Selenium Nanorods Decorated Gold Nanostructures: Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Applications

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential factor in human health, and a small amount of this metalloid is beneficial for many biological macromolecules in the human body. Here, we report on the preparation of Se nanorods, their surface decoration with gold nanoparticles using stearic acid as a shape directing agent. The prepared selenium nanorods were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystallinity and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy for the characteristic surface Plasmon resonance (SPR). The shape of the Se nanorods decorated with gold nanoparticles (SeNR-Au) was visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Se nanorods and SeNr-Au composite obtained by this method were effective against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Se nanorods decorated with Au induced the release of cellular components from bacterial cells, indicating its excellent ability to damage the cytoplasmic membrane as compared to bare SeNr. In addition, the antioxidant study of the prepared nanomaterial shows that the designed material is a competent agent in scavenging the stable DPPH free radicals. The promising antibacterial and impressive antioxidant potentials of the newly designed material could be used as a potential agent in antimicrobial therapy with a protective effect against the overproduced radicals.