Selenium Nanoparticles Based on <i>Morinda officinalis</i> Polysaccharides: Characterization, Anti-Cancer Activities, and Immune-Enhancing Activities Evaluation In Vitro

Abstract

Recently, selenium nanoparticles have been drawing attention worldwide, and it is crucial to increase the stability of nano-Se. Morinda officinalis polysaccharides (MOP) are the main active component in Morinda officinalis radix. However, their low activity has limited their application. A novel selenium nanoparticle (Se-MOP) was prepared to solve these problems using MOP as a dispersant. The zeta potential was measured to evaluate the stability, and UV and ATR-FTIR were used to investigate the binding type of selenium and MOP. The morphology was observed by the TEM method. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect on five selected cancer cells (HepG2, MCF-7, AGS, PC9, and HCT8) was evaluated, showing remarkable inhibition of all five cancer cells. The mechanism of inhibition was also investigated by cell circle assay, and it was found that Se-MOP could induce cell circle G0/G1 phase arrest. Immune-enhancing activities were evaluated by measuring the proliferation and cytokines of mouse spleen lymphocytes in vitro and quantitative RT-PCR. The results indicated that single stimulation of Se-MOP and synergistic stimulation with PHA or LPS increased immune capacity and improved immune by increasing the expression of cytokines.

Keywords

• selenium nanoparticles
• <i>Morinda officinalis</i> polysaccharides
• anti-cancer activities
• immune enhancement