Exploring cytotoxicity and molecular-level responses to green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles in Vicia faba

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are widely used in biomedical and commercial applications due to their remarkable biological activities and cytotoxic properties. In this study, Streptomyces albidoflavus SH90, isolated from a ferric mine, was used to biosynthesize SeNPs from sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃). The synthesized SeNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed spherical SeNPs with a mean diameter of approximately 100 nm. SeNP production was optimized using the Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and Central Composite Design (CCD). The cytological effects and chromosomal alterations induced by SeNPs were evaluated in Vicia faba. All applied concentrations of SeNPs increased the mitotic index (MI), phase index (PI), and the frequency of different types of chromosomal aberrations observed during both interphase (non-dividing cells) and mitotic stages after 24 h of exposure. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed protein polymorphism among V. faba samples treated with five different SeNPs concentrations, with 13 protein bands detected having molecular weights ranging from 15 to 197 kDa. Polymorphism information content (PIC) analysis showed that the SCoT marker system (PIC = 0.63) was more informative than the ISSR marker system (PIC = 0.18). Furthermore, both ISSR and SCoT analyses revealed greater genetic variation and significant genetic differentiation among the SeNP-treated V. faba samples compared to the control.