Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica leaves extract: evaluation of anthelmintic and biocompatibility potential

Abstract

Various attempts have been made for the green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles, revealing the significance of plant extracts in reducing metal sources to nanoparticles and applications in various scientific domains. Azadirachta indica (family Meliaceae) is an evergreen tree that contains several phytochemicals within its leaves. This study aimed to perform the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) from Azadirachta indica leaves extract. In respective research attempts, NPs were evaluated for applications of anthelminthic and cytotoxic activities. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the spherical morphology and size ranged from 62.1 to 77.6 nm of Bio-SeNPs. Phenolics and flavonoids were determined to be 0.83 ± 0.05 µg/g and 7.37 ± 0.32 µg/g, respectively, and antioxidant activity was 23.93 ± 2.05. For anthelminthic activity, the model earthworm, Eisenia fetida, was tested. Bio-SeNPs (5 mg/ml) have the lowest time for paralysis and death of earthworms (33.68 ± 1.13 and 50.10 ± 2.21 min, respectively). Moreover, histological examinations showed shrinkage of the worm body among treated groups in comparison to control group. In addition, IC50 of Bio-SeNPs was obtained at 127.212 µg/ml for the HCT116, 263.430 for MDA-MB-231, and 330.456 µg/ml for HUH7 cell lines. Our results suggest Bio-SeNPs possessed anthelmintic and biocompatibility activities.

Selenium Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis and Biomedical Application

“…The huge diversity of plant selenium nanoparticles is so great and difficult to describe. The rich flora of our planet and the knowledge accumulated about medicinal plants (for example, traditional Chinese medicine or Ayurveda) and their disease treatment application, along with well-known plants consumed in food, allow using different herb parts as a "biofactory"-roots from Blumea axillaris [101], peel from Solanum melongena [102], wheat seedlings from Triticum aestivum [103], leaves from Azadirachta indica, Petroselinum crispum [104,105], and others, stem from banana [106], flowers from Calendula officinalis [107], and many others. However, since the vast majority of research is conducted in order to obtain a targeted effect (antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, etc.…”

“…Azadirachta indica plant extract biocompounds, enveloping selenium nanoparticles, which can combine with free proteins in the gastrointestinal tract or glycoprotein on the parasite cuticle and provoke death. Moreover, the change in worm body length after SeNP treatment may be related to these phytocompounds' effects on the permeability of the worms' cuticle [104].…”

Green Synthesis of ZnO/CuO Nanocomposites Using Parsley Extract for Potential In Vitro Anticoccidial Application

“…utilized green-synthesized silver NPs, using Cucumis melo L. leaf extract, and they investigated their potential against diabetes and coccidiosis under in vitro conditions . In another attempt, Hawsah et al synthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) from Azadirachta indica leaves extract using the green synthesis approach; then, they utilized Se NPs for applications of anthelminthic and cytotoxic activities . Kasem et al in another study evaluated the in vitro anticoccidial activities of an ultrasonicated ethanolic extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (UEERO) and its chitosan-based nanoparticles (UEERO-Cs NPs) on Eimeria tenella oocysts of chickens .…”