Selenium Nanoparticles Driving Innovations across the Food Chain: Applications in Food Systems, Feed Supplementation, and Sustainable Agriculture

Selenium, a trace nutrient with nutritional and nutraceutical functions, is limited by a narrow optimal intake range. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) show lower toxicity and higher bioavailability than organic/inorganic selenium, becoming a promising alternative. This review overviews SeNPs, including chemical, physical and green synthesis methods and their effects on properties and functionalities. We then focus on applications of SeNPs: in food/feed (nutritional fortification, enhanced absorption, antibacterial activity, heavy metal detoxification, packaging), and agriculture (fertilizers, plant disease control, mitigating biotic/abiotic stresses). We also consider their safety and efficacy, which are influenced by physicochemical features like particle size and surface property. Finally, knowledge gaps and future directions are highlighted, emphasizing SeNPs potential in food nutrition and sustainable agriculture to boost plant performance and human health.