Biogenic Synthesis of Silver-Core Selenium-Shell Nanoparticles Using Ocimum tenuiflorum L.: Response Surface Methodology-Based Optimization and Biological Activity.

Femi Olawale,Moganavelli Singh,Mario Ariatti

doi:10.3390/nano11102516

Femi Olawale, Moganavelli Singh + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11102516

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Journal: Nanomaterials	Publication Date: Sep 27, 2021
Citations: 11	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) have shown better biological potential compared to their monometallic counterparts owing to the synergistic effect produced by these alloys. In this study, selenium-capped silver nanoparticles (Ag@Se NPs) were synthesized using an Ocimum tenuiflorum extract. These BNPs were characterized using UV-visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis. Response surface methodology was used to understand how extract volume and temperature influenced the zeta potential, hydrodynamic size and NP concentration. The phytoconstituents were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and molecular docking studies were performed on B-DNA to determine possible genotoxicity. Antioxidant activities, in vitro cytotoxicity (3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay), and genotoxicity (Allium cepa root cells) of these BNPs, were also evaluated. A surface plasmon resonance band around 420 nm confirmed BNP formation with significant quantities of silver and selenium. The Ag@Se NPs displayed good stability, dispersity, antioxidant activity, and compatibility at low concentrations but showed significant cytotoxicity and genotoxicity at high concentrations. Molecular docking analysis showed weak interactions between the plant constituents and B-DNA, suggesting no genotoxicity. These results provide an insight into the conditions required for optimal production of eco-friendly Ag@Se NPs with interesting biological properties.

Highlights

The area of inorganic nanoparticle (NP) synthesis has grown over the years to include nano-sized alloys, which may contain two or more inorganic materials
Over the last few decades, silver (Ag) and selenium (Se) NPs have been synthesized by several techniques using top-down and bottom-up approaches
NPs synthesized in this study demonstrated free radical scavenging activity, a property linked to the presence of the phenolics and flavonoids from the plant extract that served as capping agents of the NPs

Summary

Introduction

The area of inorganic nanoparticle (NP) synthesis has grown over the years to include nano-sized alloys, which may contain two or more inorganic materials. BNPs exist in different forms, which include alloys, core-shell and aggregates. The popularity of this group of NPs stems from their superior optical, catalytic, electronic, and thermal properties, among others [1]. Over the last few decades, silver (Ag) and selenium (Se) NPs have been synthesized by several techniques using top-down and bottom-up approaches These NPs have clearly shown desirable activity, including antioxidant, anticancer, catalytic, and antibacterial activity. Selenium is an essential micronutrient in biological systems and a structural element of selenocysteine. This amino acid is a component of glutathione peroxidase; Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 2516.

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