk during five days of cooling storage. Our study relies on the ion gelation method and green synthesis for the conversion of chitosan and selenium to nanosized particles respectively, we subsequently confirmed their shape using SEM and TEM. We employing Pseudomonas selective agar medium for monitoring the bacterial growth along the cooling storage. Our findings reported that high prevalence of Pseudomonas spp count in raw milk and kareish cheese and high incidence percent of P. aeruginosa in ice cream and yogurt respectively. Both synthesized nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, CsNPs50 could inhibit the P. aeruginosa survival growth to a mean average of 2.62 ± 1.18 log10cfu/ml in the fifth day of milk cooling storage; also, it was noted that the hexagonal particles SeNPs0.5 could inhibit 2.49 ± 11 log10cfu/ml in comparison to the control P. aeruginosa milk group exhibited growth survival rate 7.24 ± 2.57 log10cfu/ml under the same conditions. In conclusion, we suggest employing chitosan and selenium nanoparticles to improve milk safety and recommend future studies for the fate of nanoparticles in milk.

Selenium-Fortified Kombucha-Pollen Beverage by In Situ Biosynthesized Selenium Nanoparticles with High Biocompatibility and Antioxidant Activity

Biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have been shown to exhibit increased bioavailability. Fermentation of pollen by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY/Kombucha) leads to the release of pollen content and enhances the prebiotic and probiotic effects of Kombucha. The aim of this study was to fortify Kombucha beverage with SeNPs formed in situ by Kombucha fermentation with pollen. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the biosynthesis of SeNPs and the pollen-fermented Kombucha beverage. SeNPs were characterized by Transmission electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential. The pollen-fermented Kombucha beverage enriched with SeNPs was characterized by measuring the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, soluble silicon, saccharides, lactic acid, and the total content of Se0. The polyphenols were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The pollen and the bacterial (nano)cellulose were characterized by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), FTIR, and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). We also assessed the in vitro biocompatibility in terms of gingival fibroblast viability and proliferation, as well as the antioxidant activity of SeNPs and the pollen-fermented Kombucha beverage enriched with SeNPs. The results highlight their increased biological performance in this regard.

Antimicrobial Activity of Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) against Potentially Pathogenic Oral Microorganisms: A Scoping Review

Biofilms are responsible for the most prevalent oral infections such as caries, periodontal disease, and pulp and periapical lesions, which affect the quality of life of people. Antibiotics have been widely used to treat these conditions as therapeutic and prophylactic compounds. However, due to the emergence of microbial resistance to antibiotics, there is an urgent need to develop and evaluate new antimicrobial agents. This scoping review offers an extensive and detailed synthesis of the potential role of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in combating oral pathogens responsible for causing infectious diseases. A systematic search was conducted up until May 2022, encompassing the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Lilacs databases. We included studies focused on evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of SeNPs on planktonic and biofilm forms and their side effects in in vitro studies. The selection process and data extraction were carried out by two researchers independently. A qualitative synthesis of the results was performed. A total of twenty-two articles were considered eligible for this scoping review. Most of the studies reported relevant antimicrobial efficacy against C. albicans, S. mutans, E. faecalis, and P. gingivalis, as well as effective antioxidant activity and limited toxicity. Further research is mandatory to critically assess the effectiveness of this alternative treatment in ex vivo and in vivo settings, with detailed information about SeNPs concentrations employed, their physicochemical properties, and the experimental conditions to provide enough evidence to address the construction and development of well-designed and safe protocols.

A Review of the Antibacterial, Fungicidal and Antiviral Properties of Selenium Nanoparticles

The resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial drugs is an important problem worldwide. To solve this problem, active searches for antimicrobial components, approaches and therapies are being carried out. Selenium nanoparticles have high potential for antimicrobial activity. The relevance of their application is indisputable, which can be noted due to the significant increase in publications on the topic over the past decade. This review of research publications aims to provide the reader with up-to-date information on the antimicrobial properties of selenium nanoparticles, including susceptible microorganisms, the mechanisms of action of nanoparticles on bacteria and the effect of nanoparticle properties on their antimicrobial activity. This review describes the most complete information on the antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects of selenium nanoparticles.

A review on synthesis and antibacterial potential of bio-selenium nanoparticles in the food industry

Effective control of foodborne pathogen contamination is a significant challenge to the food industry, but the development of new antibacterial nanotechnologies offers new opportunities. Notably, selenium nanoparticles have been extensively studied and successfully applied in various food fields. Selenium nanoparticles act as food antibacterial agents with a number of benefits, including selenium as an essential trace element in food, prevention of drug resistance induction in foodborne pathogens, and improvement of shelf life and food storage conditions. Compared to physical and chemical methods, biogenic selenium nanoparticles (Bio-SeNPs) are safer and more multifunctional due to the bioactive molecules in Bio-SeNPs. This review includes a summarization of (1) biosynthesized of Bio-SeNPs from different sources (plant extracts, fungi and bacteria) and their antibacterial activity against various foodborne bacteria; (2) the antibacterial mechanisms of Bio-SeNPs, including penetration of cell wall, damage to cell membrane and contents leakage, inhibition of biofilm formation, and induction of oxidative stress; (3) the potential antibacterial applications of Bio-SeNPs as food packaging materials, food additives and fertilizers/feeds for crops and animals in the food industry; and (4) the cytotoxicity and animal toxicity of Bio-SeNPs. The related knowledge contributes to enhancing our understanding of Bio-SeNP applications and makes a valuable contribution to ensuring food safety.

Biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles by lactic acid bacteria and areas of their possible applications

Lactic acid bacteria, being generally recognized as safe, are the preferred choice among other microbial producers of selenium nanoparticles. For successful production of SeNPs, it is necessary to take into account the physiological properties of the bacterium used as a biotransformer of inorganic forms of selenium in Se⁰. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of SeNPs allows to use them in the form of pure nanoparticles or biomass of lactic acid bacteria enriched with selenium in preparation of food, in agriculture, aquaculture, medicine, veterinary, and manufacturing of packing materials for food products. To attract attention to the promising new directions of lactic acid bacteria applications and to accelerate their implementation, the examples of the use of SeNPs synthesized by lactic acid bacteria in the mentioned above areas of human activity are described.

Preparation, characterization, and antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities of biosynthesized nano‑selenium by yak-derived Bacillus cereus and chitosan-encapsulated chemically synthesized nano‑selenium

Nano‑selenium (SeNPs) is a red elemental selenium with extremely small particles, which can be absorbed by the body and has biological activity. Currently, the most commonly used synthetic methods for SeNPs are biosynthesis and chemical synthesis. In this study, YC-3-SeNPs were biosynthesized by a strain of yak-gut Bacillus cereus YC-3, and meanwhile, CST-SeNPs were chemically synthesized and encapsulated with chitosan. A series of characterizations proved that YC-3-SeNPs and CST-SeNPs are spherical particles with excellent stability, and both have an excellent ability to scavenge free radicals in vitro. The particles of YC-3-SeNPs were encapsulated with polysaccharides, fiber, and protein, and it was less toxic than that of CST-SeNPs. Additionally, YC-3-SeNPs and CST-SeNPs may inhibit H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes by activating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway thereby scavenging ROS. Meanwhile, they may exert anti-apoptotic activity in cardiomyocytes by stabilizing mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψm) and balancing Bax/Bcl-2 protein, thereby reducing the protein expression of Cyt-c and Cleaved-caspase 3. Given the above, YC-3-SeNPs and CST-SeNPs with excellent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities may have broad application potential in the field of cardiovascular diseases.

Biological Selenite Reduction, Characterization and Bioactivities of Selenium Nanoparticles Biosynthesised by Pediococcus acidilactici DSM20284

Selenium (Se) is in great demand as a health supplement due to its superior reactivity and excellent bioavailability, despite selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) having signs of minor toxicity. At present, the efficiency of preparing SeNPs using lactic acid bacteria is unsatisfactory. Therefore, a probiotic bacterial strain that is highly efficient at converting selenite to elemental selenium is needed. In our work, four selenite-reducing bacteria were isolated from soil samples. Strain LAB-Se2, identified as Pediococcus acidilactici DSM20284, had a reduction rate of up to 98% at ambient temperature. This strain could reduce 100 mg L^-1 of selenite to elemental Se within 48 h at pH 4.5-6.0, a temperature of 30-40 °C, and a salinity of 1.0-6.5%. The produced SeNPs were purified, freeze-dried, and subsequently systematically characterised using FTIR, DSL, SEM-EDS, and TEM techniques. SEM-EDS analysis proved the presence of selenium as the foremost constituent of SeNPs. The strain was able to form spherical SeNPs, as determined by TEM. In addition, DLS analysis confirmed that SeNPs were negatively charged (-26.9 mV) with an average particle size of 239.6 nm. FTIR analysis of the SeNPs indicated proteins and polysaccharides as capping agents on the SeNPs. The SeNPs synthesised by P. acidilactici showed remarkable antibacterial activity against E. coli, B. subtilis, S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae with inhibition zones of 17.5 mm, 13.4 mm, 27.9 mm, and 16.2 mm, respectively; they also showed varied MIC values in the range of 15-120 μg mL^-1. The DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl, and superoxide scavenging activities of the SeNPs were 70.3%, 72.8%, 95.2%, and 85.7%, respectively. The SeNPs synthesised by the probiotic Lactococcus lactis have the potential for safe use in biomedical and nutritional applications.

Nano-selenium enhances sugarcane resistance to Xanthomonas albilineans infection and improvement of juice quality

Selenium is an important trace element that is beneficial to human health and can enhance plant resistance and crop quality. The occurrence of up-to-date nanotechnology greatly promotes the beneficial efficiency of this trace element on crops. The discovery of nano-Se increased the crop quality and reduced plant disease in different plant. In this study, we reduced sugarcane leaf scald disease incidence by exogenously spraying different concentrations (5 mg/L and 10 mg/L) of nano-Se. Additional studies revealed that spraying of nano-Se reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and H₂O₂ accumulation, and increased antioxidant enzyme activities in sugarcane. The nano-selenium treatments also increased the content of jasmonic acid (JA) and the expression of JA pathway genes. Furthermore, we also found that use nano-Se treatment in an appropriate way can enhance the quality of cane juice. The brix of the cane juice of the selenium-enriched treatment was significantly higher than that of the control group, which was 10.98% and 20.81% higher than that of the CK group, respectively. Meanwhile, the content of certain beneficial amino acids was increased, with the highest being 3.9 times higher than the control. Taken together, our findings inferred that nano-Se could act as a potential eco-fungicide to protect sugarcane from can be used as a potential ecological bactericide to protect sugarcane from Xanthomonas albilineans infections, and improve sugarcane quality. The results arising from this study not only introduces an ecological method to control X. albilineans, but also provides a deep insight into this trace elements for improving juice quality.

Visible Light-Responsive Selenium Nanoparticles Combined with Sonodynamic Therapy to Promote Wound Healing

In this paper, we synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) that could be effectively excited by pure yellow light (YL) source to enhance antibacterial ability. Meanwhile, YL could also play the role of anti-inflammatory and promote wound healing. In addition, in order to overcome the problem of low penetration depth of photodynamic therapy (PDT), SeNPs were encapsulated with polyethylenimine (PEI), then modified with the sound sensitive agent indocyanine green (ICG), realizing the combined photoacoustic therapy to promote the healing of wounds infected by drug-resistant bacteria. The antibacterial efficiency of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) reached more than 99% in in vitro and in vivo experiments within 10 min, which could safely and quickly kill drug-resistant bacteria to repair and heal wounds.

Moringa oleifera seed oil extracted by pressurized n-propane and its effect against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms

Staphylococcus aureus is often associated worldwide with foodborne illnesses, and the elimination of biofilms formed by this bacterium from industrial surfaces is very challenging. To date, there have been few attempts to investigate plant oils obtained by recent green technologies, applied against biofilms on usual surfaces of the food industry and bacteria isolated from such environment. Therefore, this study evaluated the activity of Moringa oleifera seed oil (MOSO), extracted with pressurized n-propane, against standard and environmental S. aureus biofilms. Additionally, a genotypic and phenotypic study of the environmental S. aureus was proposed. It was found that this bacterium was a MSSA (methicillin-sensitive S. aureus), a carrier of icaA and icaD genes that has strong adhesion (OD₅₅₀=1.86 ± 0.19) during biofilm formation. The use of pressurized n-propane as a solvent was efficient in obtaining MOSO, achieving a yield of 60.9%. Gas chromatography analyses revealed the presence of a rich source of fatty acids in MOSO, mainly oleic acid (62.47%), behenic acid (10.5%) and palmitic acid (7.32%). On polystyrene surface, MOSO at 0.5% and 1% showed inhibitory and bactericidal activity, respectively, against S. aureus biofilms. MOSO at 1% allowed a maximum reduction of 2.38 log UFC/cm² of S. aureus biofilms formed on PVC (polyvinyl chloride) surface. Scanning electron microscopy showed disturbances on the surface of S. aureus after exposure to MOSO. These unprecedented findings suggest that MOSO extracted with pressurized n-propane is potentially capable of inhibiting biofilms of different S. aureus strains, thus, contributing to microbiological safety during food processing.

Trends and recent progresses of selenium nanoparticles as novel autophagy regulators for therapeutic development

Autophagy, one of the major intracellular degradation systems, plays an important role in maintaining normal cellular physiological functions and protecting organisms from different diseases. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element, is involved in many metabolic regulatory signaling events and plays a key role in human health. In recent years, selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) have attracted increasing attentions in biomedical field due to their low toxicity, high bioavailability and high bioactivity. Taking the advantage of their advanced biological activities, Se NPs can be used alone as potential therapeutic agents, or combine with other agents and served as carriers for the development of novel therapeutics. More interestingly, Se NPs have been widely reported to affect autophagy signaling, which therefor allow Se NPs to be used as potential therapeutic agents against different diseases. Here, this review suggested the relationships between Se and autophagy, followed by the trends and recent progresses of Se NPs for autophagy regulation in different diseased conditions. More importantly, this work discussed the roles and potential mechanisms of Se NPs in autophagy regulating, which might enhance our understanding about how Se NPs regulate autophagy for potential disease treatment. This work is expected to promote the potential application of Se NPs as novel autophagy regulators, which might benefit the development of novel autophagy associated therapeutics.

Synthesis and characterization of Se doped Fe3O4 nanoparticles for catalytic and biological properties

In this study, Se-doped Fe₃O₄ with antibacterial properties was synthesized using by a coprecipitation method. The chemistry and morphology of the Se doped Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity of the Fe₃O₄/Se nanocomposite was examined against G⁺ (Gram-positive) and G^- (Gram-negative) bacteria, in the order Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Escherichia coli, which are the most harmful and dangerous bacteria. Fe₃O₄/Se, as a heterogeneous catalyst, was successfully applied to the synthesis of pyrazolopyridine and its derivatives via a one-pot four-component reaction of ethyl acetoacetate, hydrazine hydrate, ammonium acetate, and various aromatic aldehydes. Fe₃O₄/Se was easily separated from the bacteria-containing solution using a magnet. Its admissible magnetic properties, crystalline structure, antibacterial activity, mild reaction conditions, and green synthesis are specific features that have led to the recommendation of the use of Fe₃O₄/Se in the water treatment field and medical applications. Direct Se doping of Fe₃O₄ was successfully realized without additional complicated procedures.

Treatments of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Toxoplasma gondii with Selenium Nanoparticles

Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are pathogens that are harmful to humans. When these diseases interact in humans, the result is typically fatal to the public health. Several investigations on the relationship between M. tuberculosis and T. gondii infections have found that there is a strong correlation between them with each infection having a reciprocal effect on the other. TB may contribute to the reactivation of innate toxoplasmosis or enhance susceptibility to a new infection, and toxoplasma co-infection may worsen the severity of pulmonary tuberculosis. As a consequence, there is an earnest and urgent necessity to generate novel therapeutics that can subdue these challenges. Selenium nanostructures' compelling properties have been shown to be a successful treatment for Mycobacterium TB and Toxoplasma gondii. Despite the fact that selenium (Se) offers many health advantages for people, it also has a narrow therapeutic window; therefore, consuming too much of either inorganic or organic compounds based on selenium can be hazardous. Compared to both inorganic and organic Se, Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) are less hazardous. They are biocompatible and excellent in selectively targeting specific cells. As a consequence, this review conducted a summary of the efficacy of biogenic Se NPs in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and toxoplasmosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Toxoplasma gondii, and their co-infection were all briefly described.

Extremophilic Microorganisms for the Green Synthesis of Antibacterial Nanoparticles

The biogenic synthesis of nanomaterials, i.e., synthesis carried out by means of living organisms, is an emerging technique in nanotechnology since it represents a greener and more eco-friendly method for the production of nanomaterials. In this line, in order to find new biological entities capable of biogenic synthesis, we tested the ability of some extremophilic microorganisms to carry out the biogenic production of AgNPs and SeNPs. Silver NPs were produced extracellularly by means of the thermophilic Thermus thermophilus strain SAMU; the haloalkaliphilic Halomonas campaniensis strain 5AG was instead found to be useful for the synthesis of SeNPs. The structural characterization of the biogenic nanoparticles showed that both the Ag and Se NPs possessed a protein coating on their surface and that they were organized in aggregates. Moreover, both types of NPs were found be able to exert an interesting antibacterial effect against either Gram-positive or Gram-negative species. This study confirmed that extremophilic microorganisms can be considered valuable producers of biologically active nanoparticles; nevertheless, further experiments must be performed to improve the synthesis protocols in addition to the downstream processes.

Designated functional microcapsules loaded with green synthesis selenium nanorods and probiotics for enhancing stirred yogurt

Green synthesis selenium nanorods (Se-NRs) were produced based on Aloe vera leaf extract. The size, morphology, antimicrobial, and activation of Se-NRs for probiotics were analyzed. The Se-NRS was stable with a diameter of 12 and 40 nm, had an antimicrobial effect, and improved probiotics counts. The microcapsules loaded with Green Se-NRS (0, 0.05 or 0.1 mg/100 ml) and probiotics (Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) were designated with efficiency between 95.25 and 97.27% and irregular shapes. Microcapsules were saved probiotics against gastrointestinal juices. The microcapsules were showed a minor inhibition effect against the cell line. Also, microcapsules integrated into stirred yogurt and exanimated for microbiology, chemically, and sensory for 30 days. The probiotics counts, acidity, total solids, and ash values of samples were increased during storage periods without affecting fat and protein contents. The overall acceptability of yogurt with microcapsules containing probiotics and Se-NRs was high without change in body, odor, color, and appearance.

Green synthesis of chitosan-based membrane modified with uniformly micro-sizing selenium particles decorated graphene oxide for antibacterial application

In this study, selenium microparticles (SeMPs) were green-synthesized by utilizing the Terminalia catappa leaves extract as an effective reducing agent. SeMPs were then decorated onto graphene oxide (GO) with the assistance of ultrasound using the ex-situ technique to obtain the SeMPs-GO composite. SeMPs and SeMPs-GO were thoroughly characterized with modern analytical methods, whereas the antibacterial performance of the composites was evaluated via the optical density method. Particularly, SeMPs-GO held up an inhibition of 99 % against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains as well as restrained 50 % of fungal activity. SeMPs-GO was additionally incorporated onto chitosan (CTS) to collect the SeMPs-GO/CTS membrane which was characterized by similar advanced analysis methods. The antibacterial property of the membrane was determined by the inhibition zone diameter. Furthermore, the membrane exhibited good thermal and mechanical characteristics, showing no sign of degradation at a temperature below 260 °C, and a tensile strength of 38 N/mm². The swelling degree reached 148 % after 6 h of immersion in water, which was stable after 72 h (153 %). The obtained membrane can potentially be utilized for medical and food applications.

An In Vitro Evaluation of Selenium Nanoparticles on Osteoblastic Differentiation and Antimicrobial Properties against Porphyromonas gingivalis

Despite numerous treatment methods, there is no gold standard for the treatment of peri-implantitis—an infectious peri-implant disease. Here, we examined selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) at a wide range of concentrations to investigate their cytotoxicity, regulation of osteoblastic differentiation, and assessed the antibacterial effect against Porphyromonas gingivalis. SeNPs (mean size: 70 nm; shape: near-spherical; concentration: 0–2048 ppm) were tested against the MC3T3-E1 osteoblast precursor cell line and P. gingivalis red complex pathogen. Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was used to evaluate the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) signaling pathway. SeNPs at concentrations of 2–16 ppm showed no obvious cytotoxicity and promoted good mineralization and calcification. SeNPs at concentrations 64 ppm and below influenced gene expression promoting osteoblastic differentiation, whereas at high concentrations inhibited the expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). The growth of P. gingivalis was significantly inhibited at SeNP concentrations of more than 4 ppm. SeNPs at low concentrations promoted osteoblastic differentiation while strongly inhibiting peri-implantitis pathogen growth. This study represents one of the few in vitro assessments of SeNPs against a red complex pathogen and the regulatory effect on osteoblastic differentiation. The findings demonstrate SeNPs could potentially be used for future application on implant coating.

Investigation of the Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Selenium Nanoparticles against Vibrio cholerae as a Potent Therapeutics

Vibrio cholerae is a major cause of severe diarrhea, which is ecologically flexible, and remains as a major cause of death, especially in developing countries. Consecutive emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains is considered to be as one of the major concerns of the World Health Organization (WHO). Nanoparticles as a new nonantibiotic therapeutic strategy have been widely used in recent years to treat bacterial infections. The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and antibiofilm effect of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in vitro against V. cholerae O1 ATCC 14035 strain. SeNPs were prepared and characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, DLS (dynamic light scattering), zeta potential measurement, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The concentration of SeNPs was calculated by ICP (inductively coupled plasma) method. Also, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was employed to assess the cytotoxic effect of SeNPs on Caco-2 cells. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of SeNPs was determined by broth microdilution and crystal violet assays, respectively. The average particle size of SeNPs was 71.1 nm with zeta potential −32.2 mV. The SEM images supported the uniform spherical morphology of the prepared nanoparticles. The antibiofilm effect of SeNPs was evident at concentrations of 50–200 μg/mL. This study results provided evidence that SeNPs are safe as an antibacterial and antibiofilm agent against V. cholerae O1 ATCC 14035 strain.

Synthesis, Characterization, Immune Regulation, and Antioxidative Assessment of Yeast-Derived Selenium Nanoparticles in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Rats

This article introduces an environmentally friendly and more economical method for preparing red selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) with high stability, good biocompatibility, and narrow size using yeast as a bio-reducing agent with high antioxidant, immune regulation, and low toxicity than inorganic and organic Se. The yeast-derived Se-NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results revealed spherical-shaped particles of Se-NPs with an average diameter of 71.14 ± 18.17 nm, an amorphous structure, and surface enhancement with an organic shell layer, that provide precise geometry and stability in the formation of bio-inert gray or black Se-NPs instead of red Se-NPs. Furthermore, the addition of 0.3-0.8 mg/kg Se-NPs in the feed significantly improved the health of mice. As Se-NPs stimulated the oxidative state of mice, it significantly increased the level of GSH-Px, SOD, and AOC, and decreased the level of MDA. The yeast-derived Se-NPs alleviated the immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide, whereas protected the liver, spleen, and kidney of mice, stimulated the humoral immune potential of the mice, and significantly increased the levels of I g M, IgA, and I g G. These results indicated that the yeast-derived Se-NPs, as a trace element feed additive, increased the defense of the animal against oxidative stress and infectious diseases and therefore Se-NPs can be used as a potential antibiotic substitute for animal husbandry.

Antimicrobial Activity of Se-Nanoparticles from Bacterial Biotransformation

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are gaining importance in the food and medical fields due to their antibacterial properties. The microbial inhibition of these kinds of particles has been tested in a wide range of Gram (+) and Gram (−) pathogenic bacteria. When SeNPs are synthesized by biological methods, they are called biogenic SeNPs, which have a negative charge caused by their interaction between surface and capping layer (bioorganic material), producing their high stability. This review is focused on SeNPs synthesis by bacteria and summarizes the main factors that influence their main characteristics: shape, size and surface charge, considering the bacteria growth conditions for their synthesis. The different mechanisms of antimicrobial activity are revised, and this review describes several biosynthesis hypotheses that have been proposed due to the fact that the biological mechanism of SeNP synthesis is not fully known.