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Selenium Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications: From Development and Characterization to Therapeutics.
Cláudio Ferro1,2, Helena F Florindo2, Hélder A Santos1,3
1Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|June 14, 2021
Summary
Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient, but high doses cause toxicity. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) offer a safer, biocompatible alternative for targeted drug delivery, particularly in cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Nanotechnology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Selenium (Se) is vital for human health, forming selenoproteins.
- Excessive Se intake leads to toxicity due to its narrow therapeutic window.
- Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) exhibit lower toxicity and enhanced biocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Se intake, its biological role, and biomedical applications.
- To focus on SeNP applications in cancer therapy.
- To discuss SeNP functionalization for targeted drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on Selenium's role and applications.
- Analysis of SeNP properties and toxicity profiles.
- Exploration of SeNP functionalization strategies for cancer treatment.
Main Results:
- SeNPs demonstrate reduced toxicity compared to conventional Se compounds.
- Functionalized SeNPs enable targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads.
- SeNPs show promise in enhancing cancer therapy efficacy by targeting tumor sites.
Conclusions:
- SeNPs represent a promising nanomaterial for biomedical applications, especially in oncology.
- Functionalization of SeNPs is key to improving stability and targeted drug delivery.
- SeNPs offer a safer and more effective approach to Se-based therapeutics.
