Plant-based synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Cordia myxa fruit extract and evaluation of their cytotoxicity effects

Abstract

In recent years, the widespread application of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) gave rise to a strong tendency toward the synthesis of this product. This study introduced the usage of Cordia myxa fruit extract to perform the green synthesis of Se-NPs through a high-efficiency, low-cost, and non-toxic method for the first time. The techniques of DLS, Zeta potential, UV–vis, XRD, FESEM/EDX/PSA, TEM, and FTIR were exerted to determine the optical properties, crystal structure, size, and morphology of synthesized nanoparticles (NPs). The recorded peak at 245 nm throughout the UV–vis analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of Se-NPs, while the FESEM/PSA images displayed their spherical morphology with a particle size range of 42 to 61 nm. Also, the TEM images revealed the spherical shape of NPs via size 12 nm. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups in this sample. Cytotoxic effects of Se-NPs on the Huh-7 cell line were evaluated by the MTT method at time intervals of 24, 48, and 72 h. The findings indicated that with increasing concentration of Se-NPs, cell viability decreased significantly (p < 0.05) and the IC50 of Se-NPs in this study was determined to be 62.5 ppm. Additionally, the green synthesized NPs caused a greater inhibitory effect on liver Huh-7 cells (human hepatoma cells) in 72 h when compared to the results of 24 and 48 h.