Plant-mediated green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Schinus molle (L.) leaf extract: Antimicrobial
Mohamed A Fareid1, Gamal M El-Sherbiny2, Amira Salah El-Din Youssef3
1Clinical Laboratory Science Department, Applied Medical Science College, University of Ha'il, Hail, 2440, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a critical global health concern due to its multidrug resistance, high virulence, and strong biofilm-forming capacity, necessitating the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies. In this study, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were green synthesized using Schinus molle leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent, and their antimicrobial, anti-virulence, and anticancer activities were investigated. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, XRD, FTIR, TEM, and zeta potential analyses, while HPLC profiling of the plant extract revealed phenolic acids and flavonoids (gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, quercetin, isorhamnetin and kaempferol) likely involved in nanoparticle formation and stabilization. The biosynthesized SeNPs were spherical (50 nm) and exhibited potent antibacterial activity against ten clinical MRSA isolates (MICs: 8-12 μg/mL). Checkerboard assays revealed strong synergistic interactions with cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin (FICI ≤0.5), significantly reducing antibiotic MICs, while time-kill assays confirmed sustained bactericidal activity. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of the SeNPs-cefoxitin combination markedly inhibited MRSA biofilm formation, as confirmed by CLSM. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated selective anticancer activity with minimal toxicity toward normal cells, and flow cytometry confirmed apoptosis induction in cancer cell lines. Overall, S. molle-mediated SeNPs exhibit potent antibacterial and anti-virulence effects against MRSA and enhance antibiotic efficacy, highlighting their potential as multifunctional antimicrobial adjuvants with complementary anticancer properties.
Insights
Green synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) from Schinus molle show potent antibacterial and anti-virulence effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These SeNPs enhance antibiotic efficacy and possess anticancer properties, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant global health threat due to multidrug resistance and virulence.
- Novel antimicrobial strategies are urgently needed to combat MRSA infections and biofilm formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To green synthesize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Schinus molle leaf extract.
- To evaluate the antimicrobial, anti-virulence, and anticancer activities of the synthesized SeNPs against MRSA.
Main Methods:
- SeNPs were synthesized using Schinus molle leaf extract and characterized using UV-Vis, XRD, FTIR, TEM, and zeta potential.
- Antimicrobial activity was assessed via MIC, checkerboard, and time-kill assays against clinical MRSA isolates.
- Anti-virulence, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis induction were evaluated using CLSM and flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Spherical SeNPs (50 nm) demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against MRSA (MICs: 8-12 μg/mL).
- SeNPs exhibited synergistic effects with antibiotics (cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin), reducing their MICs and inhibiting biofilm formation.
- The SeNPs showed selective anticancer activity with minimal toxicity to normal cells, inducing apoptosis in cancer cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Schinus molle-mediated SeNPs are effective against MRSA, enhancing antibiotic efficacy and reducing virulence.
- These multifunctional SeNPs hold promise as antimicrobial adjuvants and possess complementary anticancer properties.
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