Preparation, Structure, Stability, Bioactivities, and Application of Polysaccharide Selenium Nanoparticles

Selenium, an essential trace element for humans, plays a critical role in maintaining physiological homeostasis; its deficiency has been associated with the onset of various pathological conditions. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), the new selenium form, exhibit low toxicity and high bioactivity; nevertheless, bare SeNPs may easily aggregate and lose activity. Polysaccharides, as natural macromolecular compounds with various bioactivities, are considered ideal modifiers and stabilizers for SeNPs. This review summarizes the preparation methodologies employed in the fabrication of polysaccharide SeNPs, encompassing chemical reduction and biological synthesis. Subsequently, the structural characteristics and physicochemical stability profiles are critically analyzed. Furthermore, the biological functionalities, including antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities, are comprehensively described, alongside their prospective industrial utility in food science, agricultural application, and pharmaceutical formulation. Finally, current research limitations are discussed, and future development directions are proposed, aiming to offer theoretical references and directions for developing polysaccharide SeNPs.