Resumen

HERNANDEZ-DIAZ, José A. et al. PVA aerogel loaded with biogenic selenium nanoparticles: physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity assays. Mundo nano [online]. 2026, vol.19, n.36, e69872.  Epub 02-Mar-2026. ISSN 2448-5691.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ceiich.24485691e.2026.36.69872.

Currently, cervical cancer is considered one of the leading causes of mortality among women worldwide, highlighting the urgent need to develop therapeutic strategies that act in a combined, effective, and selective manner. In this context, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and nanocomposites (NCs) emerge as promising tools for designing drug delivery systems that enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of biogenically synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Amphipterygium glaucum extract on HeLa cells (cervical cancer) cultured in 2D. The SeNPs exhibited a maximum absorption peak at 275 nm (UV-Vis), with an average size of 14 nm and a semi-spherical morphology as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These nanoparticles (NPs) were incorporated into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based aerogel with a molecular weight of 130,000 (SeNPs@PVA130), whose porous structure and selenium distribution were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) revealed interactions between the extract’s functional groups and selenium, suggesting their role as reducing and stabilizing agents. The 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect, with IC₅₀ values of 93.8 µg/mL for SeNPs and 4.5 µg/mL for SeNPs@PVA130. Furthermore, Annexin V-Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) staining indicated that early apoptosis was the predominant mechanism of cell death. The wound healing assay showed significant inhibition of cell migration. These findings support the potential of these nanomaterials as cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic agents. In the future, complementary studies in more complex systems should be considered to employ them as sustainable adjuvants alongside conventional chemotherapeutics.

Palabras llave : aerogels; polyvinyl alcohol; selenium nanoparticles; cytotoxicity.

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