On Assessment of Potential Hazards of Selenium Nanoparticles at Different Levels of Organization of Living Things: A Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: The spread of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) increases risks of environmental pollution and human exposure, either accidental or following a targeted use of the products known to contain them, making the assessment of potential hazards of Se NPs particularly relevant. Objective: To examine published data for subsequent assessment of potential hazards of selenium nanoparticles as a risk factor in both occupational and environmental settings at different levels of organization of living things. Materials and methods: We have analyzed the results of studies published in 2001–2022 in English and Russian languages and found in PubMed, Google Scholar, eLibrary, CyberLeninka, and Scopus databases using the following keywords: selenium nanoparticles, toxicity, cytotoxicity, pathology, hazard, and risk. Forty-five original research articles were considered eligible for inclusion in the review out of more than 100 papers screened for information of interest. Results: We have noted that health benefits of using Se NPs are discussed more frequently than their adverse effects. Yet, the ability of Se NPs to generate free radicals, exhibit a cytotoxic effect on tumor cells, and interact with proteins, although without changes in their secondary structure, has been established. Some authors also report acute and subacute toxicity of Se NPs observed, inter alia, in warm-blooded animals, as well as their accumulation in agricultural plants. Conclusion: Additional in-depth studies of physicochemical, toxicological, and hygienic characteristics of selenium nanoparticles are necessary to specify the extent of their potential hazard for living things.