Properties of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by Lycium barbarum polysaccharide-protein conjugates obtained with subcritical water

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in an aqueous solution have poor stability and tend to aggregate when stored for a long time. In the present study, SeNPs were stabilized by using Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) and Lycium barbarum protein (LBPr) conjugates (LBPP) as a stabilizer and dispersing agent. Particularly, the LBPP 1 was obtained with subcritical water treatment. In addition, the physical stability, re-dispersity and antitumor activity of LBPP 1 -SeNPs were investigated. The results showed the particle size of LBPP 1 -SeNPs was maintained at 111.5–117 nm, which was stable at PH 6, 4 °C and darkness for at least 40 days. Besides, the result of TEM showed that the dispersion of LBPP 1 -SeNPs had more clear layers and smoother surfaces. Moreover, LBPP 1 -SeNPs had excellent re-dispersibility and exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on HepG-2 cells and Caco-2 cells, respectively ( p  < 0.05). Therefore, LBPP 1 -SeNPs can be used as potential selenium nutritional supplements for food and medical applications.