Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial evaluation of selenium nanoparticles functionalized with curcumin and aloe-emodin under light and ultrasound activation

• Grant number: 24/21335-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics
• Principal Investigator: Lilia Coronato Courrol
• Grantee: Geovanna Noleto Barnabé
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The growing antimicrobial resistance is a global health crisis that demands advanced and personalized solutions. This project proposes an innovative approach, combining selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with the photosensitizers curcumin and aloe-emodin, to develop highly effective photodynamic and sonodynamic therapies against resistant microorganisms. This synergistic combination aims to exploit the unique properties of each component, optimizing antimicrobial activity and minimizing toxicity, with the goal of providing more effective and safe treatments for patients. SeNPs will be produced by photoreduction and characterized through various techniques, including UV-Vis and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Antimicrobial activity will be evaluated in cultures of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteria will be exposed to the nanoparticles under different irradiation conditions, using LEDs at 460 and 590 nm (100 mW) and a 660 nm diode laser (150 mW) for PDT, and a 1 MHz, 1 W/cm2 ultrasound transducer for SDT. Variables such as incubation time, exposure time, and fluence will be optimized to determine the most effective conditions for bacterial inactivation. It is expected that selenium nanoparticles, coated with curcumin and aloe-emodin, will demonstrate high antimicrobial activity. The synergistic combination of these substances, associated with photodynamic and sonodynamic therapies, should promote the penetration of nanoparticles into the bacterial cell and release photosensitizers inside the cell. The subsequent activation of photosensitizers by light or ultrasound will produce reactive oxygen species, inducing oxidative damage and, consequently, bacterial cell death. Artificial intelligence will be used to optimize the design, production, and application of nanoparticles, enabling the creation of more effective and personalized treatments.