Enhanced uranium sequestration through selenite-modified nano-chitosan loaded with melatonin: Facilitating U(IV)...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Uranium (U) and its uranyl (U(VI)) form pose significant human health risks due to combined chemotoxicity and radiotoxicity.
• Uranyl's high absorptivity and nephrotoxicity necessitate effective sequestration and detoxification strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel nanomaterial for enhanced uranium adsorption and detoxification.
• To investigate the mechanism of uranium conversion and removal using selenium-modified nano-chitosan.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of nano-chitosan loaded with melatonin and modified with selenite (NPs Cs-Se/MEL).
• Evaluation of U(VI) to U(IV) conversion and adsorption capacity of NPs Cs-Se/MEL.
• In vitro studies on cellular delivery and in vivo assessment of uranium distribution and excretion in animal models.

Main Results:

• NPs Cs-Se/MEL enhanced U(VI) to U(IV) conversion and U(VI) adsorption compared to unmodified samples.
• Selenite modification improved nanoparticle delivery to kidney cells and distribution.
• Significant reduction in uranium deposition in serum (up to 52.02%), kidneys (up to 46.79%), and femurs (up to 71.04%) was observed.
• NPs Cs-Se/MEL efficiently facilitated uranium excretion via kidneys into urine.

Conclusions:

• Selenium-containing nanomaterials, specifically NPs Cs-Se/MEL, offer a novel and effective mechanism for uranium adsorption and detoxification.
• This approach shows potential for managing uranium contamination and mitigating its toxic effects.