Clerodendron phlomoides leaf extract-mediated synthesis of selenium nanoparticles for multi-applications

This study aimed at the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using an aqueous extract of Clerodendron phlomoides leaves as both reducing and stabilizing agents. The success of SeNP synthesis was confirmed using various analytical characterization techniques such as UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM techniques. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of SeNPs was observed at 325 nm, confirming their polycrystalline nature, while FTIR analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids on the surface of SeNPs that acted as reducing and stabilizing agents for nanoparticle formation. The crystalline pattern obtained from XRD revealed primitive hexagonal structures of SeNPs. The spherical-shaped SeNPs, with a size of around 30 nm, were visualized and confirmed through SEM and TEM investigations. A good antiproliferative activity against the HepG-2 cell line at 13 µg·mL−1 and a significant improvement in SOD activity demonstrated the ability of flavonoid-capped SeNPs to act as potent anticancer and antioxidant agents. SeNPs also exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus strains by disrupting the cell membranes. Further, an RSM-based investigation on the removal of Pb2+ ions showed superior adsorption efficiency of SeNPs, with a loading capacity of 101.9 mg·g−1. The results of this study demonstrate the multi-application potential of SeNPs synthesized through green principles using leaf aqueous extract of Clerodendron phlomoides.