Resistance, accumulation and transformation of selenium by the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 after exposure to inorganic SeVI or SeIV

In vitro assessment of the effect of magnetic fields on efficacy of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles by Alborzia kermanshahica

Cyanobacteria represent a rich resource of a wide array of unique bioactive compounds that are proving to be potent sources of anticancer drugs. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have shown an increasing potential as major therapeutic platforms and led to the production of higher levels of ROS that can present desirable anticancer properties. Chitosan-SeNPs have also presented antitumor properties against hepatic cancer cell lines, especially the Cht-NP (Chitosan-NPs), promoting ROS generation and mitochondria dysfunction. It is proposed that magnetic fields can add new dimensions to nanoparticle applications. Hence, in this study, the biosynthesis of SeNPs using Alborzia kermanshahica and chitosan (CS) as stabilizers has been developed. The SeNPs synthesis was performed at different cyanobacterial cultivation conditions, including control (without magnetic field) and magnetic fields of 30 mT and 60 mT. The SeNPs were characterized by uv-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and TEM. In addition, the antibacterial activity, inhibition of bacterial growth, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), as well as the antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of SeNPs, were performed. The results of uv-visible spectrometry, DLS, and zeta potential showed that 60 mT had the highest value regarding the adsorption, size, and stabilization in compared to the control. FTIR spectroscopy results showed consistent spectra, but the increased intensity of peaks indicates an increase in bond number after exposure to 30 mT and 60 mT. The results of the antibacterial activity and the inhibition zone diameter of synthesized nanoparticles showed that Staphylococcus aureus was more sensitive to nanoparticles produced under 60 mT. Se-NPs produced by Alborzia kermanshahica cultured under a 60 mT magnetic field exhibit potent antimicrobial and anticancer properties, making them a promising natural agent for use in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries.

Modification of Some Structural and Functional Parameters of Living Culture of Arthrospira platensis as the Result of Selenium Nanoparticle Biosynthesis

Selenium nanoparticles are attracting the attention of researchers due to their multiple applications, including medicine. The biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles has become particularly important due to the environmentally friendly character of the process and special properties of the obtained particles. The possibility of performing the biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles via the living culture of Arthrospira platensis starting from sodium selenite was studied. The bioaccumulation capacity of the culture, along with changes in the main biochemical parameters of the biomass, the ultrastructural changes in the cells during biosynthesis and the change in the expression of some genes involved in stress response reactions were determined. Protein, lipid and polysaccharide fractions were obtained from the biomass grown in the presence of sodium selenite. The formation of selenium nanoparticles in the protein fraction was demonstrated. Thus, Arthrospira platensis culture can be considered a suitable matrix for the biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles.

Voyage of selenium from environment to life: Beneficial or toxic?

Selenium (Se), a naturally occurring metalloid, is an essential micronutrient for life as it is incorporated as selenocysteine in proteins. Although beneficial at low doses, Se is hazardous at high concentrations and poses a serious threat to various ecosystems. Due to this contrasting 'dual' nature, Se has garnered the attention of researchers wishing to unravel its puzzling properties. In this review, we describe the impact of selenium's journey from environment to diverse biological systems, with an emphasis on its chemical advantage. We describe the uneven distribution of Se and how this affects the bioavailability of this element, which, in turn, profoundly affects the habitat of a region. Once taken up, the subsequent incorporation of Se into proteins as selenocysteine and its antioxidant functions are detailed here. The causes of improved protein function due to the incorporation of redox-active Se atom (instead of S) are examined. Subsequently, the reasons for the deleterious effects of Se, which depend on its chemical form (organo-selenium or the inorganic forms) in different organisms are elaborated. Although Se is vital for the function of many antioxidant enzymes, how the pro-oxidant nature of Se can be potentially exploited in different therapies is highlighted. Furthermore, we succinctly explain how the presence of Se in biological systems offsets the toxic effects of heavy metal mercury. Finally, the different avenues of research that are fundamental to expand our understanding of selenium biology are suggested.

Cyanobacteria: miniature factories for green synthesis of metallic nanomaterials: a review

Nanotechnology is one of the most promising and advanced disciplines of science that deals with synthesis, characterization and applications of different types of Nanomaterials (NMs) viz. nanospheres, nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanorods, nanowires, nanocomposites, nanoalloys, carbon dots and quantum dots. These nanosized materials exhibit different physicochemical characteristics and act as a whole unit during its transport. The unique characteristics and vast applications of NMs in diverse fields viz. electronics, agriculture, biology and medicine have created huge demand of different type of NMs. Conventionally physical and chemical methods were adopted to manufacture NMs which are expensive and end up with hazardous by-products. Therefore, green synthesis exploiting biological resources viz. algae, bacteria, fungi and plants emerged as a better and promising alternative due to its cost effective and ecofriendly approach and referred as nanobiotechnology. Among various living organisms, cyanobacteria have proved one of the most favourable bioresources for NMs biosynthesis due to their survival in diverse econiches including metal and metalloid contaminated sites and capability to withstand high levels of metals. Biosynthesis of metallic NMs is accomplished through bioreduction of respective metal salts by various capping agents viz. alkaloids, pigments, polysaccharides, steroids, enzymes and peptides present in the biological systems. Advancement in the field of Nanobiotechnology has produced large number of diverse NMs from cyanobacteria which have been used as antimicrobial agents against Gram positive and negative human pathogens, anticancer agents, luminescent nanoprobes for imaging of cells, antifungal agents against plant pathogens, nanocatalyst and semiconductor quantum dots in industries and in bioremediation in toxic pollutant dyes. In the present communication, we have reviewed cyanobacteria mediated biosynthesis of NMs and their applications in various fields.

Tellurite and Selenite: how can these two oxyanions be chemically different yet so similar in the way they are transformed to their metal forms by bacteria?

This opinion review explores the microbiology of tellurite, TeO₃²⁻ and selenite, SeO₃²⁻ oxyanions, two similar Group 16 chalcogen elements, but with slightly different physicochemical properties that lead to intriguing biological differences. Selenium, Se, is a required trace element compared to tellurium, Te, which is not. Here, the challenges around understanding the uptake transport mechanisms of these anions, as reflected in the model organisms used by different groups, are described. This leads to a discussion around how these oxyanions are subsequently reduced to nanomaterials, which mechanistically, has controversies between ideas around the molecule chemistry, chemical reactions involving reduced glutathione and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production along with the bioenergetics at the membrane versus the cytoplasm. Of particular interest is the linkage of glutathione and thioredoxin chemistry from the cytoplasm through the membrane electron transport chain (ETC) system/quinones to the periplasm. Throughout the opinion review we identify open and unanswered questions about the microbial physiology under selenite and tellurite exposure. Thus, demonstrating how far we have come, yet the exciting research directions that are still possible. The review is written in a conversational manner from three long-term researchers in the field, through which to play homage to the late Professor Claudio Vásquez.

Biogenic synthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles and their applications with special reference to antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer and photocatalytic activity

Oxyanions of selenium, selenite (SeO₃)^2- and selenate (SeO₄)^2- are toxic to terrestrial and aquatic biota but few microorganisms including cyanobacteria are resistant to high levels of selenite. Cyanobacteria evade selenite toxicity through bioreduction and synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). In this study, extracellular biosynthesis of SeNPs (Se⁰) using cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 on exposure to sodium selenite and characterization was done by using UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM-EDX, TEM and FTIR analyses which confirmed spherical shape with size range of 5-50 nm diameter. These biogenic SeNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, these SeNPs showed high antioxidant activity at minimum concentration of 50 µg/mL and significant anti-proliferative activity against HeLa cell line with IC₅₀ value of 5.5 µg/mL. The SeNPs also induced accumulation of cancer cells in the sub-G1 phase which was clearly observed in cellular and nuclear morphology. These biofabricated SeNPs also reduced and decolorized toxic methylene blue dye significantly through photocatalytic degradation. Therefore Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 may be employed as a green bioresource to synthesize SeNPs with potential applications in medicine and environmental bioremediation.

Selenium uptake, volatilization, and transformation by the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and post-treatment of Se-laden biomass

With a narrow margin between beneficial and toxic effects, selenium (Se) is of great concern due to its increasing level in aquatic environments. The accumulation and transformation of Se by the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa and effects of nutrients, particularly sulfate, were investigated. The nutrient-deprived cyanobacterium removed water-borne selenate (82.2 ± 0.93%) faster than selenite (58.9 ± 1.77%), with 86.0 ± 1.41% and 77.2 ± 1.00%, respectively, of the Se accumulated in the biomass and the rest volatilized. When supplied with excess nutrients, the Se accumulation and volatilization rates were significantly inhibited, with the removal efficiency dropping to 50.2 ± 2.59% and 7.37 ± 0.93% for selenite and selenate, respectively. When M. aeruginosa was tested with inadequate, appropriate, and adequate levels of sulfate, Se uptake decreased with increasing sulfate concentrations, particularly for selenate (from 34.1 to 4.81%). Using X-ray absorption near-edge structure to speciate biomass Se, selenite and selenate were transformed to organo-Se (87.3-100%), with or without nutrients present, suggesting M. aeruginosa could efficiently reduce Se oxyanions to more bioavailable forms. With increasing sulfate levels (5.0 and 10.0 mg S/L), percentages of SeMet converted from selenite decreased by 28.2-33.0%, with 19.1-33.2% as elemental Se, while organo-Se remained dominant (93.6-95.1%) in selenate-treated M. aeruginosa. Transmission electron microscopy shows structural damage in the cell wall at exposure to selenite (1600 μg Se/L), with the intracellular structure intact. To prevent Se biomagnification along aquatic food chains, the Se-laden biomass was combusted as a post-treatment, leading to a significant reduction in Se content (∼99.2%) and Se bioavailability, with inorganic Se (45.0-70.5%) predominant in the residue.

Functional and mechanistic insights into the differential effect of the toxicant 'Se(IV)' in the cyanobacterium Anabaena PCC 7120

Selenium, an essential trace element for animals, poses a threat to all forms of life above a threshold concentration. The ubiquitously present cyanobacteria, a major photosynthetic biotic component of aquatic and other ecosystems, are excellent systems to study the effects of environmental toxicants. The molecular changes that led to beneficial or detrimental effects in response to different doses of selenium oxyanion Se(IV) were analyzed in the filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena PCC 7120. This organism showed no inhibition in growth up to 15 mg/L sodium selenite, but above this dose i.e. 20-100 mg/L of Se(IV), both growth and photosynthesis were substantially inhibited. Along with the increased accumulation of non-protein thiols, a consistent reduction in levels of ROS was observed at 10 mg/mL dose of Se(IV). High dose of Se(IV) (above 20 mg/L) enhanced endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS)/lipid peroxidation, and decreased photosynthetic capability. Treatment with 100 mg/L Se(IV) downregulated transcription of several photosynthesis pathways-related genes such as those encoding photosystem I and II proteins, phycobilisome rod-core linker protein, phycocyanobilin, phycoerythrocyanin-associated proteins etc. Interestingly, at a dose range of 10-15 mg/L Se(IV), Anabaena showed an increase in PSII photosynthetic yield and electron transport rate (at PSII), suggesting improved photosynthesis. Se was incorporated into the Anabaena cells, and Se-enriched thylakoid membranes showed higher redox conductivity than the thylakoid membranes from untreated cells. Overall, the data supports that modulation of photosynthetic machinery is one of the crucial mechanisms responsible for the dose-dependent contrasting effect of Se(IV) observed in Anabaena.

The synthesis of elemental selenium particles by Synechococcus leopoliensis

Exposure of Synechococcus leopoliensis to selenite in the light resulted in orange-colored granules associated with the cells. No such particles were made in dark grown cells or when selenite was replaced by selenate. Light and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the particles formed inside the cells. Furthermore, these were easily extracted and shown to be composed of selenium as determined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. During selenium particle synthesis there was a concurrent loss of organic pigments in the cyanobacteria. Cells also become heavier as they produced and accumulated particles which were on average 220 nm in diameter and generally spherical in shape. The decline in selenite concentration in the culture media can be accounted for by the formation of cellular elemental selenium (Se(0)) during particle formation, although synthesis of small amounts of other Se compounds cannot be entirely discounted. Photosynthetic activity is required for the formation of Se(0), implicating the involvement of thylakoids. It is possible that an intimate association between the nascent particles and the thylakoids occurred. However, Se(0) granule formation did not occur peripherally between the thylakoid and the cytoplasmic membranes, but inside the thylakoid bands towards the center of the cells. It then appears that the particles are mobilized to the periphery and expelled from the cells, causing irreparable damage to the cell walls.

Selenium cannot substitute for sulfur in cell density-independent bioluminescence in Vibrio fischeri

It has been proposed that selenium, an element chemically similar to sulfur, can participate in some of the same biological pathways as sulfur, although only a few studies have been confirmed this. In this study, we investigated the relationship between selenium and sulfur-dependent luminescence in Vibrio fischeri. The luminescence of V. fischeri was induced by the addition of sulfur-containing compounds such as Na₂SO₄ and L-cystine, and their luminescence was suppressed, in a dose-dependent manner, by the addition of the selenium-containing compounds Na₂SeO₄ and L-selenocystine. Since the viability of V. fischeri was not affected by the addition of low concentration of selenium-containing compounds, the decrease in luminescence intensity cannot be explained by cell death. Kinetic analysis performed using Lineweaver-Burk plots demonstrate that Na₂SeO₄ and L-selenocystine act as competitive suppressors in inorganic sulfur (Na₂SeO₄)-dependent luminescence. In contrast, these selenium-containing compounds act as uncompetitive suppressors in organic sulfur (L-cystine)-dependent luminescence.

Bioaccumulation and toxicity of selenium compounds in the green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda

BACKGROUND

Selenium is a trace element performing important biological functions in many organisms including humans. It usually affects organisms in a strictly dosage-dependent manner being essential at low and toxic at higher concentrations. The impact of selenium on mammalian and land plant cells has been quite extensively studied. Information about algal cells is rare despite of the fact that they could produce selenium enriched biomass for biotechnology purposes.

RESULTS

We studied the impact of selenium compounds on the green chlorococcal alga Scenedesmus quadricauda. Both the dose and chemical forms of Se were critical factors in the cellular response. Se toxicity increased in cultures grown under sulfur deficient conditions. We selected three strains of Scenedesmus quadricauda specifically resistant to high concentrations of inorganic selenium added as selenite (Na2SeO3) - strain SeIV, selenate (Na2SeO4) - strain SeVI or both - strain SeIV+VI. The total amount of Se and selenomethionine in biomass increased with increasing concentration of Se in the culturing media. The selenomethionine made up 30-40% of the total Se in biomass. In both the wild type and Se-resistant strains, the activity of thioredoxin reductase, increased rapidly in the presence of the form of selenium for which the given algal strain was not resistant.

CONCLUSION

The selenium effect on the green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda was not only dose dependent, but the chemical form of the element was also crucial. With sulfur deficiency, the selenium toxicity increases, indicating interference of Se with sulfur metabolism. The amount of selenium and SeMet in algal biomass was dependent on both the type of compound and its dose. The activity of thioredoxin reductase was affected by selenium treatment in dose-dependent and toxic-dependent manner. The findings implied that the increase in TR activity in algal cells was a stress response to selenium cytotoxicity. Our study provides a new insight into the impact of selenium on green algae, especially with regard to its toxicity and bioaccumulation.

Selenium toxicity to invertebrates: will proposed thresholds for toxicity to fish and birds also protect their prey?

Efforts to manage the environmental risks of selenium (Se) in freshwater ecosystems have focused primarily on fish and birds, with invertebrates most often considered only as dietary sources of Se to higher trophic levels. Relatively little attention has been given to the risk of Se toxicity to invertebrates. Based on a review of 156 aqueous, dietary, or internal Se concentrations associated with toxic effects in 29 macroinvertebrate species, we found that water concentrations associated with acute lethality varied > 1000-fold among taxa, whereas toxic dietary concentrations varied approximately 100-fold and toxic internal concentrations varied about 30-fold. Sublethal effects occurred at approximately 10-fold lower concentrations than lethality. Sublethal effects occurred at 1-30 microg Se/g dry weight in invertebrate tissue, a range that encompasses proposed dietary thresholds for toxicity to fish and water birds, suggesting that Se may cause toxic effects in some invertebrate species at concentrations considered to be "safe" for the organisms consuming them.