Chitosan coated selenium: A versatile nano-delivery system for molecular cargoes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Conventional delivery methods face limitations for genetic materials and hydrophobic compounds.
• There is a need for advanced nano-enabled delivery platforms.
• Chitosan-functionalized selenium nanoparticles (SeNP) offer a potential solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the one-step synthesis of chitosan-functionalized selenium nanoparticles (SeNP).
• To demonstrate SeNP's versatility as a nanodelivery platform for diverse active ingredients.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility and efficacy of SeNP for enhanced delivery.

Main Methods:

• One-step hydrothermal synthesis of selenium nanoparticles functionalized with chitosan.
• Loading of genetic material, a hydrophobic small molecule, and an antibiotic onto SeNP.
• In vitro antimicrobial studies with Penicillin G and confocal microscopy for cellular uptake.
• Characterization of surface charge modification and biocompatibility.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of chitosan-functionalized SeNP with modified surface charge for active ingredient loading.
• Demonstrated effective loading of genetic material, hydrophobic compounds, and antibiotics.
• No detrimental effect on the inherent properties of loaded active ingredients.
• Reduced minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Penicillin G from 32 to 16 ppm.
• Confirmed intracellular delivery and trackability in macrophage cell lines (J774A.1).

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-functionalized SeNP represent a versatile nanodelivery platform.
• SeNP exhibit good biocompatibility and enhance the efficacy of active ingredients.
• Potential applications in both biomedical and agricultural fields.