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Synthesis, characterization, and anticancer activity of protamine sulfate stabilized selenium nanoparticles
Wanwen Chen1, Xiaojiao Li2, Hao Cheng3
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
Protamine sulfate functionalized selenium nanoparticles (PS-SeNPs) show enhanced stability and cellular uptake. These novel nanoparticles exhibit potent anti-proliferative effects on HepG2 cells, indicating their potential as nutraceuticals.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomaterials Science
- Nutraceuticals
Background:
- Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are promising nutraceuticals but suffer from poor stability and low cellular uptake.
- Developing enhanced SeNPs is crucial for their effective application in health and nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize protamine sulfate (PS) functionalized selenium nanoparticles (PS-SeNPs).
- To evaluate the enhanced stability, cellular uptake, and anti-proliferative activity of PS-SeNPs.
- To explore the potential of PS-SeNPs as functional ingredients in foods and nutraceuticals.
Main Methods:
- Facile synthesis of PS-SeNPs using protamine sulfate as a surface decorator.
- Characterization of PS-SeNPs for size, ζ-potential, and stability under various conditions (pH, temperature, storage).
- Assessment of cellular uptake efficiency via endocytosis and evaluation of anti-proliferative effects on HepG2 cells, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization.
Main Results:
- Monodisperse spherical PS-SeNPs (130 nm, +31 mV) were successfully synthesized, exhibiting excellent physical stability.
- PS-SeNPs demonstrated a 3-fold increase in cellular uptake efficiency compared to bare SeNPs.
- PS-SeNPs significantly inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation (IC50 = 5.507 μg/mL) compared to SeNPs (IC50 = 17.675 μg/mL), inducing apoptosis and S phase arrest.
Conclusions:
- PS-SeNPs offer improved stability and enhanced cellular uptake compared to bare SeNPs.
- PS-SeNPs exhibit significant anti-cancer properties, making them promising for therapeutic applications.
- The study highlights the potential of PS-SeNPs as a functional ingredient in the food and nutraceutical industries.
