Antibacterial profiling of selenium nanoparticles synthesized from Crinum species

In recent years, nanotechnology has gained significant attention due to the unique properties of nanomaterials. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) stand out not only for their distinctive properties but also for their broad range of applications. This study focuses on the synthesis of SeNPs using root extracts from 15 Indian Crinum species, with a particular emphasis on optimization, characterization and kinetic studies. Crinum woodrowii demonstrated the highest synthesis, indicated by a peak at 390 nm in UV-visible spectrophotometry. The SeNPs synthesis was optimized based on extract concentration, salt concentration, pH and temperature. The kinetics study was conducted at optimal conditions and revealed a maximum synthesis at 168 h (7 days). Characterization of the synthesized SeNPs was performed using FTIR, FESEM, TEM, XRD and NTA. The antibacterial activity of synthesized SeNPs was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus using MIC and MBC. The synergistic antibacterial activity of SeNPs and Cefotaxime was observed against Bacillus cereus (MIC = 128 μg/ml). The mechanism of antibacterial action was studied using the colony-forming capability and cell permeability assays. The study revealed cell elongation, increased cell size, cell wall swelling and changes in colony characteristics. Thus, SeNPs can be used for treating wounds and burns, promoting poultry growth, formulating antimicrobial products and soil supplementation in agriculture etc.