Study on preparation of selenium nanoparticles stabilised in water-soluble β-glucan by gamma Co-60 irradiation

Abstract

The colloidal solutions of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) stabilised in water-soluble β-glucan were successfully prepared by the gamma ray (Co-60) irradiation method. The saturation dose for complete reduction of solutions contained 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 ppm Se⁴⁺ were determined at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 kGy, respectively. The structural characteristic and particle size were analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and Dynamic light scattering (DLS). The obtained results showed that the increase of β-glucan concentration from 1 to 4% or pH of sample from 5 to 10 caused a slight change of particle size but strongly affected the particle size distribution in the product. The particle size of the product was almost unchanged after 60 days stored at 0 and 4^oC conditions, but a slight increase was observed in the sample stored at room temperature after 30 days. In addition, the antioxidant activity of SeNPs/β-glucan was much higher than that of vitamin C at the same tested concentration and this activity was increased by the increase of reaction time. The smaller particles size in the product displayed the higher antioxidant activity. These results indicated that SeNPs/β-glucan prepared by irradiation method is a very promising product for application in the fields of cosmetic and functional food.