Diospyros montana leaf extract-mediated synthesis of selenium nanoparticles and their biological applications

Abstract

Plant-mediated synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) was carried out by a simple precipitation method using the aqueous extract of Diospyros montana.

Abstract

Plant-mediated synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) was carried out by a simple precipitation method using the aqueous extract of Diospyros montana. The leaf extract was used as a good capping and stabilizing agent and allowed the formation of stable nanoparticles. These Se-NPs were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), DLS, zeta potential measurement and elemental analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The FT-IR spectrum confirms the presence of various functional groups in the aqueous leaf extract of Diospyros montana, which may possibly influence the reduction process of the nanoparticles. The XRD data confirmed the formation of crystalline Se-NPs. TEM and DLS analysis determined that the size of the Se-NPs ranges from 4 to 16 nm. The zeta potential obtained was −22.3 mV. The DPPH and the reducing power activity showed the potential antioxidant property of the biosynthesized Se-NPs. The nanoparticle suspension exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against microorganisms such as Gram (+) Staphylococcus aureus, Gram (−) Escherichia coli (bacteria) and Aspergillus niger (fungi). The cytotoxicity of Se-NPs was assayed against human breast-cancer cells (MCF-7). An anticancer property was found in that Se-NPs were able to inhibit the cell growth in a dose-dependent manner.