Sialic acid surface decoration enhances cellular uptake and apoptosis-inducing activity of selenium nanoparticles

▶ A simple method for fabrication of sialic acid surface-decorated selenium nanoparticles (SA-Se-NPs) with enhanced cancer-targeting and cell-penetrating abilities has been demonstrated. ▶ SA surface decoration significantly increased the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of Se-NPs in HeLa human cervical carcinoma cells. ▶ SA-Se-NPs induced dose-dependent apoptosis in HeLa cells through activation of caspase-3 and subsequent cleavage of PARP.