Development of VSe2@ Cu2Se nano-composites via facile one-pot hydrothermal method for pharmaceutical applications

Abstract

Abstract Nanoparticles have recently gained considerable popularity due to their usage as chemotherapeutic agents. In this regard, VSe2, Cu2Se and VSe2@Cu2Se nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using one-pot hydrothermal method which is simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly. The structural and microstructural information for VSe2, Cu2Se and VSe2@Cu2Se nanoparticles NPs were examined utilizing the Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. XRD structural investigation using the Williamson-Hall approach shows that VSe2, Cu2Se, and VSe2@Cu2Se NPs are pure crystalline phases with a cubic crystal structure, the size of the crystallites varying with the NPs’ respective compositions. The crystallite size of the VSe2@Cu2Se mixture was measured to be 25.9 nm, which is smaller than the crystallite size of either component on its own. The products were evaluated for antibacterial activity against various types of bacteria and fungi using the well diffusion method at varying doses. The same samples were then examined for anticancer activity against three distinct cell lines. When compared to their individual counterparts, the data show that the nanocomposite has a synergistic effect on antibacterial and anticancer capabilities. Amongst some of the three metal oxide nanomaterials tested, VSe2/ Cu2Se had the most antibacterial efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.