Green Synthesis of Selenium Nanorods Using Muntigia calabura Leaf Extract: Effect of pH on Characterization and Bioactivities

• Published in: Waste and biomass valorization 2024-04, Vol.15 (4), p.1987-1998
• Main Authors: Tuyen, Nguyen Ngoc Kim, Huy, Vo Khac, Duy, Nguyen Huu, An, Hoang, Nam, Nguyen Thanh Hoai, Dat, Nguyen Minh, Huong, Quach Thi Thanh, Trang, Nguyen Le Phuong, Anh, Nguyen Do Phuong, Thy, Lu Thi Mong, Phong, Mai Thanh, Hieu, Nguyen Huu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biocompatibility; Biological activity; Cytotoxicity; Engineering; Environment; Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology; Industrial applications; Industrial Pollution Prevention; Leaves; Nanomaterials; Nanorods; Nanotechnology; Original Paper; pH effects; Plant extracts; Reducing agents; Renewable and Green Energy; Selenium; Toxicity testing; Waste Management/Waste Technology
• ISSN: 1877-2641; 1877-265X
• DOI: 10.1007/s12649-023-02269-3

In this study, selenium nanomaterials (nano-Se) were synthesized via a biological route, in which the leaf extract of Muntigia calabura was efficiently utilized as not only a reducing agent but also a surfactant to stabilize the produced nanostructures. In detail, the effect of pH level on the shape and bioactivities of nano-Se were thoroughly investigated, which revealed the formation of selenium nanorods at pH 8 with uniform sizes of 30–50 nm in diameter and several micrometers in length, corresponding to the Se-pH8 sample. Besides, the material also exhibited excellent bactericidal rates against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains, while the cytotoxicity test using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay elucidated the notably low toxicity of Se-pH8 towards the normal HEK293 cells. Therefore, the obtained results show the great potential of the nano-Se material in multiple industrial applications, particularly in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Graphical Abstract