Green synthesis of Ag–Se nanoparticles using pomegranate peel: A multifunctional approach for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer applications

Abstract

Silver–selenium nanoparticles (Ag–Se NPs) were successfully prepared using Punica granatum peel extract via a green, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by a characteristic UV–Vis absorbance peak at 436 nm, while FTIR analysis indicated the involvement of functional groups in reduction and stabilization. TEM analysis showed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 44.9 ± 19 nm. The synthesized Ag–Se NPs exhibited effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis, with inhibition zones of 17.8, 20.3, and 16.2 mm, respectively. The MIC values ranged from 62.5 to 500 µg/mL, confirming concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity. The nanoparticles showed significant antibiofilm activity, reaching 62.3% inhibition against E. coli at higher concentrations. Cytotoxicity evaluation demonstrated selective activity, with IC₅₀ values of 209 µg/mL for Vero normal cells and 115 µg/mL for MCF-7 cancer cells. Furthermore, antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH and ABTS assays showed IC₅₀ values of 458 and 312 µg/mL, respectively. Overall, the results indicate that green-synthesized Ag–Se NPs possess multifunctional biological activities, making them promising candidates for antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant applications.