Plasmonic Selenium Nanoparticles Biosynthesized from Crataegus monogyna Fruit Extract: A Novel Approach to Mitigating Chromium-Induced Toxicity

The growing presence of hazardous pollutants like chromium (Cr) poses a critical risk to environmental and human health, primarily due to industrial activities. This study addresses the urgent need for protective strategies against chromium-induced toxicity by evaluating the effectiveness of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles using Crataegus monogyna fruit extract (Se@CMFE NPs). The synthesized Se@CMFE NPs were thoroughly characterized through UV-Vis, DLS, TEM, and FT-IR analyses, revealing a significant surface plasmon resonance peak at 263 nm. To assess their protective efficacy, we conducted experiments involving four distinct groups: control (received PBS), chromium-induced acute tubular necrosis (received single dose of 15 mg/kg chromium), chromium-induced acute tubular necrosis (ATN) treated with Se@CMFE NPs (received single dose of 15 mg/kg of chromium at the first day and then 2 mg/kg Se@CMFE NPs for 5 days), and Se@CMFE NPs alone (received only 2 mg/kg Se@CMFE NPs for 5 days). Comprehensive evaluations through biochemical assays, histopathological studies, and nuclear medicine scans demonstrated remarkable results. Notably, nuclear medicine scans showed a significant difference in chromium uptake between the chromium-induced ATN kidneys (left, 7; right, 8.3) and those treated with Se@CMFE NPs (left, 20; right, 13.5). Histopathological analysis revealed a substantial reduction in the adverse effects commonly associated with chromium-induced ATN in the Se@CMFE NPs-treated group. Furthermore, biochemical assays indicated a troubling increase in serum uric acid levels in the chromium-induced ATN group, contrasted by a significant decrease in the Se@CMFE NP-treated cohort. These findings highlight the exceptional protective capacity of Se@CMFE NPs against the harmful effects of chromium contamination, offering a promising avenue for mitigating environmental and health risks.