Biogenic Synthesis of Silver-Core Selenium-Shell Nanoparticles Using Ocimum tenuiflorum L.: Response Surface...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) offer enhanced biological potential due to synergistic alloy effects.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are of interest for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize selenium-capped silver nanoparticles (Ag@Se NPs) using Ocimum tenuiflorum extract.
• To evaluate the biological properties, including antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity, of the synthesized Ag@Se NPs.
• To optimize synthesis conditions using response surface methodology.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Ag@Se NPs using Ocimum tenuiflorum extract.
• Characterization via UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, NTA, electron microscopy, and EDX.
• Optimization using response surface methodology.
• Phytoconstituent analysis using GC-MS and molecular docking for genotoxicity assessment.
• Evaluation of antioxidant activity, in vitro cytotoxicity (MTT assay), and genotoxicity (Allium cepa assay).

Main Results:

• Ag@Se NPs exhibited a surface plasmon resonance band around 420 nm, confirming bimetallic formation with silver and selenium.
• The nanoparticles demonstrated good stability, dispersity, and antioxidant activity.
• Low concentrations showed compatibility, while high concentrations exhibited significant cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.
• Molecular docking suggested weak interactions between plant compounds and B-DNA, indicating low genotoxic risk from constituents.

Conclusions:

• Eco-friendly Ag@Se NPs can be produced using Ocimum tenuiflorum extract.
• The biological activity of Ag@Se NPs is concentration-dependent, with potential benefits at low doses and risks at high doses.
• Understanding synthesis parameters is crucial for controlling the properties and biological effects of these nanoparticles.