Abstract Bone fractures remain a significant clinical challenge, with current treatments often facing limitations. This study investigated the potential of ulvan-mediated biogenic selenium nanoparticles (Ulvan-SeNPs) to enhance bone fracture healing through osteoinductive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant mechanisms. A standardized mid-diaphyseal femoral fracture was induced in a rat model. Rats were orally administered Ulvan, Na 2 SeO 3 , or Ulvan-SeNPs. Fracture healing was assessed using radiographic, biochemical (inflammatory markers: NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α, CRP; antioxidant enzymes; bone turnover markers: ALP, osteocalcin, CTX-II), and histological analyses (PCNA, TGF-β expression, tissue organization). Radiographic data indicated superior healing in the Ulvan-SeNPs group, characterized by near-complete fracture line obliteration, substantial callus development, and significant remodeling. Biochemically, the Ulvan-SeNPs group exhibited a significant decrease in inflammatory indicators and an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities and bone turnover markers. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses further supported these findings, revealing significant PCNA and TGF-β expression, minimal fibrous tissue, well-organized new trabecular bone, and robust endochondral ossification in the Ulvan-SeNPs group. These findings demonstrate that the Ulvan-SeNPs conjugate significantly promote bone regeneration by stimulating cellular proliferation and osteogenesis, enhancing antioxidant defence, and modulating inflammatory responses. This suggests Ulvan-SeNPs as a promising therapeutic agent for bone fracture repair.
Mekkawy et al. (2026) studied this question.