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Application of Selenium Nanoparticles in Localized Drug Targeting for Cancer Therapy
Dipak Nath1, Loveleen Kaur1, Harvinder Singh Sohal1
1Medicinal and Natural Product Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Chandigarh University, Gharuan-140413, Mohali, Punjab, India.
Background:
Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have gained a place in the biomedical field; they serve as chemotherapeutic agents for targeted drug delivery due to their capacity to exert distinct mechanisms of action on cancer and normal cells. The principle behind these mechanisms is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which accelerates apoptosis via the dysfunction of various pathways. SeNPs, when used in higher concentrations, induce toxicity; however, conjugation and surface functionalization are some techniques available to ameliorate their toxic nature as well as enhance their anticancer activity.
Objectives:
The primary goal of this analysis is to provide a thorough and systematic investigation into the use of various SeNPs in localized drug targeting for cancer therapy. This has been achieved by citing examples of numerous SeNPs and their use as a drug targeting agent for cancer therapy.
Methods:
All relevant data and information about the various SeNPs for drug targeting in cancer therapy were gathered from various databases, including Science Direct, PubMed, Taylor and Francis imprints, American Chemical Society, Springer, Royal Society of Chemistry, and Google Scholar.
Results:
SeNPs are explored due to their better biopharmaceutical properties and cytostatic behavior. Se, as an essential component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and other seleno-chemical substances, might boost chemotherapeutic efficacy and protect tissues from cellular damage caused by ROS. SeNPs have the potential to set the stage for developing new strategies to treat malignancy.
Conclusion:
This review extensively analyzed the anticancer efficacy and functionalization strategies of SeNPs in drug delivery to cancer cells. In addition, this review highlights the mechanism of action of drug-loaded SeNPs to suppress the proliferation of cancer cells in different cell lines.
Insights
Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) show promise in cancer therapy by targeting drug delivery and inducing cancer cell death. Functionalization enhances their anticancer activity and reduces toxicity, offering new strategies for malignancy treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are utilized in biomedicine for targeted cancer therapy.
- SeNPs induce cancer cell apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
- Surface functionalization can enhance anticancer efficacy and mitigate SeNP toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the application of various SeNPs in localized cancer drug targeting.
- To provide examples of SeNPs used as drug-targeting agents in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search across major scientific databases (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar).
- Analysis of data on SeNPs for drug targeting in cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- SeNPs exhibit favorable biopharmaceutical properties and cytostatic behavior.
- Selenium's role in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) may enhance chemotherapy and protect against ROS.
- SeNPs present potential for novel anti-cancer strategies.
Conclusions:
- The review analyzed SeNP anticancer efficacy and functionalization for drug delivery.
- Mechanisms of action for drug-loaded SeNPs in suppressing cancer cell proliferation were highlighted.
