Curcumin-Selenium Nanocomposites Integrated into Sol-Gel Siloxane Matrices for Antimicrobial and Delivery...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are bioactive agents with low toxicity.
• Phytosynthesis offers an eco-friendly route to synthesize functionalized nanoparticles.
• Hybrid materials require versatile fabrication methods for diverse applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize curcumin-functionalized selenium nanoparticles (cur-SeNPs) using phytosynthesis.
• To incorporate cur-SeNPs into siloxane hybrid matrices via sol-gel method.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial activity and release kinetics of the developed hybrid materials.

Main Methods:

• Phytosynthesis of SeNPs using Curcuma longa extract.
• Sol-gel method for creating siloxane hybrid matrices with varying precursor ratios and PVP.
• Characterization using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX.
• Antimicrobial assays against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.

Main Results:

• Formation of amorphous siloxane networks with well-dispersed SeNPs (~12 wt%).
• PVP incorporation led to ordered mesoporous structures with increased pore volume and diameter.
• Enhanced diffusion-controlled release of selenium ions due to mesoporosity.
• Synergistic antimicrobial effect observed between curcuminoids and SeNPs.

Conclusions:

• The developed cur-SeNPs-loaded siloxane matrices show significant antimicrobial potential.
• Mesoporous structure enhances selenium ion release kinetics.
• These hybrid materials are promising for antimicrobial coatings and targeted delivery systems.