Evaluation of spICP-MS for sizing SeNPs internalized by rice plants and localization of the Se accumulated by LA-ICP-MS

• Grant number: 22/04254-6
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): November 21, 2022
• Effective date (End): August 20, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal researcher: Bruno Lemos Batista
• Grantee: Bruna Moreira Freire
• Supervisor abroad: Martin Resano Ezcaray
• Home Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 20/00284-2 - Evaluation of the use of selenium nanoparticles for biofortification of rice grains, BP.DR

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for humans. However, about 1 billion people around the word have a Se deficient diet. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have recently attracted attention because they combine the benefits of Se and lower toxicity when compared to other chemical forms of this element. The biofortification of food crops with SeNPs may be a good alternative to enhance the Se intake. Among food crops, rice is a staple food for more than half of the world's population. Considering the widespread production and consumption of rice around the world and the prevalence of Se deficiency, biofortification may be a viable alternative to increase Se content in rice and reduce Se deficiency. However, understanding the uptake, transport, and transformation of NPs in plants is critical in biofortification studies because it represents a potential pathway for human consumption. In this sense, when studying nanoparticles-plant interactions, it is important to use analytical methodologies to obtain information about nanoparticles uptake mechanisms, bio-transformations, and their spatial distribution in plant tissues. The aim of this project is to develop and apply a multimethod approach for detection, characterization and bioimaging of SeNPs in rice tissues using single particle ICP-MS (spICP-MS) and laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS). (AU)