Selenium Nanoparticles: Cut-edge Therapeutic Entity

Abstract

Selenium is a significant trace microelement responsible for detoxification and supporting the health of human beings. Selenium is consumed as a part of dietary supplements where in it has a very narrow margin for its physiological role and the toxic effects produced. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNP) have proven significant as a chemoprotective agent in treatment of the neurodegenerative conditions, diabetes, and antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity. The present review briefs the requirement of selenium and its various methods of preparation. Further emphasizing on the application of SeNP for the treatment of various disease conditions. A literature search on Science Direct, Pubmed, and Google Scholar, was done and the recent articles regarding the preparation of Selenium NP by chemical and biological techniques including microbial conversions and using plant extracts along with physical conversions were studied. Further diversified applications were looked for where SeNP can exhibit antioxidant properties as Se is an innate member of the antioxidant system. Summarizing the review on SeNP has been more exciting as Se as an element is known as trace element but phytofabricated and biogenic preparations of SeNP having low toxicity with synergistic effects. Toxicity studies indicate the safety of SeNP as compared to selenium oxide and itsinorganic salts, however in-depth study and species-to-species variation must be understoodto formulate the SeNP in the appropriate dosage form. Various techniques have been studied for the preparation of SeleniumNanoparticles and havethe potential for application in the treatment of various lifethreateningdiseases and metabolic disorders, infectious conditions. The synergistic effect of Se and the plants or microorganisms known for their medicinal application reduces the toxicity of the selenium nanoparticles when compared within organic salts. Further extensive studies on the epidemiology regarding the variation in serum level of Se and its administration as a supplement or therapeutic purpose can be a cut-edge treatment for life-threatening conditions.