Synthesis, characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by aminated yeast glucan

Improving the dispersed stability of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) is the key to its application. In this study, yeast glucan with different degrees of amination (BNs) were used as stabilizers and capping agent to prepare dispersed SeNPs. The size, storage stability, and morphology of BNs/SeNPs were characterized. Results show that BNs/SeNPs presented positive potential and spherical morphologies with average particle size about 100-300 nm and kept stable at room temperature for a long time. The CCK-8 assay showed that BNs/SeNPs had significantly lower toxicity to RAW264.7 cells than SeNPs. Moreover, BNs/SeNPs could inhibit the generation of NO, IL-13 and IL-6 effectively in RAW 264.7 macrophages induced by LPS, and down-regulate the mRNA transcription of iNOS, IL-13, IL-6 and chemokines (CCL2 and CCL5), indicating that BNs/SeNPs had good anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, aminated yeast glucan could improve the stability and bioactivity of SeNPs simultaneously, which is a promising stabilizer for SeNPs.