Gamma-irradiation applied to the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles and its influence on physicochemical properties

Authors

  • Guilherme Henrique Domingos de Franco Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear image/svg+xml
    • Conceptualization
    • Writing – Review & Editing
    • Investigation
    • Methodology
    • Formal Analysis
    • Visualization
    • Data Curation
  • Thayna Felizardo dos Santos Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear image/svg+xml
    • Investigation
    • Writing – Review & Editing
    • Formal Analysis
    • Data Curation
    • Visualization
  • Luciana Mara Costa Moreira Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear image/svg+xml
    • Investigation
    • Writing – Review & Editing
    • Formal Analysis
  • Alline Gomes Pereira Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear image/svg+xml
    • Investigation
    • Formal Analysis
    • Writing – Review & Editing
  • Luanai Graziele Luquini Gerolis Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear image/svg+xml
    • Investigation
    • Formal Analysis
    • Writing – Review & Editing
  • Maria Jose Neves Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear image/svg+xml
    • Conceptualization
    • Methodology
    • Supervision
    • Writing – Original Draft Preparation
    • Writing – Review & Editing

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15392/2319-0612.2026.3078

Keywords:

Gamma irradiation, green chemistry, nanoparticle characterization, selenium nanoparticles

Abstract

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have attracted considerable attention due to their biocompatibility and potential biomedical applications; however, their physicochemical properties strongly depend on synthesis conditions. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the influence of gamma irradiation dose (25-100 kGy), precursor concentration (1-2 mM Na₂SeO₃), and ethanol as a hydroxyl radical scavenger on the radiolytic synthesis of SeNPs. The results demonstrated that increasing irradiation dose up to 75 kGy, higher precursor concentration, and ethanol presence led to an increase in hydrodynamic size, while a reduction at 100 kGy suggests a fragmentation effect. Zeta potential values ranged from −54.4 to +13.9 mV, indicating heterogeneous surface charge and a tendency toward aggregation, supported by elevated polydispersity index values. Elemental analysis by EDS confirmed high selenium incorporation (60.72%–91.54%), with higher contents associated with conditions favoring efficient radiolytic reduction. Semi-quantitative yield estimations indicated high selenium incorporation efficiency, particularly under intermediate irradiation doses and in the presence of ethanol. Morphological characterization revealed predominantly spherical nanostructures. Overall, the findings demonstrate that radiolytic synthesis is a controllable and environmentally friendly approach for producing SeNPs, in which irradiation dose, precursor concentration, and radical scavengers play a critical role in determining nanoparticle size, composition, and stability. These insights contribute to the rational design of SeNPs for future biomedical and technological applications.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • Guilherme Henrique Domingos de Franco, Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear

    Holds a Master’s degree in Radiation, Minerals and Materials Science and Technology from the Center for the Development of Nuclear Technology (CDTN). Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG).

    He is currently a Ph.D. student in Radiation, Minerals and Materials Science and Technology at the Center for the Development of Nuclear Technology (CDTN), working in the same research area.

  • Thayna Felizardo dos Santos, Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear

    Holds a Master’s degree in Radiation Science and Technology (CTRA) from the Center for the Development of Nuclear Technology (CDTN). Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedicine from Centro Universitário de Belo Horizonte (2019).

  • Luciana Mara Costa Moreira, Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear

    Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Environmental Management from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (2004); a Master’s degree in Radiation Science and Technology – Concentration Area: Nuclear Techniques in Health and Biology – from the Center for the Development of Nuclear Technology (2007); and a Ph.D. (2011) and postdoctoral training (2013) in Microbiology from the Federal University of Minas Gerais.

    Area of expertise and research: Microbiology, with emphasis on microbial biochemistry, oxidative stress, free radicals, probiotics, biochemical effects caused by heavy metals, and apoptosis and fluorescence techniques for the determination of oxidative damage.

  • Alline Gomes Pereira, Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear

    Holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree in Radiation, Minerals and Materials Science and Technology from the Center for the Development of Nuclear Technology (CDTN). Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (Licensure)from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (2009–2013).

    Has experience in Biochemistry and Immunology, with emphasis on Immunology, focusing on the immunology of inflammatory bowel diseases; and in Pathology, particularly the immunology and histopathology of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi; as well as in Microbiology, with emphasis on bioremediation and cellular responses.

  • Luanai Graziele Luquini Gerolis, Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear

    Holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree in Radiation, Minerals and Materials Science and Technology from the Center for the Development of Nuclear Technology (2019). Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2008) and a specialization in Environmental Management from the SENAC-MG Graduate Program Center (2012).

    Has experience in green chemical synthesis of selenium nanoparticles, nanomaterial characterization for bioapplications, investigation of organic compounds present in green tea responsible for nanoparticle reduction, evaluation of the antioxidant activity of green tea, and gamma irradiation studies.

  • Maria Jose Neves, Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear

    Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (Medical Modality) from the University of São Paulo (1982), a Master’s degree in Sciences (Human Physiology) from the University of São Paulo (1986), a Ph.D. in Sciences (Human Physiology) from the University of São Paulo (1991), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (1994).

    Currently serves as a Senior Researcher at the National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN).

    Has experience in Biochemistry, with emphasis on Microbial Biochemistry, working mainly on the following topics: heat shock, trehalose, glycogen, thermotolerance, trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, and trehalase.

References

[1] M. G. LINES. Nanomaterials for practical functional uses, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Sydney, v. 449, p. 242–245, 2008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2006.02.082

[2] R. SINGH.; H. S. NALMA. Medical applications of nanoparticles in biological imaging, cell labeling, antimicrobial agents, and anticancer nanodrugs. Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology, Stevenson Ranch, v. 7, n. 4, p. 489–503, 2011. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1166/jbn.2011.1324

[3] I. A. H. KHALIL.; I. A. ARIDA.; M. AHMED. Introductory Chapter: Overview on nanomedicine market. In: KHALIL. I. A. H. (Ed.). Current and Future Aspects of Nanomedicine. IntechOpen, 2020. ISBN 978-1-78985-870-9.

[4] N. BISHT.; P. PHALSWAL.; P. K. KHANNA. Selenium nanoparticles: A review on synthesis and biomedical applications. Materials Advance, Pune, v. 3, n. 3, p. 1415-1431, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00639H

[5] R. RIDOLFO.; S. TAVAKOLI.; V. JUNNUTHULA.; D. S. WILLIAMS.; A. URTTI.; J. C. M. VAN HEST. Exploring the impact of morphology on the properties of biodegradable nanoparticles and their diffusion in complex biological medium. Biomacromolecules, Eindhoven, v. 22, n. 1, p. 126–133, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00726

[6] A. ABEDINI.; A. R. DAUD.; M. AZMI.; A. HAMID.; N. K. OTHMAN.; E. SAION. A review on radiation-induced nucleation and growth of colloidal metallic nanoparticles. Nanoscale Research Letters, Bangi, v. 8, p. 474, 2013. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1556-276X-8-474

[7] S., LE CAER. Water radiolysis: Influence of oxide surfaces on H2 production under ionizing radiation. Water, Gif-sur-Yvette, v. 3, n. 1, p. 235–253, 2011. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w3010235

[8] F. M. MOSALLAM.; G. S. EL-SAYYAD.; R. M. FATHY.; A. I. EL-BATAL. Biomoleculesmediated synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Aspergillus oryzae fermented Lupin extract and gamma radiation for hindering the growth of some multidrug-resistant bacteria and pathogenic fungi. Microbial Pathogenesis, Cairo, v. 122, p. 108-116, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2018.06.013

[9] J. BELLONI.; J. L. MARIGNIER.; M. MOSTAFAVI, Mechanisms of metal nanoparticles nucleation and growth studied by radiolysis. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Orsay, v. 169. p. 107952, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2018.08.001

[10] A. ABEDINI.; A. R. DAUD.; M. A. A. HAMID.; N. K. OTHMAN. Radiolytic formation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles: Influence of radiation dose on structure and magnetic properties. PLoS ONE, Bangi, v. 9, n. 3, 2014. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090055

[11] L. M. ALREHAILY. ; J. M. JOSEPH. ; M. C. BIESINGER.; D. A. GUZONAS. ; J. C. WREN. Gamma-radiolysis-assisted cobalt oxide nanoparticle formation. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, Ontario, v. 15, n. 3, p. 1014–1024, 2013. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C2CP43094K

[12] P. ANASTAS. ; N. EGHBALI. Green Chemistry: Principles and Practice. Chemical Society Reviews, New Haven, v. 39, n. 1, p. 301–312, 2010. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/B918763B

[13] D. C. CLIFFORD. ; C. E. CASTANO. ; J. ROJAS. Supported transition metal nanomaterials: Nanocomposites synthesized by ionizing radiation. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Virginia, v. 132, p. 52–64, 2017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2016.12.001

[14] J. A. LAVERNE. Track Effects of Heavy Ions in Liquid Water. Radiation Research, Indiana, v. 153, p. 487–496, 2000. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1667/0033-7587(2000)153[0487:TEOHII]2.0.CO;2

[15] G. ROS. ; G. SÁEZ-CANO. ; G. A. MEDINA-TANCO. ; A. D. SUPANITSKY. On the design of experiments based on plastic scintillators using GEANT4 simulations. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Alcalá de Henares, v. 153, p. 140–151, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2018.09.021

[16] M. A. Ruiz-Fresneda, L. C. Staicu, G. Lazuén-López, M. L. Merroun, Allotropy of selenium nanoparticles: Colourful transition, synthesis, and biotechnological applications. Microbial Biotechnology, Granada, v. 16, n. 5, p. 877–892, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.14209

[17] C. DWIVEDI. ; C. P. SHAH. ; K. SINGH. ; M. KUMAR. ; P. N. BAJAJ. An organic acid- induced synthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles. Journal of Nanotechnology, Mumbai, 2011. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/651971

[18] A. G. PEREIRA. ; L. G. L. GEROLIS. ; L. S. GONÇALVES. ; L. M. C. MOREIRA. ; P. L. GASTELOIS. ; M. J. NEVES. Radiolytic synthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles: comparative biosafety evaluation with selenite and ionizing radiation. World Journal Microbiology Biotechnology, v. 38 n. 2, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-021-03218-9

[19] A. A. A. TARMIZI. ; N. N. N. RAMLI. ; S. H. ADAM.; M. A. MUTALIB.; M. H. MOKHTAR. ; S. G. H. TANG. Phytofabrication of selenium nanoparticles with Moringa oleifera (MO-SeNPs) and exploring its antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. Molecules, Shah Alam, v. 28, n. 14, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145322

[20] B. H. AMIN.; H.Y. AHMED. ; E. M. EL GAZZAR. ; M. M. M. BADAWY. Enhancement the mycosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles by using gamma radiation. Dose- Response, Cairo, v. 19, n. 4, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/15593258211059323

[21] E. SAION. ; E. GHARIBSHAHI. ; K. NAGHAVI. Size-controlled and optical properties of monodispersed silver nanoparticles synthesized by the radiolytic reduction method. International Journal of Molecular, Selangor, v. 14, n. 4, p. 7880–7896, 2013. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms14047880

[22] BELLONI, J.; MOSTAFAVI, M.; REMITA, H.; MARIGNIER, J. L.; DELCOURT, M. O. Radiation-induced synthesis of mono- and multi-metallic clusters and nanocolloids. New Journal of Chemistry, Cambridge, v. 22, n. 11, p. 1239–1255, 1998. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/a801445k

[23] FINNEY, E. E.; FINKE, R. G. Nanocluster nucleation and growth kinetic and mechanistic studies: A review emphasizing transition-metal nanoclusters. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Orlando, v. 317, n. 2, p. 351–374, 2008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2007.05.092

[24] NAGHAVI, K.; SAION, E.; REZAEE, K.; YUNUS, W. M. M. Influence of dose on particle size of colloidal silver nanoparticles synthesized by gamma radiation. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Oxford, v. 79, n. 12, p. 1203–1208, 2010.

[25] SERRANO-LOTINA, A.; PORTELA, R.; BAEZA, P.; ALCOLEA-RODRÍGUEZ, V.; VILLARROEL, M.; ÁVILA, P. Zeta potential as a tool for functional materials development. Catalysis Today, Amsterdam, v. 423, p. 113862, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2022.08.004

[26] MALVERN PANALYTICAL. Polydispersity: what does it mean for DLS and chromatography? Disponível em: https://www.malvernpanalytical.com/en/learn/knowledge-center/insights/polydispersity-what-does-it-mean-for-dls-and-chromatography. Acesso em: abr. 2025.

[27] MALVERN PANALYTICAL. DLS terms defined. Disponível em: https://www.malvernpanalytical.com/en/learn/knowledge-center/whitepapers/wp111214dlstermsdefined. Acesso em: abr. 2025.

[28] YU, B.; ZHANG, Y.; ZHENG, W.; FAN, C.; CHEN, C. T. Positive surface charge enhances selective cellular uptake and anticancer efficacy of selenium nanoparticles. Inorganic Chemistry, Washington, v. 51, n. 16, p. 8956–8963, 2012. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/ic301050v

[29] KREGIEL, D.; BERLOWSKA, J.; SZUBZDA, B. Novel permittivity test for determination of yeast surface charge and flocculation abilities. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology, Dordrecht, v. 39, n. 12, p. 1881–1886, 2012. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10295-012-1193-y

[30] ACHILLI, E.; SIRI, M.; FLORES, C. Y.; KIKOT, P. A.; FLOR, S.; MARTINEFSKI, M.; LUCANGIOLI, S.; ALONSO, S. del V.; GRASSELLI, M. Radiolysis effect of the high proportion of ethanol in the preparation of albumin nanoparticle. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Oxford, v. 169, p. 108387, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2020.108775

[31] KOZMÉR, Z.; TAKÁCS, E.; WOJNÁROVITS, L.; ALAPI, T.; HERNÁDI, K.; DOMBI, A. The influence of radical transfer and scavenger materials in various concentrations on the gamma radiolysis of phenol. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Oxford, v. 124, p. 52–57, 2016. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2015.12.011

[32] SUDARE, T.; UENO, T.; WATTHANAPHANIT, A.; SAITO, N. Accelerated nanoparticles synthesis in alcohol-water-mixture-based solution plasma. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, Cambridge, v. 17, n. 45, p. 30255–30259, 2015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C5CP05168A

[33] TONTO, P.; MEKASUWANDUMRONG, O.; PHATANASRI, S.; PAVARAJARN, V.; PRASERTHDAM, P. Preparation of ZnO nanorod by solvothermal reaction of zinc acetate in various alcohols. Ceramics International, Kidlington, v. 34, n. 1, p. 57–62, 2008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2006.08.003

[34] THANH, N. T. K.; MACLEAN, N.; MAHIDDINE, S. Mechanisms of nucleation and growth of nanoparticles in solution. Chemical Reviews, Washington, v. 114, p. 7610–7630, 2014. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/cr400544s

[35] NIETO, C.; MARCELO, G.; VEGA, M.; MARTÍN DEL VALLE, E. M. Antineoplastic behavior of polydopamine nanoparticles prepared in different water/alcohol media. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, Amsterdam, v. 199, p. 111506, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111506

[36] NAGHAVI, K.; SAION, E.; REZAEE, K.; YUNUS, W. M. M. Influence of dose on particle size of colloidal silver nanoparticles synthesized by gamma radiation. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, Oxford, v. 79, n. 12, p. 1203–1208, 2010. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2010.07.009

[37] GEROLIS, L. G. L.; PEREIRA, A. G.; GONÇALVES, L. S.; GASTELOIS, P. L.; NEVES, M. J. Synthesis and characterization of 0D and 1D selenium nanostructures by green chemistry and evaluation of the radioprotective, radiosensitizing and antioxidant properties following exposure to ionizing radiation in vitro. Materials Chemistry and Physics, Lausanne, v. 277, p. 125452, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2021.125452

[38] DISPENZA, C.; GRIMALDI, N.; SABATINO, M. A.; SOROKA, I. L.; JONSSON, M. Radiation-engineered functional nanoparticles in aqueous systems. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Valencia, v. 15, n. 5, p. 3445–3467, 2015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1166/jnn.2015.9865

[39] ALSHAAL, T.; SZABOLCSY, É. D.; FÁRI, M.; VERES, S.; KASZÁS, L.; KOVÁCS, Z.; EISSA, F.; ELHAWAT, N. Agricultural sustainability and the challenges of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs): Their role in supporting the environmental economy. Plant Stress, Amsterdam, v. 16, p. 100846, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stress.2025.100846

[40] ŠRÁMEK, M.; PRAUS, L.; BENADA, O.; TLUSTOŠ, P. Selenium nanoparticles: small innovations with mighty impact on crop performance and nutritional quality? Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture, Berlin, v. 13, n. 1, 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40538-026-00919-x

[41] BARANI, A.; ALIZADEH, S. R.; EBRAHIMZADEH, M. A. A comprehensive review on catalytic activities of green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles on dye removal for wastewater treatment. Water, Basel, v. 15, n. 18, p. 3295, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w15183295

Downloads

Published

2026-10-23

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. The datasets include the experimental measurements obtained from DLS, UV–Vis, SEM, TEM, XRD, and EDS analyses used in the characterization of selenium nanoparticles.

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 4 (2026)

Section

Original Article

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Guilherme Henrique Domingos de Franco, Thayna Felizardo dos Santos, Luciana Mara Costa Moreira, Alline Gomes Pereira, Luanai Graziele Luquini Gerolis, Maria Jose Neves

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Licensing: The BJRS articles are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons license and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/