Photosynthesized Selenium Nanoparticles using Aas (Myrtus communis L.) Leaves Extract

Abstract

Background: Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have attracted considerable attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and broad biomedical applications. Green synthesis using plant extracts offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach for nanoparticle production. Aim: This study aimed to biosynthesize selenium nanoparticles using the leaf extract of Aas (Myrtus communis L.) and characterize the synthesized nanoparticles using various analytical techniques. Methods: Photosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (MC-SeNPs) were prepared using Myrtus communis leaf extract. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results: The formation of MC-SeNPs was confirmed by the color change of the reaction mixture from colorless to reddish. UV-Vis analysis showed a characteristic absorption peak at 260 nm, indicating the surface plasmon resonance of SeNPs. FT-IR spectra confirmed the presence of functional groups involved in nanoparticle synthesis and stabilization. XRD analysis revealed diffraction peaks at 2θ values of 28.61°, 31.19°, 40.01°, 45.02°, 56.21°, 66.23°, 75.11°, and 84.74°, corresponding to the crystalline selenium phase. FE-SEM images demonstrated predominantly spherical nanoparticles aggregated into clusters, with particle sizes ranging from 21.86 to 31.94 nm. The crystallite size calculated using the Debye–Scherrer equation ranged between 21 and 31 nm. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of selenium along with oxygen, carbon, sodium, and copper. AFM analysis revealed homogeneous spherical nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 20 to 30 nm. Conclusion: The leaf extract of Myrtus communis can be successfully utilized for the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles. The phytochemical constituents of the extract act as reducing and capping agents, producing stable, crystalline, and predominantly spherical selenium nanoparticles suitable for potential future applications