Simulated Gastrointestinal Fluids Impact the Stability of Polymer-Functionalized Selenium Nanoparticles:...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient vital for human health.
• Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) offer enhanced bioavailability over conventional Se forms.
• SeNPs hold significant promise for addressing Se deficiency through biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of gastrointestinal proteins on the stability and physicochemical properties of polymer-coated SeNPs.
• To understand the interactions between major gastrointestinal proteins and functionalized SeNPs.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of SeNPs (thiolated chitosan or hyaluronic acid) via composition, morphology, size, and zeta potential.
• Evaluation of SeNP stability in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids.
• Investigation of protein-SeNP interactions using FTIR, fluorescence quenching, and adsorption measurements.

Main Results:

• Media composition, polymer chemistry, and protein presence influenced SeNP size and zeta potential, indicating protein corona formation.
• Pepsin and pancreatin exhibited strong affinity for SeNP surfaces, with higher affinity for positively charged thiolated chitosan SeNPs.
• Polymer-coated SeNPs retained antioxidative potential, beneficial for Se-deficiency-related conditions.

Conclusions:

• Understanding polymer-functionalized SeNP behavior in the gastrointestinal tract is critical.
• These findings are essential for designing SeNP-based nutritional supplements for improved Se absorption, bioavailability, and safety.