Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica leaves extract: evaluation of anthelmintic and biocompatibility potential

Abstract

Various attempts have been made for the green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles, revealing the significance of plant extracts in reducing metal sources to nanoparticles and applications in various scientific domains. Azadirachta indica (family Meliaceae) is an evergreen tree that contains several phytochemicals within its leaves. This study aimed to perform the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) from Azadirachta indica leaves extract. In respective research attempts, NPs were evaluated for applications of anthelminthic and cytotoxic activities. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the spherical morphology and size ranged from 62.1 to 77.6 nm of Bio-SeNPs. Phenolics and flavonoids were determined to be 0.83 ± 0.05 µg/g and 7.37 ± 0.32 µg/g, respectively, and antioxidant activity was 23.93 ± 2.05. For anthelminthic activity, the model earthworm, Eisenia fetida, was tested. Bio-SeNPs (5 mg/ml) have the lowest time for paralysis and death of earthworms (33.68 ± 1.13 and 50.10 ± 2.21 min, respectively). Moreover, histological examinations showed shrinkage of the worm body among treated groups in comparison to control group. In addition, IC50 of Bio-SeNPs was obtained at 127.212 µg/ml for the HCT116, 263.430 for MDA-MB-231, and 330.456 µg/ml for HUH7 cell lines. Our results suggest Bio-SeNPs possessed anthelmintic and biocompatibility activities.