Green-based biosynthesis of Se nanorods in chitosan and assessment of their photocatalytic and cytotoxicity effects

Abstract

This study presents a facile green approach for the preparation of selenium nanorods (Se-NRs) through the usage of chitosan (CS) in the role of a stabilizer. The synthesized product was characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR, TEM, FESEM, XRD, AFM, and EDAX analyses. The suspension solution confirmed the formation of Se-NRs by displaying an absorption band at 266 nm. The results of the XRD pattern exhibited the high crystallinity and pure hexagonal phase of this product. In addition, nanorods morphology was determined through the FESEM and TEM images. Furthermore, we assessed the photocatalytic ability of Se-NRs for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye. The performed evaluation of the induced cytotoxicity on CT-26 and HT-29 cell lines resulted in achieving the IC 50 values of about 785 and 500 μ g /mL, respectively. • An eco-friendly and cost-effective procedure for the synthesis of Se nanorods. • Se nanorods as an excellent photocatalyst for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye. • Low cell bio-toxicity of the Se nanorods. • Application of chitosan polymer as a capping agent for the biosynthesis of Se nanorods.