Development of Polysaccharide-Stabilized Selenium Disulfide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Applications in Dermatology

Selenium disulfide (SeS₂) is a promising therapeutic agent for dermatological conditions, including dandruff and pruritus, but its clinical application is limited by poor solubility and stability. To address these challenges, we developed selenium disulfide nanoparticles stabilized by polysaccharides from Radix saposhnikoviae (SPS-SeS₂NPs) for enhanced aqueous dispersion and evaluated their antioxidant properties, antibacterial efficacy, and dermal safety. The synthesized SPS-SeS₂NPs exhibited an average hydrodynamic diameter of 115.54 ± 2.3 nm, with a true particle size of approximately 60 nm, as confirmed by electron microscopy. The nanoparticles demonstrated excellent stability, with minimal changes in particle size after 28 days of storage at 4 °C. Furthermore, SPS-SeS₂NPs displayed significant antioxidant activity and potent antibacterial effects against Malassezia furfur and Staphylococcus epidermidis, two pathogens commonly associated with skin disorders. Importantly, the nanoparticles showed no significant irritant effects on the skin, indicating their potential for safe dermatological use. This study provides a foundation for developing SPS-SeS₂NPs as a novel nanomaterial-based therapeutic strategy for treating skin infections and oxidative stress-related dermatological conditions.