Antioxidant properties of aqueous selenium nanoparticles (ASeNPs) and its catalysts activity for 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reduction

Simplex-lattice design and decision tree optimization of endophytic Trichoderma-multi-walled carbon nanotube composite for enhanced methylene blue removal

This study investigates a novel approach for enhancing methylene blue (MB) removal from water using a composite of endophytic Trichoderma mate and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). For the first time, a unique combination of simplex-lattice design and decision tree learning algorithm was employed to optimize MB removal. This innovative approach effectively identified the optimal composite ratio of hyphal mate (0.5354 g/L) and MWCNTs (0.4646 g/L) for maximizing MB removal, which achieved remarkable removal efficiency ranging from 63.50 to 95.78 % depending on the combination used. The DT model further demonstrated promising potential for predicting MB removal efficiency. SEM revealed a unique hybrid material formed by the intertwining or entrapment of MWCNTs within the hyphal network of Trichoderma mate. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of novel functional groups on the MWCNTs' surface at 2438.79 and 528.25 cm-1, likely due to interactions with the endophytic fungi's biomolecules. These functional groups presumably act as reducing and stabilizing agents, promoting efficient MB adsorption. This research paves the way for utilizing the combined biological and chemical approach (fungal biomass and MWCNTs) in bioremediation applications. The findings suggest significant potential for practical applications in wastewater treatment, providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective method for dye removal. Furthermore, the proposed method shows promise for scaling up to industrial wastewater treatment and applicability in resource-limited settings, offering a sustainable solution for global water pollution challenges. Further investigations with larger datasets incorporating additional influencing factors are necessary to refine the predictive power of the DT model for practical applications.

Characterization and biological activity of selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized by Yarrowia lipolytica

In this research, biogenic selenium nanoparticles were produced by the fungi Yarrowia lipolytica, and the biological activity of its nanoparticles was studied for the first time. The electron microscopy analyses showed the production of nanoparticles were intracellular and the resulting particles were extracted and characterized by XRD, zeta potential, FESEM, EDX, FTIR spectroscopy and DLS. These analyses showed amorphous spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 110 nm and a Zeta potential of -34.51 ± 2.41 mV. Signatures of lipids and proteins were present in the capping layer of biogenic selenium nanoparticles based on FTIR spectra. The antimicrobial properties of test strains showed that Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis were inhibited at concentrations between 160 and 640 μg/mL, while the growth of Candida albicans was hindered by 80 μg/mL of biogenic selenium nanoparticles. At concentrations between 0.5 and 1.5 mg/mL of biogenic selenium nanoparticles inhibited up to 50% of biofilm formation of Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, the concentration of 20-640 μg/mL of these bioSeNPs showed antioxidant activity. Evaluating the cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles on the HUVEC and HepG2 cell lines did not show any significant toxicity within MIC concentrations of SeNPs. This defines that Y. lipolytica synthesized SeNPs have strong potential to be exploited as antimicrobial agents against pathogens of WHO concern.

Recent Advancements in Gallic Acid-Based Drug Delivery: Applications, Clinical Trials, and Future Directions

Gallic acid (GA) is a well-known herbal bioactive compound found in many herbs and foods like tea, wine, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, plums, grapes, mangoes, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries. GA has been reported for several pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, inflammatory, antineoplastic, antimicrobial, etc. Apart from its incredible therapeutic benefits, it has been associated with low permeability and bioavailability issues, limiting their efficacy. GA belongs to BCS (Biopharmaceutics classification system) class III (high solubility and low probability). In this context, novel drug delivery approaches played a vital role in resolving these GA issues. Nanocarrier systems help improve drug moiety's physical and chemical stability by encapsulating them into a lipidic or polymeric matrix or core system. In this regard, researchers have developed a wide range of nanocarrier systems for GA, including liposomes, transfersomes, niosomes, dendrimers, phytosomes, micelles, nanoemulsions, metallic nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, polymer conjugates, etc. In the present review, different search engines like Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar have been referred to for acquiring recent information on the theme of the work. Therefore, this review paper aims to emphasize several novel drug delivery systems, patents, and clinical updates of GA.

Unveiling Green Synthesis and Biomedical Theranostic paradigms of Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) - A state-of-the-art comprehensive update

The advancements in nanotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, and healthcare are propelling the field of theranostics, which combines therapy and diagnostics, to new heights; emphasizing the emergence of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) as versatile theranostic agents. This comprehensive update offers a holistic perspective on recent developments in the synthesis and theranostic applications of SeNPs, underscoring their growing importance in nanotechnology and healthcare. SeNPs have shown significant potential in multiple domains, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, wound healing, and cytoprotective therapies. The review highlights the adaptability and biocompatibility of SeNPs, which are crucial for advanced disease detection, monitoring, and personalized treatment. Special emphasis is placed on advancements in green synthesis techniques, underscoring their eco-friendly and cost-effective benefits in biosensing, diagnostics, imaging and therapeutic applications. Additionally, the appraisal scrutinizes the progressive trends in smart stimuli-responsive SeNPs, conferring their role in innovative solutions for disease management and diagnostics. Despite their promising therapeutic and prophylactic potential, SeNPs also present several challenges, particularly regarding toxicity concerns. These challenges and their implications for clinical translation are thoroughly explored, providing a balanced view of the current state and prospects of SeNPs in theranostic 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.

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.

Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles Modified by Quaternary Chitosan Covalently Bonded with Gallic Acid

Quaternary chitosan derivative with covalently bonded antioxidant (QCG) was used as media for synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). SeNPs were characterized using AFM, TEM, and DLS methods. The data confirmed the formation of stable nanoparticles with a positive charge (34.86-46.73 mV) and a size in the range 119.5-238.6 nm. The antibacterial and fungicidal activity of SeNPs occurred within the range of values for chitosan derivatives. In all cases, the highest activity was against C. albicans (MIC 125 µg/mL). The toxicity of the modified selenium nanoparticles to eukaryotic cells was significantly higher. Among nanoparticle samples, SeNPs that were synthesized at 55 °C demonstrated the highest toxicity against Colo357 and HaCaT cell lines. Based on these results, SeNPs loaded with doxorubicin were obtained. DOX loading efficiency was about 18%. QCG-SeNPs loaded with DOX at a concentration of 1.25 μg/mL inhibited more than 50% of hepatocarcinoma (Colo 357) cells and about 70% of keratinocytes (HaCaT).

Evaluation of Selenium Nanoparticles in Inducing Disease Resistance against Spot Blotch Disease and Promoting Growth in Wheat under Biotic Stress

In the present study, SeNPs were synthesized using Melia azedarach leaf extracts and investigated for growth promotion in wheat under the biotic stress of spot blotch disease. The phytosynthesized SeNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The in vitro efficacy of different concentrations of phytosynthesized SeNPs (i.e., 100 μg/mL, 150 μg/mL, 200 μg/mL, 250 μg/mL, and 300 μg/mL) was evaluated using the well diffusion method, which reported that 300 μg/mL showed maximum fungus growth inhibition. For in vivo study, different concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/L) of SeNPs were applied exogenously to evaluate the morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters under control conditions and determine when infection was induced. Among all treatments, 30 mg/L of SeNPs performed well and increased the plant height by 2.34% compared to the control and 30.7% more than fungus-inoculated wheat. Similarly, fresh plant weight and dry weight increased by 17.35% and 13.43% over the control and 20.34% and 52.48% over the fungus-treated wheat, respectively. In leaf surface area and root length, our findings were 50.11% and 10.37% higher than the control and 40% and 71% higher than diseased wheat, respectively. Plant physiological parameters i.e., chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content, were increased 14, 133, and 16.1 times over the control and 157, 253, and 42 times over the pathogen-inoculated wheat, respectively. Our findings regarding carotenoid content, relative water content, and the membrane stability index were 29-, 49-, and 81-fold higher than the control and 187-, 63-, and 48-fold higher than the negative control, respectively. In the case of plant biochemical parameters, proline, sugar, flavonoids, and phenolic contents were recorded at 6, 287, 11, and 34 times higher than the control and 32, 107, 33, and 4 times more than fungus-inoculated wheat, respectively. This study is considered the first biocompatible approach to evaluate the potential of green-synthesized SeNPs as growth-promoting substances in wheat under the spot blotch stress and effective management strategy to inhibit fungal growth.

Antifungal activity of green synthesized selenium nanoparticles and their effect on physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant defense system of mango under mango malformation disease

Plant extract-based green synthesis of nanoparticles is an emerging class of nanotechnology that has revolutionized the entire field of biological sciences. Green synthesized nanoparticles are used as super-growth promoters and antifungal agents. In this study, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were synthesized using Melia azedarach leaves extract as the main reducing and stabilizing agent and characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The green synthesized SeNPs were exogenously applied on Mangifera indica infected with mango malformation disease. The SeNPs at a concentration of 30 μg/mL were found to be the best concentration which enhanced the physiological (chlorophyll and membrane stability index), and biochemical (proline and soluble sugar) parameters. The antioxidant defense system was also explored, and it was reported that green synthesized SeNPs significantly reduced the biotic stress by enhancing enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities. In vitro antifungal activity of SeNPs reported that 300 μg/mL concentration inhibited the Fusarium mangiferae the most. This study is considered the first biocompatible approach to evaluate the potential of green synthesized SeNPs to improve the health of mango malformation-infected plants and effective management strategy to inhibit the growth of F. mangifera.

Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles in Biomedical Sciences: Properties, Current Trends, Novel Opportunities and Emerging Challenges in Theranostic Nanomedicine

Selenium is an important dietary supplement and an essential trace element incorporated into selenoproteins with growth-modulating properties and cytotoxic mechanisms of action. However, different compounds of selenium usually possess a narrow nutritional or therapeutic window with a low degree of absorption and delicate safety margins, depending on the dose and the chemical form in which they are provided to the organism. Hence, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are emerging as a novel therapeutic and diagnostic platform with decreased toxicity and the capacity to enhance the biological properties of Se-based compounds. Consistent with the exciting possibilities offered by nanotechnology in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, SeNPs are useful tools in current biomedical research with exceptional benefits as potential therapeutics, with enhanced bioavailability, improved targeting, and effectiveness against oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated disorders. In view of the need for developing eco-friendly, inexpensive, simple, and high-throughput biomedical agents that can also ally with theranostic purposes and exhibit negligible side effects, biogenic SeNPs are receiving special attention. The present manuscript aims to be a reference in its kind by providing the readership with a thorough and comprehensive review that emphasizes the current, yet expanding, possibilities offered by biogenic SeNPs in the biomedical field and the promise they hold among selenium-derived products to, eventually, elicit future developments. First, the present review recalls the physiological importance of selenium as an oligo-element and introduces the unique biological, physicochemical, optoelectronic, and catalytic properties of Se nanomaterials. Then, it addresses the significance of nanosizing on pharmacological activity (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics) and cellular interactions of SeNPs. Importantly, it discusses in detail the role of biosynthesized SeNPs as innovative theranostic agents for personalized nanomedicine-based therapies. Finally, this review explores the role of biogenic SeNPs in the ongoing context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and presents key prospects in translational nanomedicine.

New horizons for selenium in animal nutrition and functional foods

Selenium (Se), one of the indispensable nutrients for both human health and animal growth, participates in various physiological functions, such as antioxidant and immune responses and metabolism. The role of dietary Se, in its organic and inorganic forms, has been well documented in domestic animals. Furthermore, many feeding strategies for different animals have been developed to increase the Se concentration in animal products to address Se deficiency and even as a potential nutritional strategy to treat free radical-associated diseases. Nevertheless, studies on investigating the optimum addition of Se in feed, the long-term consequences of Se usage in food for animal nutrition, the mechanism of metallic Se nanoparticle (SeNP) transformation in vivo, and the nutritional effects of SeNPs on feed workers and the environment are urgently needed. Starting from the absorption and metabolism mechanism of Se, this review discusses the antioxidant role of Se in detail. Based on this characteristic, we further investigated the application of Se in animal health and described some unresolved issues and unanswered questions warranting further investigation. This review is expected to provide a theoretical reference for improving the quality of food animal meat as well as for the development of Se-based biological nutrition enhancement technology.

The Influence of Synthesis Conditions on the Antioxidant Activity of Selenium Nanoparticles

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have attracted great attention in recent years due to their unique properties and potential bioactivities. While the production of SeNPs has been long reported, there is little news about the influence of reaction conditions and clean-up procedure on their physical properties (e.g., shape, size) as well as their antioxidant activity. This study takes up this issue. SeNPs were synthesized by two methods using cysteine and ascorbic acid as selenium reductants. The reactions were performed with and without the use of polyvinyl alcohol as a stabilizer. After the synthesis, SeNPs were cleaned using various procedures. The antioxidant properties of the obtained SeNPs were investigated using DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. It was found that their antioxidant activity does not always depend only on the nanoparticles size but also on their homogeneity. Moreover, the size and morphology of selenium nanoparticles are controlled by the clean-up step.

Multi-Biofunctional Properties of Phytofabricated Selenium Nanoparticles From Carica papaya Fruit Extract: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antimycotoxin, Anticancer, and Biocompatibility

The present study focused on phytofabrication of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) from Carica papaya extract and exploration of their multi-biofunctional features. Total phenolics and flavonoids of C. papaya fruit extract were determined as 23.30 ± 1.88 mg gallic acid equivalents and 19.21 ± 0.44 mg quercetin equivalents per gram, respectively, which suggested that C. papaya fruit extract could be a competitive reducing and stabilizing agent during phytofabrication of nanoparticles. UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy showed the formation of SeNPs from sodium selenite, which could be related to the reducing and stabilizing activities of C. papaya fruit extract. The SeNPs were found to be stable with a Zeta potential of -32 mV. The average hydrodynamic size of SeNPs was found as 159 nm by dynamic light scattering. The SeNPs showed a broader XRD pattern with no sharp Bragg's peaks and found to be amorphous. SEM showed that SeNPs were spherical in shape and EDX pattern showed that SeNPs were made up of Se (71.81%), C (11.41%), and O (14.88%). The HR-TEM picture showed that SeNPs were spherical in morphology and have a size range of 101-137 nm. The SeNPs exhibited potent antioxidant activity and their EC50 values (effective concentration required to inhibit 50% of radicals) were 45.65 ± 2.01 and 43.06 ± 3.80 μg/ml in DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. The antimicrobial action of SeNPs was found as a broad spectrum and suppressed microbial pathogens in ascending order: fungi > Gram-positive bacteria > Gram-negative bacteria. The SeNPs have been demonstrated to reduce the growth and ochratoxin A (OTA) of mycotoxigenic Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium verrucosum at 40 μg/ml in broth culture, which is noteworthy. The SeNPs reduced cancer cell proliferation (RAW 264.7, Caco-2, MCF-7, and IMR-32) more preferentially than normal cells (Vero), found to be highly biocompatible. Lower doses of SeNPs (up to 50 μg/ml) were shown to be less toxic and did not cause death in Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos, implying that lower doses of SeNPs could be beneficial for biological purposes. The present study concluded that phytofabricated SeNPs have multiple biofunctional properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antimycotoxin, and anticancer activities, as well as high biocompatibility.

Molecular Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Spruce (Picea abies) Hemicelluloses Isolated by Catalytic Oxidative Delignification

Spruce (Piceaabies) wood hemicelluloses have been obtained by the noncatalytic and catalytic oxidative delignification in the acetic acid-water-hydrogen peroxide medium in a processing time of 3–4 h and temperatures of 90–100 °C. In the catalytic process, the H₂SO₄, MnSO₄, TiO₂, and (NH₄)₆Mo₇O₂₄ catalysts have been used. A polysaccharide yield of up to 11.7 wt% has been found. The hemicellulose composition and structure have been studied by a complex of physicochemical methods, including gas and gel permeation chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The galactose:mannose:glucose:arabinose:xylose monomeric units in a ratio of 5:3:2:1:1 have been identified in the hemicelluloses by gas chromatography. Using gel permeation chromatography, the weight average molar mass M_w of hemicelluloses has been found to attain 47,654 g/mol in noncatalytic delignification and up to 42,793 g/mol in catalytic delignification. Based on the same technique, a method for determining the α and k parameters of the Mark–Kuhn–Houwink equation for hemicelluloses has been developed; it has been established that these parameters change between 0.33–1.01 and 1.57–472.17, respectively, depending on the catalyst concentration and process temperature and time. Moreover, the FTIR spectra of the hemicellulose samples contain all the bands characteristic of heteropolysaccharides, specifically, 1069 cm⁻¹ (C–O–C and C–O–H), 1738 cm⁻¹ (ester C=O), 1375 cm⁻¹ (–C–CH₃), 1243 cm⁻¹ (–C–O–), etc. It has been determined by the thermogravimetric analysis that the hemicelluloses isolated from spruce wood are resistant to heating to temperatures of up to ~100 °C and, upon further heating, start destructing at an increasing rate. The antioxidant activity of the hemicelluloses has been examined using the compounds simulating the 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals.

Adsorption of free radical TEMPO onto Al2O3 nanoparticles and evaluation of radical scavenging activity

This study describes the adsorption of free radical TEMPO onto Al₂O₃ nanoparticles in the solvents with different polarities including DMF, methanol, acetone, THF, petroleum ether and n-hexane at ambient temperature to evaluate the radical scavenging activity. The adsorption percentage of radical is calculated by measuring the maximum adsorption intensity of the ultraviolet (UV) absorption spectrum of TEMPO in the presence and the absence of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles. The morphology of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles before and after adsorption of TEMPO is studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The adsorption energy and other thermochemical data for the adsorption of TEMPO over different active sites of Al₂O₃ are estimated via dispersion corrected density functional theory (DFT + Disp). The donor-acceptor interactions between Al₂O₃ and TEMPO are calculated using natural bond orbital (NBO) theory. It is found that Al₂O₃ nanoparticles have efficient radical scavenging activity (RSA) in the range of 50-72%. Approximately, a linear relationship between dielectric constant of solvent and the absorption percentage of TEMPO over Al₂O₃ nanoparticles is achieved. So that with decreasing the polarity of solvent, the adsorption of TEMPO onto Al₂O₃ nanoparticles is increased. The adsorption of TEMPO over Lewis acidic sites of Al₂O₃ is more favored than Brønsted acidic and basic sites. The comparison between experimental and calculated IR spectra of TEMPO/Al₂O₃ complexes provides the good evidence for adsorption of TEMPO onto the surface of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles.

Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles on Germination of Hordéum Vulgáre Barley Seeds

Within the framework of this study, the effect of nanoparticles of the essential trace element selenium stabilized by Polyvinylpirrolidone (PVP) C15 (8 ± 2 kDa) and ascorbic acid on the germination of barley seeds has been studied. Selenium nanoparticles stabilized by PVP C15 (8 ± 2 kDa) and ascorbic acid, characterized by a spherical shape, monodisperse size distribution, and a diameter of about 70 ± 5 nm, were obtained by the chemical reduction method. The experiment compared the effect of selenium nanoparticles and selenous acid on seed germination. The positive effect of preparation of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by PVP C15 (8 ± 2 kDa) and ascorbic acid on the length of roots and shoots, the number of roots, and the percentage of seed germination has been revealed. It was determined that the highest percentage of Hordeum vulgare L. culture seed germination was achieved using a preparation of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by PVP C15 (8 ± 2 kDa) and ascorbic acid at a concentration of of 4.65 µg/mL. Analysis of the results showed that selenium in the form of nanoparticles has an order of magnitude that is less toxic than in the form of selenous acid. The study of morphological and functional parameters during the germination of Hordeum vulgare L. seeds allowed us to conclude that selenium nanoparticles can be successfully used in agronomy and agriculture to provide plants with the essential microelement selenium, which is necessary for the normal growth and development of crops.

Delivery of selenium using chitosan nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and antioxidant and growth effects in Nile tilapia (Orechromis niloticus)

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of selenium-loaded chitosan nanoparticles used as a dietary supplement on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) antioxidant and growth responses. First, chitosan-based nanoparticles containing selenium (Se) were synthesized using the ionotropic gelation method and their physicochemical characteristics, controlled release profile, and antioxidant activity properties were investigated. Thereafter, the effects on glutathione peroxidase and antioxidant activities (by radical scavenging activity), growth, and whole-body composition of Nile tilapia were evaluated when they were fed with Se-loaded chitosan nanoparticles and compared with other selenium dietary supplements. Se-loaded chitosan nanoparticles showed high entrapment efficiency (87%), spherical shape, smooth surface, and broad size distribution. The controlled release of Se consisted of an initial burst followed by a gradual release over 48 h. Se-loaded nanoparticles presented significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to free Se. A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to compare the effects of supplementing different dietary Se sources, including selenomethionine (as organic source), sodium selenite (as inorganic source), and Se-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Se-Nano and Se-Nano x1.5) on antioxidant and growth responses of Nile tilapia. A basal diet without Se supplementation was used as the control. The dietary supplementations with different Se sources (free and encapsulated selenium) lead to significant improvements in final weight and feed efficiency of Nile tilapia fingerlings. However, dietary treatments did not affect whole-body protein and lipid content. Diets containing Se-Nano and Se-Nano x1.5 were more effective than sodium selenite and selenomethionine in preventing oxidative stress and improving antioxidant activity in Nile tilapia. Overall, Se-loaded nanoparticles presented a great potential as an efficient source for delivering dietary Se to Nile tilapia, directly affecting the growth performance, feed efficiency, oxidative stress, and antioxidant activity of this species.