Selenium nanoparticles: a review on synthesis and biomedical applications

Selenium is a trace and essential micronutrient for the health of humans, animals, and microorganisms. Recently, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) attracted the interest of many researchers due to their biocompatibility, bioavailability, and low toxicity. Therefore, due to their higher bioactivity selenium nanoparticles are largely being used in various biomedical applications. Generally, selenium nanoparticles can be synthesized by physical, chemical, and biological methods. However, the biologically synthesized SeNPs demonstrate greater compatibility with human organs and tissues. The effect of size, shape, and the method employed for their synthesis on their applications in biological systems has been explored by many researchers. This review discusses various synthesis methods employed for their preparation and highlights their applications in the biomedical field such as in the treatment of fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections, cancer, and diabetes. They can also act as chemopreventive agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and antioxidants.