Selenium Oxide Nanoparticles as a Novel Drug Delivery System: Synthesis, Biological Properties, Therapeutic Applications, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Due to their distinctive physicochemical features, high surface to volume ratio, variable surface chemistry and versatile biological functions, selenium oxide nanoparticles (SeO2 NPs) have recently gained much interest as novel drug carriers and therapeutics. This mini-review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements regarding the synthesis, biological properties, applications in therapy, drawbacks and future perspectives of SeO2 NPs. Different methods for the synthesis of SeO2 NPs such as physical, chemical and biological approaches are elaborated upon along with their pros and cons and effect on the morphological features and biological performance of these nanoparticles. Moreover, the mechanisms associated with the antioxidative, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions of SeO2 NPs such as regulation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis induction, modulation of the signaling pathways and targeted action towards diseased cells are explored in detail. Furthermore, the possible utilization of SeO2 NPs as potential drug carriers, tissue engineering, biosensoring, diagnostic imaging and environmental nanomaterials is highlighted. Nevertheless, certain drawbacks still exist that may hamper their clinical applicability, including dose dependent toxicity, lack of sufficient safety information, physicochemical instability, variability in the synthesis process, poor targeting efficacy, regulatory issues and lack of clinical trials. Future research should prioritize the development of standardized and scalable synthesis protocols, advanced surface functionalization strategies, stimulus-responsive and targeted delivery systems, comprehensive pharmacokinetic and toxicological investigations, and well-designed clinical trials. Overall, selenium oxide nanoparticles represent a versatile and innovative nanoplatform with significant potential to advance precision medicine and nanotherapeutics, provided that the existing scientific, manufacturing, and regulatory challenges are effectively addressed.