Bionanotechnological strategies for the synthesis of quercetin conjugates with selenium nanoparticles for their targeting of the Wnt/Ca2+signaling pathway
Authors: Bityutskyy V.S. , Tsekhmistrenko S.I. , Demchenko O.A. , Tsekhmistrenko O.S. , Melnychenko Yu.О. , Kharchyshyn V.M. 
Published: January 2024

One of the applications of nanotechnology is the synthesis of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and disease prevention. In the agricultural sector, nanotechnology holds great promise for improving animal health and productivity. The article discusses the advantages of «green» synthesis of selenium nanoparticles functionalized with the flavonoid quercetin and their potential in the prevention of bone diseases in broilers. Selenium is an important trace element that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including the regulation of bone metabolism. Its deficiency can lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia. On the other hand, quercetin, a naturally occurring plant compound, has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, quercetin's bioavailability and stability are limited, making its therapeutic potential challenging to exploit. To overcome these limitations, we have developed bionanotechnological strategies for the synthesis of quercetin conjugates with selenium nanoparticles. This approach not only improves the stability and bioavailability of quercetin, but also allows for targeted delivery to specific tissues or cellular pathways. Functionalization of Selenium nanoparticles with the flavonoid quercetin promotes the effect of the nanoconjugate on the transcription factors Nrf2 and NF-kB, Wnt, key pathways that regulate the delicate balance of cellular redox status and responses to stress and inflammation, calcium and phosphorus metabolism. In this case, the target is the Wnt signaling pathway, a complex cascade of processes involved in bone metabolism. It has been found that the synthesized nanoselenium-quercetin bioconjugates modulate the Wnt signaling pathway in different ways. Firstly, they reduce the activity of the protein β-catenin, a key regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway, and help maintain a balance between bone formation and resorption, thus preventing bone disease. Secondly, these bioconjugates increase the activity of LRP6, a Wnt receptor protein, which further enhances the effectiveness of the signaling pathway. Finally, they affect the expression of genes activated by the Wnt signaling pathway, thus regulating the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, important elements for bone health. The potential of these bionanotechnology strategies is enormous, especially in the agricultural sector. By preventing bone disease in broilers, disease prevention and poultry productivity can be significantly increased. The use of nanotechnology advances can serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals, contributing to the overall health and well-being of animals. Thus, the «green» synthesis of quercetin-functionalized selenium nanoparticles offers a promising solution for targeting the Wnt signaling pathway, regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and preventing bone disease in broilers. This bionanotechnology approach not only improves the stability and bioavailability of quercetin, but also enhances its therapeutic potential. By harnessing the potential of nanotechnology in the agricultural sector, we can improve animal health, reduce disease and increase productivity, ultimately benefiting both animals and humans.
Key words: bionanotechnology, «green» synthesis, Nrf2 factor, NFkB, Wnt, β-catenin, Selenium, Calcium, Phosphorus.