Green synthesis and antibacterial activity of zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanoparticles

Objective(s): In this study, zinc selenide nanoparticles (ZnSe NPs) were prepared via green synthesis as a simple, fast, and eco-friendly method at an ambient temperature and various reaction pH (11, 12, and 13). Also ZnSe NPs antibacterial activity was investigated.Materials and methods: The ZnSe NPs were characterized using instruments such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry within the range of 360-610 nanometers and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antimicrobial activity of various concentrations of ZnSe NPs (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, and 1,024 μg/ml) was examined against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter aerogenes), and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms using the broth microdilution MIC method.Results: The results of UV-Vis spectrum and TEM confirmed the successful synthesis of ZnSe NPs with the mean diameter of approximately 50 nanometers. According to the results of broth microdilution MIC method, there were differences in the resistance of the bacterial strains. In addition, Staphylococcus aureus biofilms were observed to be completely resistant to various concentrations of ZnSe NPs.Conclusion: It seems that synthesized ZnSe NPs can be capable of inhibiting growth of bacterial strains especially Gram-positive strains. Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Green chemistry, Nanoparticles, Zinc selenide