Biogenic synthesis of silver-selenium nanoparticles using Cuminum cyminum L.: environmental and biological activities

In the present work, an eco-friendly approach was adopted for the preparation of silver-selenium-based nanoparticles (Ag/Se-NPs), using Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin) seed extract as an environmentally benign reducing and surface-stabilizing agent. The structural and morphological features of the nanoparticles were systematically characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, FESEM/EDX, and TEM techniques. The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized Ag/Se-NPs was assessed through the ultraviolet-induced degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). The cytotoxic activity of the Ag/Se-NPs toward the human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line was examined using the MTT assay. Antibacterial efficacy was investigated using the agar diffusion method, where the formation of inhibition zones confirmed their bactericidal potential. Overall, the biosynthesized Ag/Se-NPs exhibited pronounced photocatalytic performance along with a clear dose-dependent cytotoxic response, supporting their potential application in environmental remediation and cancer-related nanomedicine.