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image of Phytosynthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles from Morus rubra (L.) and Evaluation of its Bioactive Potential: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer

Abstract

Introduction

Selenium, a trace element with vital antioxidant and cancer-preventive properties, poses toxicity risks at higher doses, which can be mitigated through the green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant phytochemicals as natural reducing and stabilizing agents. This study aimed to investigate the potential of (L.) leaf extract as an effective natural reducing agent for the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles, with an emphasis on their chemical characterization and assessment of biological activities.

Methods

The synthesized SeNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and TEM. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method, and MIC was determined by broth microdilution assay. Cytotoxic effects were assessed using the MTT assay, and apoptosis was evaluated using AO/EB dual staining.

Results

An absorption peak at 275 nm confirmed successful SeNP biosynthesis, yielding 10–60 nm crystalline nanoparticles. The SeNPs exhibited potent antioxidant activity (IC 56.12 µg/mL), strong antimicrobial effects (largest inhibition 24 mm for ; MIC 50–80 µg/mL), and selective cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cancer cells (IC 23.09 µg/mL), with higher tolerance in normal cells (IC 50.16 µg/mL). AO/EB staining indicated that 70–80% of treated cancer cells underwent apoptosis.

Discussion

These findings indicate that -mediated selenium nanoparticles align with recent advances in green nanotechnology, where plant extracts enhance both the safety and functional performance of nanoparticles.

Conclusion

The biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles using leaf extract demonstrated efficient antioxidant, antimicrobial, and selective anticancer activities, highlighting their promising potential for biomedical applications.

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2026-02-17
2026-03-01

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Phytosynthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles from Morus rubra (L.) and Evaluation of its Bioactive Potential: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715206428455251210203908
/content/journals/acamc/10.2174/0118715206428455251210203908
/content/journals/acamc/10.2174/0118715206428455251210203908
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: antibacterial activity ; cytotoxicity ; antioxidant activity ; Selenium nanoparticles ; Morus rubra ; biocompatibility ; green synthesis

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