Rapid, room-temperature synthesis of amorphous selenium/protein composites using Capsicum annuum L extract

We describe the formation of amorphous selenium (alpha- Se)/protein compositesusing Capsicum annuum L extract to reduce selenium ions (SeO32-) at room temperature. The reaction occurs rapidly and the process is simple and easy to handle. A protein with a molecular weight of 30 kDa extracted from Capsicum annuum L not only reduces the SeO32- ions to Se-0, but also controls the nucleation and growth of Se0, and even participates in the formation of alpha-Se/ protein composites. The size and shell thickness of the a- Se/ protein composites increases with high Capsicum annuum L extract concentration, and decreases with low reaction solution pH. The results suggest that this eco- friendly, biogenic synthesis strategy could be widely used for preparing inorganic/organic biocomposites. In addition, we also discuss the possible mechanism of the reduction of SeO32- ions by Capsicum annuum L extract.