Selenium nanoparticles-loaded chitosan/citrate complex and its protection against oxidative stress in d-galactose-induced aging mice

Abstract

BackgroundSelenium (Se) is an indispensable trace element required for animals and humans, and extra Se-supplement is necessary, especially for those having Se deficiency. Recently, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), as a special form of Se supplement, have attracted worldwide attention due to their distinguished properties and excellent bioactivities. In this present study, an eco-friendly and economic way to prepare stable SeNPs was introduced. SeNPs were synthesized in the presence of chitosan (CTS) and then embedded into chitosan/citrate gel, generating selenium nanoparticles-loaded chitosan/citrate complex (SeNPs-C/C). Additionally, the clinical potential of SeNPs-C/C was evaluated by using d-galactose (d-gal)-induced aging mice model.ResultsSeNPs in high uniform with an average diameter of around 50 nm were synthesized in the presence of chitosan, and reversible ionic gelation between chitosan and citrate was utilized to load SeNPs. Subsphaeroidal SeNPs-C/C microspheres of 1–30 μm were obtained by spay-drying. Single SeNPs were physically separated and embedded inside SeNPs-C/C microparticles, with excellent stability and acceptable release. Acute fetal test showed SeNPs-C/C was safer than selenite, with a median lethal dose (LD50) of approximately 4-fold to 11-fold of that of selenite. Oral administration of SeNPs-C/C remarkably retarded the oxidative stress of d-gal in Kunming mice by enhancing the activity of antioxidase, as evidenced by its significant protection of the growth, liver, Se retention and antioxidant bio-markers of mice against d-gal.ConclusionsThe design of SeNPs-C/C opens a new path for oral delivery of SeNPs with excellent stability, energy-conservation and environment-friendliness. SeNPs-C/C, as a novel supplement of Se, could be further developed to defend the aging process induced by d-gal.

Antioxidant Capacity and Hepatoprotective Role of Chitosan-Stabilized Selenium Nanoparticles in Concanavalin A-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

“…CS-SeNPs were synthesized in the presence of CS, as described in previous studies [15,16]. A CS-SeNPs colloid was obtained with the final concentrations of Se, CS, and VC of 4 mM, 0.1% (w/w), and 16 mM, respectively.…”

“…After that, a purified CS-SeNPs colloid was obtained, and the content of CS-SeNPs was measured by lyophilizing the colloid. The size distribution, morphological characteristics, and zeta-potential of SeNPs were also investigated as previously described [15,16]. In addition, part of the purified CS-SeNPs were added to another stock of acetic acid solution containing CS, and then the mixture was spray-dried to acquire a dried CS-SeNPs powder, as reported in our previous studies [15,16].…”

“…The size distribution, morphological characteristics, and zeta-potential of SeNPs were also investigated as previously described [15,16]. In addition, part of the purified CS-SeNPs were added to another stock of acetic acid solution containing CS, and then the mixture was spray-dried to acquire a dried CS-SeNPs powder, as reported in our previous studies [15,16]. Se content was determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) [22].…”

“…Se in the liver blood was determined by ICP-MS assay, as previously described [15,16]. Briefly, the sample was mixed with HNO 3 and H 2 O 2 , and the mixture was digested in a microwave device (JK-MDA-23, Shanghai, China).…”

“…Many polysaccharides, such as chitosan, alginate, gum arabic, and sialic acid, have been used to synthesize and stabilize SeNPs, and SeNPs of various shapes have been obtained [15,16,[30][31][32][33]. These polysaccharides are able to control the synthesis, morphological characteristics, and structure of SeNPs and might also stabilize the nanoparticles.…”