Biogenic synthesis of selenium nanoparticles, characterization and screening of therapeutic applications using Averrhoa carambola leaf extract

Abstract

Biogenic method of synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is being preferred over the conventional chemical and physical methods due to its reduced toxicity toward the environment which uses living systems like plants, microalgae and other microorganisms. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have attracted a great deal of attention in distinctive field such as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer. SeNPs constitute an attractive carrier platform for various drugs to the site of action. The biosynthesis of SeNPs performed using Averrhoa carambola (A. carambola) leaf extract. The SeNPs were further characterized and XRD result was observed to be 2θ = 21.14^o. The particle size and zeta potential were assessed to be 124.7 nm and −23.20 mV. Further, SeNPs were evaluated for its applications like antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-ROS properties where the highest zone of inhibition was observed to the Gram-negative pathogens compared to that of the Gram-positive pathogens. Then NPs were used for analyzing the in vitro cell viability assay and observed the IC50 value on HT-29, PC-3- and MCF-7 cells to be 174.33 ± 10.58, 358.4 ± 30.82 and 324.96 ± 25.32.

Keywords:

• Selenium nanoparticles
• Averrhoa carambola
• environmental-friendly synthesis
• anti-cancer property
• ROS inhibition
• nanotechnology

Acknowledgements

We are thankful to University Scientific and Instruments Centre (USIC), Karnatak University, Dharwad, for providing necessary instrumental facilities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).