quercetin + selenium nanoparticles

Quercetin-loaded selenium nanoparticles (Qu-SeNPs) are an experimental nanotherapeutic formulation combining the flavonoid quercetin with selenium nanoparticles to enhance anticancer efficacy and targeted delivery. Investigated primarily for colorectal cancer, Qu-SeNPs exhibit a pH-responsive, sustained release profile that allows for preferential action within the acidic tumor microenvironment. The mechanism of action involves the induction of persistent oxidative stress through the gradual generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis characterized by the upregulation of Bax and activation of caspase-3. Notably, Qu-SeNPs appear to bypass cell cycle checkpoints and fail to trigger the Nrf-2 antioxidant defense pathway, a key differentiator from conventional chemotherapeutics like cisplatin that may help overcome treatment resistance.

Other names

Quercetin-loaded selenium nanoparticlesQu-SeNP