Green-Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Show Promise in Cancer Therapy

Researchers at Cairo University have developed a novel method for synthesizing selenium nanoparticles using plant extracts, which shows potential for targeted cancer therapy. The study, published in Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics, found that the nanoparticles demonstrated improved biocompatibility and structural integrity when incorporated into an alginate/casein hydrogel. This approach enables controlled release mechanisms and enhances the therapeutic index, paving the way for safer applications.

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers at Cairo University successfully synthesized selenium nanoparticles using a green method with plant extracts as reducing agents, aiming to reduce toxicity and enhance biocompatibility.
• The selenium-loaded alginate/casein hydrogel (Se-Loaded Alg/Cas NPs) showed improved structural integrity and stability of the nanoparticles, facilitating functionalization with complementary therapeutic agents.
• Characterization of the nanoparticles revealed uniform spherical morphology, distinct crystalline structure, and uniform size of 18 +/- 2 nm.
• Zeta potential assessments indicated negative surface charges, with values of-21.4 +/- 3.2 mV for SeNPs and-62.3 +/- 10.4 mV for Se-Loaded Alg/Cas NPs.
• In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed that the hydrogel showed significant activity (IC50 of 4.90 mu g/ml) against the colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT116).
• The study demonstrated the potential of Se-Loaded Alg/Cas NPs combined with near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation for targeted cancer therapy, inhibiting cell proliferation and demonstrating potential for controlled drug delivery.

Statistics:

• The average size of the SeNPs was 18 +/- 2 nm.
• The zeta potential values for SeNPs and Se-Loaded Alg/Cas NPs were -21.4 +/- 3.2 mV and -62.3 +/- 10.4 mV, respectively.
• The IC50 value of the hydrogel against the HCT116 cell line was 4.90 mu g/ml.
• The study demonstrated the potential of Se-Loaded Alg/Cas NPs in combination with NIR laser irradiation for targeted cancer therapy.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Studies from Cairo University Update Current Data on Nanoparticles (Green-synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Incorporated In Alginate/casein Hydrogel for Targeted Cancer Therapy: Enhancing Therapeutic Index and Reducing Toxicity). Biotech Week. October 15, 2025; p 1676.
• Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics. Green-synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Incorporated In Alginate/casein Hydrogel for Targeted Cancer Therapy: Enhancing Therapeutic Index and Reducing Toxicity. 2025.