• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.34 no.11
• /
• pp.3362-3366
• /
• 2013

A simple and quick separation technique for selenite in natural water was developed using $TiO_2$@$SiO_2/Fe_3O_4$ nanoparticles. For the synthesis of nanoparticles, a polymer-assisted sol-gel method using hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) was developed to control particle dispersion in the synthetic procedure. In addition, titanium butoxide (TBT) precursor, instead of the typical titanium tetra isopropoxide, was used for the formation of the $TiO_2$ shell. The synthesized nanoparticles were used to separate selenite ($Se^{4+}$) in the presence of $Se^{6+}$ or selenium anions for the photocatalytic reduction to $Se^0$ atom on the $TiO_2$ shell, followed by magnetic separation using $Fe_3O_4$ nanoparticles. The reduction efficiency of the photocatalytic reaction was 81.4% at a UV power of 6W for 3 h with a dark adsorption of 17.5% to the nanoparticles, as determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The developed separation method can be used for the speciation and preconcentration of selenium cations in environmental and biological analysis.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.34 no.6
• /
• pp.1328-1339
• /
• 2024

Cadmium (Cd) is a prevalent environmental contaminant that poses a potential hazard to the health of both humans and animals. In this study, biosynthesized selenium-enriched Lactobacillus plantarum and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were developed and evaluated for their protective effects against Cd-induced hepatic injury in mice through oral administration for 4 weeks. Cadmium exposure resulted in severe impairment of liver function, as evidenced by increased levels of serum markers of liver injury and, oxidative stress and significant damage to liver tissue, and a notable decrease in the diversity of the intestinal microbiota. Oral administration of Se-enriched L. plantarum (LS) reduced cadmium accumulation in the liver by 49.5% and, restored other cadmium-induced damage markers to normal levels. A comparison of the effects with those of L. plantarum (L) and SeNPs isolated from LS revealed that LS could more effectively alleviate hepatic oxidative stress and reduce the intrahepatic inflammatory responses of the liver, further protecting against cadmium-induced liver injury. These findings suggest that the development of LS may be effective at protecting the liver and intestinal tract from cadmium-induced damage.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.51 no.1
• /
• pp.20-27
• /
• 2024

Objective: While sperm freezing (cryopreservation) is an effective method for preserving fertility, it can potentially harm the structure and function of sperm due to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to assess the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and selenium oxide nanoparticles (SeONPs) on various sperm functional parameters, including motility, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), acrosome membrane integrity (ACi), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Methods: Semen samples were collected from 20 Albino Wistar rats. These samples were then divided into six groups: fresh, cryopreservation control, and groups supplemented with SeONPs (1, 2, 5 ㎍/mL) and ZnONPs (0.1, 1, 10 ㎍/mL). Results: Statistical analysis revealed that all concentrations of SeONPs increased total motility and progressive reduction of MDA levels compared to the cryopreservation control group (p<0.05). However, supplementation with ZnONPs did not affect these parameters (p>0.05). Conversely, supplements of 1 and 2 ㎍/mL SeONPs and 1 ㎍/mL ZnONPs contributed to the improvement of PMI and ACi (p<0.05). Yet, no significant change was observed in MMP with any concentration of SeONPs and ZnONPs compared to the cryopreservation control group (p>0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that optimal concentrations of SeONPs may enhance sperm parameters during the freezing process.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
• /
• v.56 no.4
• /
• pp.538-551
• /
• 2023

Exposure to environmental pollutants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄) causes liver damage. This study aimed to compare the ameliorative activity of the dates flesh extract (DFE) and selenium-nanoparticles (SeNPs) on CCL₄-induced hepatotoxicity and if DFE could be a useful alternative supplement. Twenty-four male albino rats were enrolled and randomly divided into four equal groups (6 rats in each group): control group received only basal diet with no medications. Group II received CCL₄ in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection twice weekly for four weeks. Group III rats were pretreated with SeNPs in a dose of 2.5 mg/kg once a day orally three times/wk for four weeks alone then combined with the previously described dose of CCL₄ for another four weeks. Group IV rats were pretreated with DFE in a dose of 8 ml of the aqueous extract/kg/d orally for four weeks alone then combined with the previously described dose of CCL₄ for another four weeks. The liver damage was assessed by estimation of plasma concentration of albumin and enzymes activities of alanine aminotransferase and tissue genes expression. Liver oxidation levels were assessed by measuring the tissue concentration of the malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and the total glutathione. Additionally, inflammatory mediators tumour necrosis factor--α and interleukin-6 were estimated. Detecting the liver's cellular structural damage was done by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. This study suggests that CCL₄-induced liver damage in rats can be protected by administration whether the costly SeNPs or the economical DFE.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.304-312
• /
• 2023

Purpose: Due to the many problems with commercially available vaccines, the production of effective vaccines against brucellosis is a necessity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune responses caused by the chimeric protein consisting of trigger factor, Bp26, and Omp31 (TBO) along with aluminum hydroxide (AH/TBO) and selenium (Se/TBO) nanoparticles (NPs) as adjuvants in mouse model. Materials and Methods: Recombinant antigen expression was induced in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) bacteria using IPTG (isopropyl-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside). Purification and characterization of recombinant protein was conducted through NiFe₃O₄ NPs, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and Western blot. NP characteristics, including morphology and particle size, were measured in vitro. The recombinant TBO was loaded on to AH and Se NPs and were administered subcutaneously. After mice immunization, measurement of antibody titter and protection assay was performed. Results: The average sizes of AH and Se NPs were about 60 nm and 150 nm, respectively. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that the serum of mice immunized by subcutaneous injection with both nanovaccines produced significant immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses against the chimeric antigen. The results of TBO-specific IgG isotype (IgG2a/IgG1) analysis showed that both AH and Se NPs induced a type to T-helper immune response. In addition, the results of the challenge with the pathogenic strain of Brucella melitensis 16M showed that vaccinated mice with AH/TBO NPs indicated a higher reduction of bacterial culture than immunized mice with Se/TBO NPs and TBO alone. Conclusion: The results showed that AH NPs carrying chimeric antigen can be a promising vaccine candidate against brucellosis by producing protective immunity.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
• /
• v.16 no.11
• /
• pp.663-667
• /
• 2006

CTAB(cetyltrimethylammonium bromide)-capped CdSe nanoparticles were prepared by using a 4 : 1(v/v) distilled water-isopropyl alcohol mixture. The cadmium chloride and sodium selenosulfate were used as the cadmium and selenium source. By the analysis of XRD and XPS, the resultant particle was confirmed to be cubic CdSe phase. TEM image showed CdSe nanoparticles with empty core. The CTAB-capped sample showed an maximum absorption at 418nm, blue-shifting compared with bulk CdSe, which indicated stronger quantum confinement effect compared with uncapped sample. From FT-IR analysis, it was found that the presence of the new peaks in the $850{\sim}1250cm^{-1}$ range indicated the existence of chemical bonding between CTAB and surface of CdSe nanoparticles. Also TG analysis indicated that there were two weight-loss steps for the CTAB-capped CdSe nanoparticles. It was suggested that CTAB played a significant role in protecting CdSe nanoparticles.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.198-202
• /
• 2006

Cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles with the diameter of about 3.4nm have been synthesized from the mixed aqueous solution of distilled water and diethanolamine at room temperature. The cadmium chloride ($CdCl_2$), sodium selenosulfate ($Na_2SeSO_3$) were used as the cadmium and selenium source, respectively. The properties of CdSe nanoparticles were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis measurements. CdSe nanoparticles were analyzed to be cubic phase with the absorption excition peaks between 540 and 600 nm. CdSe nanoparticles also showed red-shifted excition peaks with increasing the sonication time. This paper mainly presents the sonication effects on the formation of CdSe nanoparticles prepared from the mixed aqueous solution of distilled water and diethanolamine.

• 한국신재생에너지학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 2009.11a
• /
• pp.396-396
• /
• 2009

Chalcopyrite semiconductor $CuInSe_2$ nanoparticles were prepared using a low temperature colloidal route by reacting the starting materials (CuI, $InI_3$ and $Na_2Se$) in solvents. After synthesised $CuInSe_2$ nanoparticles precursors were mixed with organic binder for the viscosity of the precursor slurry to be suitable for the doctor blade method. The mixture of $CuInSe_2$ and binder was deposited onto molybdenum-coated sodalime glass substrates to form thin film. The precursor thin films were preheated on the hot plate to remove remaining solvents and binder material. After subsequent thermal processing of the thin film under a selenium ambient, $CuInSe_2$ absorber layer with grain size significantly lager than that of the nanoparticles was formed.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.129-137
• /
• 2015

The study aims at quantifying the effect of nano technology in the fields of economics and social aspects by using the methodology of system dynamics. A case study which using selenium oxide nanoparticles as additive agent in order to enhance fuel efficiency was selected as an example of nano technology in economic and societal benefits. Additionally, models for exhaust gas from combustion of fuel (diesel) and related issues are developed to evaluate real-time assessment of the effect of nano technology. It was found that the selenium oxide nanoparticles increase fuel efficiency, and it also affects on the amount of exhaust gas and the respiratory disease related issues. The results of this study which give quantitative value for the effect of nano technology can be used as objective references in development of national policy.

• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2003.11a
• /
• pp.231-231
• /
• 2003

I-III-Ⅵ족 CuInGaSe$_2$(CIGS)계 화합물 태양전지는 1 eV 이상의 직접 천이형 에너지 밴드갭을 가지며, 전기 광학적으로 매우 안정하여 태양전지의 광흡수층으로 매우 이상적이다. CIGS 광흡수층제조를 위하여 용매열법 (solvothermal method)으로 CIGS나노입자를 합성하였다. 용매열법은 진공장비를 사용하던 기존의 방법에 비해 저온, 저압에서 저가로 합성할 수 있다는 장점을 가지고 있다. Copper, indium selenium 및 gallium 분말과 유기용매 ethylenediarnine을 autoclave안에서 반응시켜 CIGS 나노입자를 제조하였다. 280 에서 14시간동안 반응시켜 직경이 30-80 nm인 구형에 가까운 CIGS 나노입자를 얻었다. 이것은 용매열법에 의한 4성분계의 CIGS 나노입자의 최초 합성이다. diehyleneamine을 용매로 사용한 경우에 한하여 구형의 CIS 입자를 합성할 수 있다고 보고되었으나, Cu와 이중 N-chelation이 형성되는 ethylenediamine 용매임에도 불구하고 구형의 CIGS 나노분말이 형성된 것은 solution-liquid-solid (SLS) 기구로 설명할 수 있었다. HRSEM, TEM, XRD. EDS으로 나노분말의 형상 크기 및 조성을 조사하여 chalcopyrite 구조의 CuInGaSe$_2$ 임을 확인하였다.