Selenized Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells are used as a nutritional supplement for humans and animals since they contain large amounts of selenomethionine. Although it has been discussed less frequently, they also have a considerable quantity of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NP). Se-NP were generated inside cells after 48 h of incubation with sodium selenite; these nanoparticles were shown to have a spherical morphology, with an estimated size of 20-30 nm, and were mainly made up of Se. The type of Se-NP produced inside the cells depends on the new protein synthesis. They are amorphous, and are generated regardless of the presence of light or oxygen. After its intracellular generation, Se-NP move to the extracellular compartment, without compromising membrane integrity in aerobic conditions. The release of Se-NP from cells was time dependent.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.