Green-Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles Using Garlic Cloves (Allium sativum): Biophysical Characterization and Cytotoxicity on Vero Cells

Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize a number of research fields, including biomedicine. Currently, the fabrication of biocompatible nanomaterials is of high interest worldwide. Little is known about the possible synthetic routes to fabricate selenium nanoparticles. In this research, we focused on the potential of a medicinally important plant species, garlic (Allium sativum), for the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles. The garlic aqueous extracts acted as a capping and reducing agent in forming selenium nanoparticles. Green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles were characterized using UV-vis spectrophotometry, TEM, SEM, EDAX, FTIR and XRD analysis. Furthermore, green-fabricated and conventional chemically synthesized selenium nanoparticles were tested to evaluate their cytotoxicity against Vero cells. CC50 values revealed that biologically synthesized selenium nanoparticles showed eco-friendly features and limited cytotoxicity if compared with chemically synthesized selenium nanoparticles.