Date seeds polysaccharides as novel capping agents for selenium nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, stability, biological activities, and gut microbiota modulation

Date seed polysaccharides were utilized to synthesize selenium nanoparticles (MPS-NP_S) through a redox reaction involving sodium selenite and ascorbic acid. Characterization of MPS-NP_S showed a uniform, amorphous, spherical shape with a particle size of 89.2 nm, remaining stable for 42 days. Nanoparticles demonstrated dose-dependent antioxidant activity (RP (620.1 μg/ml), TAC (827.0 μg/ml), FRAP (581.3 μg/ml), and MC (6798.1 μg/ml)) and displayed antibacterial effects against S.aureus and L.monocytogenes. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion resulted in changes in particle size, enhancing bioavailability and indicating their role in in vitro fecal fermentation, evidenced by their prebiotic effect on probiotics. MPS-NP_S significantly influenced gut microbiota composition and diversity while maintaining the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio. Functional predictions highlighted the upregulation of key metabolic pathways, including SCFA biosynthesis, such as butyrate production, which plays a critical role in maintaining gut health and energy homeostasis. MPS-NP_S may be a therapeutic dietary supplement for gut health and metabolism.