The Green Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Review on Methodology, Characterization and Biomedical Applications

• Published in: Research journal of pharmacy and technology 2024-08, Vol.17 (8), p.4054-4062
• Main Authors: Alqaraleh, Samer Y, Al-Zereini, Wael A, Mwafi, Nesrin R, Jaffal, Sahar M, Al-Qtaitat, Aiman I
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants; Bacteria; Cancer; Flavonoids; Microorganisms; Nanoparticles; Phytochemicals; Scanning electron microscopy; Selenium; Sodium; Transmission electron microscopy; Waste materials
• ISSN: 0974-3618; 0974-360X; 0974-306X
• DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2024.00629

The synthesis of nanoparticles has garnered significant attention due to their wide range of applications and exceptional properties and due to the toxicity of chemicals used in conventional methods, a matter that imposes considerable risks to human health and the environment. As a response to this issue, eco-friendly alternatives known as green synthesis techniques have emerged such as selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) that hold great promise in biomedical applications. Green synthesis which utilizes plants, microorganisms, and waste materials offers distinct advantages including precise control over the size and shape of the nanoparticles. By carefully optimizing various parameters, this approach enables the production of uniform and stable SeNPs. Importantly, green synthesis eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals, thereby reducing environmental pollution and potential harm to human health. The process typically involves heating a mixture of sodium selenite, plant extracts or culturing microorganisms with selenium precursors to facilitate the formation of SeNPs. Various techniques such as UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to characterize these SeNPs. Of note, bacterial-mediated synthesis of SeNPs, achieved through intracellular or extracellular processes, effectively reduces selenium ions into SeNPs. To add, the type of the plant extract plays a crucial role andit was found that different extracts yield SeNPs with distinct properties. Moreover, a large body of evidence revealed that the plant extracts that are rich in reducing and stabilizing agents such as flavonoids and alkaloids can reduce selenium ions into SeNPsresulting in a biocompatible surface. Accordingly, green synthesis methods that employ plant extracts and bacteria hold great promise and sustainability, as they allow a control over the shapes of nanoparticles and the generation of unique properties tailored for biomedical applications. These approaches are not only cost-effective but also environmentallyfriendly, consistently producing nanoparticles with narrow size distributions. Despite certain limitations of this approach, the potential of green synthesis in nanoparticle synthesis is undeniable.