Novel nanoantioxidants systems containing Se-sugars and polyphenols

Selenium (Se) is recognized as a trace element essential for human health. Many natural occurring Se compounds show redox and biological capacities, thus stimulating synthesis of new molecules with the aim to spread antioxidant effects in biological systems. On the other hand, polyphenols are molecules with antioxidant capacity, and they are present in foods of vegetable origin, such as fruits, oil, wine, tea, and cocoa-based products. However, the use of Se-containing molecules and polyphenols, in the prevention of neurological diseases (ND), is limited by the difficulty of crossing the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). A feasible solution is the use of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONPs) as support and transporter of these bioactive compounds. On this basis, this project involved a new approach to the preparation of nanostructured materials, consisting of IONPs functionalized with polyphenols and selenium-containing compounds. The aim is to investigate the synergy of the antioxidant properties of the three units coupled with the carrying capacity through the BBB of the IONPs.