Publisher: College of Chemistry and Materials Science

Date: April 2, 2025

A team of researchers led by Professor Chen Caifeng and Professor He Lizhen from Jinan University has achieved a significant breakthrough in the industrial production technology of nano selenium, paving the way for advancements in nanomedicine. This innovative work addresses key challenges facing the clinical translation and large-scale production of nano-based therapies.

Context and Challenges in Nanomedicine

Nanomedicine has made impressive strides in biomedical research, offering new methodologies for safe and effective disease diagnosis and treatment. However, several substantial challenges remain, including low biosafety, ambiguous structures, and the need for stringent synthesis conditions. These factors have hindered the transition of nanomedicine from laboratory settings to clinical application, creating a bottleneck in innovation within the field.

Breakthrough in Nano Selenium Production

The Jinan University research team has focused on the development of trace element selenium as a biomedical application for treating, preventing, and rehabilitating major diseases. Recent efforts have culminated in advancing the industrial production technology of nano selenium, achieving significant milestones:

•Mass Production: The team has successfully produced nano selenium at the kilogram level, reaching a target output of thousands of kilograms while ensuring stable storage for up to four years.

•Theoretical Developments: The research has also explored the polysaccharide-stabilized nano selenium structures, offering essential theoretical frameworks and templates for transforming the nano drug industry.

These significant advancements were detailed in their paper titled “Confirmed coordination mediated in-situ synthesis and industrial production of ultra-stable selenium nanoparticles,” published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science. This study involved contributions from Professor Chen Caifeng and Dr. Xiong Zushuang as co-corresponding authors, with Professor He Lizhen as the first author.

Continuing Contributions to Nanomedicine

In addition to this important work, the team was invited to contribute a paper titled “Selenium nanomedicine: From basic science to clinical applications” in the esteemed journal Chem. Once again, Professor Chen Caifeng served as the corresponding author, and Professor He Lizhen was the first author, reflecting the significant impact of their research on the evolving landscape of nanomedicine.

Recognition and Support

The research team has received backing from multiple prestigious programs, including the National Key Research and Development Program and the National Outstanding Youth Fund, showcasing the critical nature of their work in advancing medical science. The contributions of both professors are underscored by their extensive publication record, with research results appearing in top-tier journals such as Nat Commun, Sci Adv, and J Am Chem Soc, among others.

Author Profiles

•Professor He Lizhen: Engaged in biomedicine, focusing on the functional design of targeted nanomedicine. She has published over 60 SCI papers, receiving multiple awards for her contributions in both research and teaching.

•Professor Chen Caifeng: Dean of the College of Chemistry and Materials Science, his research is concentrated on selenium nanomedicine and precision diagnosis. He has over 300 published papers and numerous accolades, including recognition as a “Highly Cited Scholar in China.”

•The team's achievements in overcoming the industrial production bottleneck for nano selenium not only elevate Jinan University's standing in the field of nanomedicine but also represent a significant leap forward in the quest for safe and effective therapeutic solutions. These developments provide critical insights into the commercialization of nanomedicine, aiming to enhance its application in clinical settings.

For further details and insights, you can access the research papers through the following links:

1.“Confirmed coordination mediated in-situ synthesis and industrial production of ultra-stable selenium nanoparticles” - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.102303

2.“Selenium nanomedicine: From basic science to clinical applications” - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chempr.2025.102493