Reducing agents influence the shapes of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and subsequently their antibacterial and antioxidant activity

Selenium is an important element which is required in trace amounts for maintaining proper health in humans. There are various reports available on the biomedical properties of selenium such as anticancer, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. It has been shown that by controlling shape of the nanoparticles their properties can be tailored. A simple method for controlling the shape of Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) is proposed in the current study. SeNPs of various shapes such as rods, spheres and cubes has been obtained by using reducing agents such as BSA (Bovine serum albumin), D-Glucose and Soluble starch (amylum) respectively. The obtained particles were characterized by FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), UV-Visible spectroscopy, SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) and EDX (Energy dispersive X-ray analysis). FTIR analysis showed the presence of functional groups responsible for the synthesis of SeNPs. UV-Visible spectroscopy revealed the formation of SeNPs uniformly in 200–300 nm regions. SEM-EDX results further confirmed the presence of SeNPs in nano-suspensions. The SeNPs synthesized using soluble starch exhibited considerably higher antioxidant activity. Antimicrobial assays done against Bacillus subtilis implied a very high antibacterial activity of synthesized SeNPs.