Previous studies of green synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) showed their unique properties such as antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to use traditional Zambian medicinal herbs (Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera Gliricidia sepium, Cissus quadrangularis, Aloe barbadensis, Kigelia Africana, and Bobgunnia madagascariensis) to synthesize SeNPs and examine their potential to enhance the endogenous antioxidant system of model eukaryote. For SeNP characterization, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,and absorbance spectra were used. Their minimal inhibitory concentration was investigated on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The antioxidant potential of SeNPs was examined on Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae). Cell viability, total antioxidant capacity, and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were evaluated. SeNPs did not show antimicrobial activity against E. coli, only mild activity against S. aureus. Experimental data suggested that SeNPs didn´t inhibit Saccharomyces cerevisiae growth while plant extracts and sodium selenite had an inhibitory effect. All tested plant extracts and SeNPs resulted in a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity compared to the control. Catalase activity significantly increased only in treatments with plant extracts or sodium selenite alone. Glutathione peroxidase activity remained the same for all studied SeNPs and plant extracts. These findings provide evidence of a complex influence of SeNPs or plant extracts on the cellular antioxidant system in S. cerevisiae. From the point of view of overall effectiveness, Azadirachta indica, Moringa oleifera, Aloe barbadensis, and Cissus quadrangularis SeNPs are promising, green-synthetized nanoparticles for combating oxidative stress in living organisms.

• MeSH
• Anti-Infective Agents * pharmacology   chemistry   MeSH
• Antioxidants * pharmacology   chemistry   MeSH
• Escherichia coli drug effects   MeSH
• Metal Nanoparticles * chemistry   MeSH
• Plants, Medicinal * chemistry   MeSH
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
• Nanoparticles * chemistry   MeSH
• Plant Extracts chemistry   pharmacology   MeSH
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae drug effects   growth & development   MeSH
• Selenium * chemistry   pharmacology   MeSH
• Staphylococcus aureus drug effects   MeSH
• Superoxide Dismutase metabolism   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Anti-Infective Agents * MeSH
• Antioxidants * MeSH
• Plant Extracts MeSH
• Selenium * MeSH
• Superoxide Dismutase MeSH

Selenium is an essential trace element that exists in inorganic forms (selenite and selenates) and organic forms (selenoamino acids, seleno peptides, and selenoproteins). Selenium is known to aid in the function of the immune system for populations where human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is endemic, as studies suggest that a lack of selenium is associated with a higher risk of mortality among those with HIV. In a recent study conducted in Zambia, adults had a median plasma selenium concentration of 0.27 μmol/L (IQR 0.14-0.43). Concentrations consistent with deficiency (<0.63 μmol/L) were found in 83% of adults. With these results, it can be clearly seen that selenium levels in Southern Africa should be investigated to ensure the good health of both livestock and humans. The recommended selenium dietary requirement of most domesticated livestock is 0.3 mg Se/kg, and in humans above 19 years, anRDA (recommended daily allowance) of 55 mcg Se/per dayisis recommended, but most of the research findings of Southern African countries have recorded low levels. With research findings showing alarming low levels of selenium in soils, humans, and raw feed materials in Southern Africa, further research will be vital in answering questions on how best to improve the selenium status of Southern African soils and plants for livestock and humans to attain sufficient quantities.

• Keywords
• Southern Africa, biofortification, feed, food, humans, livestock, nutrition, selenium,
• MeSH
• Livestock MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• HIV Infections * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Soil MeSH
• Selenium * MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Geographicals
• Africa, Southern MeSH
• Zambia MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Soil MeSH
• Selenium * MeSH

Selenium is an essential compound which can influence the fertility of boars by a greater margin. In past decades, research was mainly focused on a bioavailability of various selenium forms and the effect on semen quality. Recently, nanotechnology has expanded the possibilities of selenium supplementation research. Twenty-one Duroc boars (three groups with seven boars each) were included in this experiment with the first group being a control group with no selenium supplementation, and the second group being supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg of selenium in inorganic form of Na2SeO3. The third group was supplemented with selenium nanoparticles (100 nm) at the same dose as that of the second group. The experiment lasted for 126 days (three spermatogenesis cycles of boars) and the antioxidant parameters of boar semen were analysed at 42, 84 and 126 days, respectively. The antioxidant parameters (DPPH, FRAP, DMPD, GSH, GSSG) were not influenced by both Se2NO3 and selenium nanoparticle supplementation during this experiment. At the end of the monitored period, significantly higher (p < 0.004) antioxidant readings were observed by using the ABTS method but not the DPPH, DMPD and FRAP methods on the supplemented groups compared to the control. Moreover, selenium-nanoparticle-supplemented groups showed elevated glutathione peroxidase activity in the seminal fluid (p < 0.008). However, the selenium nanoparticle supplementation has not shown an improving effect on sperm quality. This could be considered as a safe alternative to inorganic selenium as well as having a potential to enhance the antioxidant properties of the semen of boars.

• Keywords
• antioxidants, boars, nanoparticles, selenium, semen,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

In a biological system, nanoparticles (NPs) may interact with biomolecules. Specifically, the adsorption of proteins on the nanoparticle surface may influence both the nanoparticles' and proteins' overall bio-reactivity. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the biocompatibility and risk of exposure to nanomaterials is limited. Here, in vitro and ex ovo biocompatibility of naturally based crosslinked freeze-dried 3D porous collagen/chitosan scaffolds, modified with thermostable fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2-STAB®), to enhance healing and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) to provide antibacterial activity, were evaluated. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity were tested in vitro using normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) with scaffolds and SeNPs and FGF2-STAB® solutions. Metabolic activity assays indicated an antagonistic effect of SeNPs and FGF2-STAB® at high concentrations of SeNPs. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of SeNPs for NHDF was 18.9 µg/ml and IC80 was 5.6 µg/ml. The angiogenic properties of the scaffolds were monitored ex ovo using a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and the cytotoxicity of SeNPs over IC80 value was confirmed. Furthermore, the positive effect of FGF2-STAB® at very low concentrations (0.01 µg/ml) on NHDF metabolic activity was observed. Based on detailed in vitro testing, the optimal concentrations of additives in the scaffolds were determined, specifically 1 µg/ml of FGF2-STAB® and 1 µg/ml of SeNPs. The scaffolds were further subjected to antimicrobial tests, where an increase in selenium concentration in the collagen/chitosan scaffolds increased the antibacterial activity. This work highlights the antimicrobial ability and biocompatibility of newly developed crosslinked collagen/chitosan scaffolds involving FGF2-STAB® and SeNPs. Moreover, we suggest that these sponges could be used as scaffolds for growing cells in systems with low mechanical loading in tissue engineering, especially in dermis replacement, where neovascularization is a crucial parameter for successful skin regeneration. Due to their antimicrobial properties, these scaffolds are also highly promising for tissue replacement requiring the prevention of infection.

• Keywords
• 3D porous scaffold, Chitosan, Collagen, Fibroblast growth factor 2, Selenium nanoparticles,
• MeSH
• Anti-Bacterial Agents MeSH
• Biocompatible Materials pharmacology   MeSH
• Cell Line MeSH
• Chitosan pharmacology   MeSH
• Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 pharmacology   MeSH
• Fibroblasts drug effects   MeSH
• Wound Healing MeSH
• Collagen pharmacology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Nanoparticles chemistry   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Porosity MeSH
• Selenium chemistry   pharmacology   MeSH
• Materials Testing MeSH
• Tissue Engineering methods   MeSH
• Tissue Scaffolds * MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Anti-Bacterial Agents MeSH
• Biocompatible Materials MeSH
• Chitosan MeSH
• Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 MeSH
• Collagen MeSH
• Selenium MeSH

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are fast becoming a key instrument in several applications such as medicine or nutrition. Questions have been raised about the safety of their use. Male rats were fed for 28 days on a monodiet containing 0.5, 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 mg Se/kg. Se content in blood and liver, liver panel tests, blood glucose, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were analysed. Liver and duodenum were subjected to histopathology examination. The weight gain of rats showed no differences between tested groups. Se content in blood was higher in all treated groups compared to the control group. The liver concentration of Se in the treated groups varied in the range from 222 to 238 ng/g. No differences were observed in the activity of AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and TAS (total antioxidant status). A significant decrease in ALT activity compared to the control group was observed in the treated groups. GPx activity varied from 80 to 88 U/mL through tested groups. SOD activity in liver was decreased in the SeNP-treated group with 5 mg Se/kg (929 ± 103 U/mL). Histopathological examination showed damage to the liver parenchyma and intestinal epithelium in a dose-dependent manner. This study suggests that short-term SeNP supplementation can be safe and beneficial in Se deficiency or specific treatment.

• Keywords
• diet, glucose, glutathione peroxidase, growth performance, histopathology, liver enzymes, nanotoxicity, superoxide dismutase,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain filamentous fungi. The occurrence of mycotoxins in food and feed causes negative health impacts on both humans and animals. Clay binders, yeast cell walls, or antioxidant additives are the most widely used products for mycotoxin elimination to reduce their impact. Although conventional methods are constantly improving, current research trends are looking for innovative solutions. Nanotechnology approaches seem to be a promising, effective, and low-cost way to minimize the health effects of mycotoxins. This review aims to shed light on the critical knowledge gap in mycotoxin elimination by nanotechnology. There are three main strategies: mold inhibition, mycotoxin adsorption, and reducing the toxic effect via nanoparticles. One of the most promising methods is the use of carbon-based nanomaterials. Graphene has been shown to have a huge surface and high binding capacity for mycotoxins. Attention has also been drawn to polymeric nanoparticles; they could substitute adsorbents or enclose any substance, which would improve the health status of the organism. In light of these findings, this review gives new insights into possible future research that might overcome challenges associated with nanotechnology utilization for mycotoxin elimination from agricultural products.

• Keywords
• agriculture, mycotoxin, nanoparticles, nanotechnology, toxicity,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

BACKGROUND: Selenium is an essential element; however, at higher doses, it can be toxic. Therefore, alternative nanotechnological solutions are required to overcome toxicological issues, rather than conventional alternatives. Nanoparticles show new and promising properties that may be able to suppress toxicity while maintaining the positive effects of selenium on an organism. The aim of the experiment was to determine the influence of sodium selenite and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on the antioxidant status of rats. METHODS: The males of the outbreed rat strain Wistar albino were selected as a model organism. Animals were fed different forms of selenium. The control group was given a mixture without selenium addition, whereas other groups were fed a mixture containing sodium selenite, Se-49, and Se-100 SeNPs respectively. The duration of the trial was 30 days. RESULTS: Analysis of blood and liver was performed where the concentration of reduced (GSH) and oxidised (GSSG) glutathione, and total selenium content were measured. In the liver, a significant reduction in GSSG was found for all experiment groups. Blood samples showed a significant reduction in GSH and an increase in GSSG. DISCUSSION: These results show that SeNPs may be an alternative to dietary selenium for animal organisms.

• Keywords
• Animal nutrition, Antioxidant, Glutathione, Rat, Selenium nanoparticles,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH