Phytofabrication of selenium nanoparticles using Azolla pinnata: Evaluation of catalytic properties in oxidation, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Abstract

We demonstrate the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with Azolla pinnata plant extract as a reducing and capping agent. The synthesized nanoparticle was characterized through Ultraviolet-Visible analysis, X-Ray Diffraction analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared studies. UV-Vis analysis has confirmed the absorption value at 306 nm respectively. The crystallite size of the A. pinnata stabilized nanoparticle was found to be 36.45 nm. The synthesized selenium nanoparticle was spherical in shape. The XPS analysis confirmed that the elements such as selenium a major part with a 3d core level region. The yield percentage was found to be 78.3% from the oxidation of p-Tolualdehyde to p-Toluic acid. The free radical scavenging potential was found to be high at the concentration of 500 μg/mL from the antioxidant study. From the antimicrobial activity, the synthesized Ap-Se NPs showed the maximum zone of inhibition in E. coli 17 ± 0.67 mm followed by E. faecium 15 ± 0.13 mm, C. albicans 15 ± 0.32 mm and S. aureus 14 ± 0.93 mm. Hence, it was proved that the synthesized nanoparticles act as a catalyst in oxidation and effective antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.