Radiolytic synthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles: comparative biosafety evaluation with selenite and ionizing radiation

Abstract

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were synthesized by irradiating a solution containing sodium selenite (Se +4 ) as the precursor in YPG liquid medium with gamma-rays. Spherical particles were formed after reactions of sodium selenite with hydrated electrons (e aq -) and hydrogen radicals (H • ) produced following water radiolysis. No hazardous reducing agents were employed. The obtained nanoparticles were morphologically characterized, and their physicochemical and structural parameters were analyzed.SeNPs characterization showed all selenium in the Se 0 state. We incubated Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells with the SeNPs for 24 h and then challenged the cells with ionizing radiation. After radiation exposure, cells were assessed for cell viability, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, free radical generation, and total sulfhydryl content. The synthesized SeNPs were considered safe and less toxic at the concentration employed than the same selenite concentration. Except for the protein carbonylation results, there were no other signi cant modi cations in viability or the oxidative stress parameters in SeNP-treated cells. It was concluded that 1 mM of the synthesized SeNPs does not trigger oxidative stress. Furthermore, we veri ed that SeNPs attenuate the reactive oxygen species generation after in vitro ionizing radiation exposure. These observations open up tremendous possibilities for radiosensitizer development. HighlightsSynthesis of selenium nanoparticles with gamma irradiation and sodium selenite Generation of spherical, amorphous, and zero-valent selenium nanoparticlesIn vitro nanoparticle treatment reduces reactive oxygen species after irradiation Selenium nanoparticles are safe, nontoxic, not provoking oxidative stress in vitro Selenium nanoparticles as possible platform for radiosensitizers development

A Recent Update on the Impact of Nano-Selenium on Plant Growth, Metabolism, and Stress Tolerance

“…These results showed that applying SeO 3 2 ⁻ at an enhanced level (20 mg L −1 ) had negative impacts on the growth of B. napus , while applying 20 mg L −1 Se-NPs caused a dose-dependent increase in chlorophyll content [ 81 ]. Se treatment increased SOD and glutathione reductase (GR) activity in the rice plant under Cd toxicity stress conditions because lipid peroxidation was reduced [ 82 ]. Se treatment elevated CAT and POD activity ROS, antioxidant enzymes, and isozymes of rice plants [ 83 ].…”

Radioprotective Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles: A Mini Review

“…Chemical methods, such as reduction and solvothermal synthesis, can generate SeNPs with different shapes and sizes, but they may use toxic reagents and produce harmful byproducts. Biological methods, such as using microorganisms, plants, and biomolecules, can create SeNPs with environmentally friendly and economical approaches, but they may have low yield and stability issues [ 37 – 39 ].…”

Allotropy of selenium nanoparticles: Colourful transition, synthesis, and biotechnological applications

“…Another type of radiation that could be involved in SeNP synthesis is the Gamma rays. Pereira et al ( 2022 ) were able to produce amorphous Se nanospheres (100–220 nm) through Gamma irradiation (25 kGy dose) over sodium selenite as precursor in YPG (Yeast‐Peptone‐Galactose) broth. Although it is a promising method, the high danger of gamma rays is well known.…”