Effects of dietary selenium nanoparticles and pennyroyal essential oil on growth performance, immune-biochemical and antioxidant parameters and disease resistance in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

Chitosan and dialdehyde starch as macromolecular platforms for sulfa azo dye/selenium nanocomposites: Synthesis, molecular modelling, and dual DNA gyrase-DHFR inhibition.

Opportunities and Challenges with Microbial Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles and its Applications in Agriculture

Synthesis or preparation, physicochemical characterization, and H460 cell inhibition of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by Marsdenia tenacissima residue polysaccharide.

Background: Ionizing radiation induces oxidative damage in biological tissues, particularly in sensitive organs such as the testes. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), known for their antioxidant properties, may help mitigate this damage. Objective: This study investigated the protective effects of SeNPs against X-ray-induced testicular damage in rats. Materials and Methods: This integrated and Monte Carlo simulation experimental study involved 42 male Wistar rats (8–10 wk, 200–250 gr), randomly assigned to 7 groups (n = 6/each). One group served as the control, while the others were exposed to 35 kilovolts X-rays at varying doses. In half of the irradiated groups, SeNPs (5 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally before irradiation. Biological evaluations included weight gain, testicular weight, sperm quality, histological examination, and measurements of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI). A Geant4-DNA simulation assessed hydroxyl radical production and G-values across different SeNP concentrations during radiation’s chemical stage. Results: SeNPs treatment improved biological outcomes compared with untreated irradiated rats. Sperm count increased by 7–55% (p < 0.010), motility by 2–7% (p < 0.050), and abnormal sperm frequency decreased by 6–18% (p < 0.010). TAC increased by 2.5–15% (p < 0.050), while TOS and OSI decreased (p < 0.010). Histological analysis showed preserved seminiferous tubules and reduced tissue damage. Testicular weight imbalance was reduced by 50%. Simulations showed 82–93% reduction in hydroxyl radical G-values with SeNPs. Conclusion: SeNPs significantly mitigated X-ray-induced oxidative and structural testicular damage in rats.

Effects of supplementing with Nigella sativa meal and selenium nano-particles on growth performance, immunity, microbial count, oxidative stability, and intestinal integrity-related gene expression in heat-stressed growing rabbits.

Seed germination and early seedling establishment are critical determinants of crop yield stability under salinity and drought stress conditions. Nanomaterial-assisted seed priming (nano-priming) has emerged as a promising approach to enhance stress tolerance by leveraging the unique physicochemical properties of nanoscale materials. This review synthesizes evidence from 2014–2025 on the application of diverse nanomaterials including metal oxides (ZnO, TiO₂, CeO₂, CuO), selenium nanoparticles, nano-silica, chitosan nanoparticles, carbon-based nanomaterials, and composite systems—for seed priming under abiotic stress. We examine reported agronomic outcomes, mechanistic insights involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, antioxidant enzyme induction, hormone modulation, and ion homeostasis, alongside dose-response relationships. Comparative studies demonstrate that nanoparticulate forms exhibit different toxicity profiles than bulk or ionic forms (Du et al., 2019; García-Gómez et al., 2018). Phytotoxicity assessments reveal material- and crop-specific thresholds, with CuO and ZnO inducing phytotoxicity through metal speciation changes in wheat (Dimkpa et al., 2012). Genotoxicity concerns exist at high concentrations (Panda et al., 2011). and toxicity thresholds. Critical knowledge gaps are identified in standardized characterization protocols, environmental fate assessment, long-term ecological impacts, and socioeconomic feasibility. While laboratory and controlled studies consistently demonstrate germination enhancement and stress mitigation at optimal doses, field-scale validation, regulatory frameworks, and comprehensive risk assessments remain underdeveloped. This review provides concrete recommendations for methodological standardization, multi-site field trials, fate-tracking studies, and stakeholder engagement to facilitate safe and effective translation of nano-priming technologies from laboratory to agricultural practice.

Nanobiotechnology is increasingly used to control viral diseases such as COVID-19, with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and their composite with chitosan (CS) gaining attention for their broad bioactivity and potential as antiviral agents, but challenges related to synthesis methods, cytotoxicity, and mechanistic understanding remain. In this study, we report a novel, green biosynthesis of SeNPs using Limosilactobacillus fermentum, followed by functionalization with chitosan to produce Se/CS nanocomposites with enhanced antiviral performance against SARS-CoV-2. L. fermentum was used to biosynthesize SeNPs, providing a rapid, safe, and environmentally friendly approach. The production process was optimized by testing different parameters such as concentrations of Na2SeO3, temperature, ratios between cell-free bacterial metabolites and Na2SeO3, and pH. UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, Zeta potential, and TEM studies confirmed the successful synthesis of Se/CS NC, with a distinctive peak at 266nm. FT-IR also showed that proteins were present as capping and stabilizing agents in Se/CS NC. Se/CS NC has a high zeta potential with a negative net surface charge of - 21.84 ± 4.7 mV, giving Se/CS NC great stability. Se/CS NC had an average particle size of 38.19nm and exhibited a crystalline morphology. Biological assays in SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero E6 cells revealed that SeNPs alone displayed dose-dependent cytotoxicity, reducing cell viability above 125µg/ml. In contrast, Se/CS NC maintained over 96% cell viability at all tested concentrations and demonstrated potent antiviral activity, achieving over 95% inhibition of viral replication at concentrations ≥ 250µg/ml. Studies identified virucidal action as the primary antiviral mechanism, with 47.4% inhibition at 500µg/ml. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first experimental evidence that green-synthesized Se/CS NC produced by L. fermentum can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2, highlighting their potential as a safe, eco-friendly antiviral candidate for future COVID-19 therapies and pharmaceutical applications. This demonstrates a direct application of nanotechnology in combating COVID-19 by suppressing viral replication and maintaining host cell viability.

Protective role of selenium versus selenium nanoparticles on vancomycin-induced gonadotoxicity of adult albino rats : A histological and immunohistochemical study.

Multimodal Assessment of Combined Selenium Nanoparticles, PRP, and Post-Conditioning Therapy for Testicular IRI in Rats

Small angle X-ray scattering reveals phase transition in sodium oleate-cysteine systems for optimized selenium nanoparticles synthesis.

Computational network pharmacology and bioassays to unveil the antidiabetic mechanism of Mukia maderasapatana-mediated selenium nanoparticles.

In this study, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were synthesized using polysaccharides extracted from blueberry pomace (BP) as a stabilizing agent. BP was characterized as an acidic polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 5.4 × 105 Da. The resulting BP-SeNPs were monodisperse spheres with an average size of 94.33 nm, as confirmed by TEM, DLS, FT-IR, XRD, and EDX analyses. Compared to SeNPs, BP-SeNPs demonstrated superior stability under varying conditions of storage time, temperature, pH, and ionic strength. Furthermore, in vitro evaluation using AAPH-induced rabbit erythrocytes revealed that BP-SeNPs offered enhanced protection against hemolysis. This protective effect was attributed to their ability to significantly bolster antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) and preserve membrane integrity by maintaining ATPase function and sialic acid content. These results establish BP as an effective stabilizer for SeNPs and suggest the promising potential of BP-SeNPs as antioxidant agents in functional food or nutraceutical applications.

IntroductionMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder with multifactorial origins involving oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, and HPA axis dysfunction. Conventional treatments are often limited by side effects and suboptimal efficacy, confirming the need for alternative therapies. This study investigates the antidepressant-like and neuroprotective potential of selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized using epigallocatechin gallate (SeNPs-EGCG) in a rat model of depression induced by chronic mild stress.MethodsSix groups of seven rats each were used in a model of depression caused by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS): control, depressed, depressed treated with escitalopram, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), and biosynthesised selenium nanoparticles capped with EGCG (SeNPs-EGCG). For 21 days, oral treatments were given. The open field test (OFT) and sucrose preference test (SPT) were used to measure depression-like behaviour. Oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic proteins, monoamine neurotransmitters, corticosterone, BDNF, GFAP, and histopathological alterations were examined in prefrontal cortex tissue and serum.ResultsBehavioral assays demonstrated that SeNPs-EGCG significantly reversed depression-like behaviors, evidenced by increased sucrose preference and grooming frequency in the SeNPs-EGCG-treated group compared to the depressed group. Biochemically, SeNPs-EGCG restored antioxidant defense by increasing GSH, SOD, and CAT levels, while reducing lipid peroxidation to near-normal levels. Neuroinflammatory markers such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and NF-κB were markedly downregulated in the SeNPs-EGCG group. Molecular results also showed a slowing down of proapoptotic signals (Bax and Caspase-3) and upregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and neurotrophic factor BDNF. Importantly, SeNPs-EGCG modulated key monoamines, increasing serotonin and DA levels. Compared to both EGCG and sodium selenite controls, SeNPs-EGCG demonstrated superior efficacy, comparable to the standard antidepressant escitalopram. ConclusionThe results underscore the multi-targeted mechanism of SeNPs-EGCG and suggest its promising role as a novel nano-based therapeutic strategy for depression.

Targeting Biofilms With Nanotechnology: A Comparative Study of Silver and Selenium Nanoparticles

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), a highly promising candidate as a nutrient fortificant and food additive, face challenges in stability and biosafety. These limitations hinder their application in the food industry. In this study, Ganoderma lucidum melanin (GLM) was utilized as a natural stabilizer. Three distinct types of GLM-stabilized SeNPs, termed GLM-SeNPs (S-GLM, D-GLM, and A-GLM), were subsequently synthesized via an ascorbic acid reduction method. The results showed that the prepared nanoparticles exhibited uniform particle size (55–75 nm) and good dispersibility. Among them, S-GLM possessed the highest selenium content (2598.90 mg/kg) and demonstrated the best stability. GLM-SeNPs significantly downregulated (p < 0.05) the mRNA expression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and upregulated (p < 0.05) the mRNA expression of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. A potential mechanism underlying this effect may be the suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, GLM-SeNPs exhibited potent inhibitory effects against common foodborne pathogens. This study explores a potential novel strategy for the high-value utilization of natural functional components in food systems. These preliminary findings suggest GLM-SeNPs may have application potential in areas like functional beverages and food preservation. Further research is warranted to validate their feasibility in real food systems.

Selenium-curcumin conjugated nanoparticles (curconSeNPs) were synthesized using an ascorbic acid-mediated reduction method to enhance the biofunctional stability of selenium and curcumin nanoforms. Selenium, an essential antioxidant micronutrient, attains improved bioavailability and reduced reactivity at the nanoscale, and its conjugation with curcumin further strengthens these advantages. The synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs), and curconSeNPs were characterized for size distribution, morphology, elemental composition, surface charge, and functional groups. Conjugation reduced the hydrodynamic particle size from 71nm (SeNPs) to 54nm, while the optical band gap decreased from 2.13eV to 1.61eV, indicating altered electronic properties. SEM, TEM, and SAED analyses confirmed spherical nanoparticles with a rhombohedral crystal structure, and EDAX revealed clear signatures of selenium and oxygen. The lattice fringe spacing measured 5nm for SeNPs and 10nm for curconSeNPs. FTIR spectra verified the presence of curcumin and selenium functional groups, and SAED revealed additional biofunctional groups associated with the conjugate. CurconSeNPs exhibited enhanced colloidal stability, with a zeta potential of -35.6 mV compared with - 33 mV for SeNPs and - 12.3 mV for CurNPs. Acute oral toxicity studies in Wistar rats demonstrated a wide safety margin for all formulations, indicating their suitability for future biotherapeutic and nutraceutical applications.

Cyclophosphamide (CP), a chemotherapeutic agent, has been shown to inhibit spermatogenesis. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic benefits of quercetin‑loaded nanoselenium (quercetin‑loaded selenium nanoparticles [SeNPs]) in mice treated with CP. Thirty‑five adult male mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n=7 per group): control, quercetin‑loaded SeNPs (20 mg/kg, daily for 5 weeks), CP (200 mg/kg, single dose), treatment A (CP+quercetin‑loaded SeNPs), and treatment B (CP+quercetin, 20 mg/kg daily for 5 weeks). Sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation index, catalase activity, levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated in all groups, along with histological assessments of testicular tissue. In CP‑treated mice, administration of quercetin‑loaded SeNPs (treatment A) significantly improved sperm parameters, including total count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity. Treatment also markedly increased the numbers of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, spermatids, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells in testicular tissue. Furthermore, treatment with quercetin‑loaded SeNPs resulted in a significant increase in catalase activity and GSH levels while significantly reducing GSSG, MDA, and ROS levels in CP‑induced testicular damage. These findings suggest that quercetin‑loaded SeNPs enhance spermatogenesis in a CP‑induced mouse model by improving the antioxidant profile and testicular stereological parameters.

Gelatin-tannic acid microspheres encapsulated with amorphous selenium and zinc phosphate nanoparticles for promotion of large wound healing.

Antibacterial profiling of selenium nanoparticles synthesized from Crinum species.