Biogenesis, characterization, and applications of Spirulina selenium nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine
• Materials Science

Background:

• Phyco-synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) is gaining traction due to their safety, biodegradability, and nutritional value compared to other metal nanoparticles.
• Spirulina platensis is a preferred microalgae for SeNPs synthesis due to its stabilizing compounds, making the nanoparticles suitable for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To biosynthesize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Spirulina platensis.
• To characterize the synthesized SP-SeNPs.
• To evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticoagulant, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory activities of SP-SeNPs.

Main Methods:

• Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were biosynthesized using Spirulina platensis.
• Characterization included size, charge, and surface functional groups.
• In vitro assays were performed to assess antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, H2O2), antibacterial, antibiofilm, antifungal, anticoagulant (PT, aPTT), anti-cancer (MCF-7, SKOV-3), and anti-inflammatory (Nitric oxide) activities.

Main Results:

• SP-SeNPs were spherical, crystalline (65 nm, -16.7 mV), and stabilized by active groups.
• Demonstrated significant antioxidant activity (79.234% DPPH scavenging, IC50 values for ABTS and H2O2).
• Exhibited potent antibacterial (MBC 286-333 µg/ml), antibiofilm (up to 78.8%), antifungal (MIC 350 µg/ml, MFCs 480-950 µg/ml), anticoagulant (extended PT and aPTT), anti-cancer (reduced viability of MCF-7 and SKOV-3 cells), and anti-inflammatory effects (reduced nitric oxide).

Conclusions:

• SP-SeNPs synthesized using Spirulina platensis exhibit promising antimicrobial, anti-tumor, anticoagulant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• These findings highlight the potential of SP-SeNPs as a versatile therapeutic agent for medical applications.