article · Green Processing and Synthesis
Selenium nanoparticles were successfully synthesised through a biogenic, green method using root extract from costus, scientifically known as Saussurea costus. Mixing sodium selenite with the plant extract under stirring for four hours produced well-dispersed, spherical selenium nanoparticles with an average diameter of 6.13 nanometres and a negative surface charge. Chemical analysis confirmed that functional groups from the plant extract participated directly in nanoparticle formation. Laboratory assessments demonstrated strong antibacterial properties against common foodborne bacterial pathogens, specifically Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. Microscopic examination confirmed that the nanoparticle composite attached directly to bacterial cell surfaces, causing complete cell rupture and lysis over extended exposure times. The findings demonstrate a straightforward and environmentally friendly synthesis method for producing bioactive selenium composites capable of controlling harmful foodborne bacteria.
Foodborne bacterial pathogens present persistent contamination challenges in food handling and public health. Utilising plant extracts to manufacture selenium nanoparticles provides a simple, eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical synthesis. Demonstrating that these biogenic nanoparticles can physically bind to and destroy harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli supports the development of greener antimicrobial agents to combat food-related bacterial contamination.
This technology offers an eco-friendly antimicrobial composite for potential deployment in food safety, agricultural sanitisation, or packaging by food processors and safety specialists. Because the findings are based on laboratory synthesis and in vitro pathogen inhibition tests, the work represents early-stage experimental research. Further formulation, stability testing, and validation in real food systems or processing environments would be required prior to commercial application.
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Abstract Selenium (Se) as a bioactive micronutrient could be augmented via transforming into nanoparticles (NPs), especially using biogenic protocols, for usage as an antimicrobial element. The reducing power of costus ( Saussurea costus ) root extract (SCE) was employed for phytosynthesis of Se-NPs through a simple and rapid protocol that included stirred mixing of 10 mM Na 2 SeO 3 with 1.0% SCE solution for 4 h. The phytosynthesized SCE/Se-NP composite was obtained with a mean diameter of 6.13 nm and a zeta potential of −42.8 mV. Infrared analyses revealed the involvement of many SCE phytogroups in Se-NP synthesis, whereas transmission microscopy displayed well distribution and spherical shapes of the phytosynthesized NPs. The antibacterial assessments against foodborne pathogens ( Escherichia coli , Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus ) revealed the superior powers of SCE/Se-NPs and the elevated potentialities of SCE and Se-NPs for inhibition of bacterial pathogens. The scanning micrographs indicated that SCE/Se-NPs were attached to bacterial cells and led to their complete lysis/explosion with exposure prolongation. The SCE/Se-NP composites are recommended for the effective control of foodborne bacterial pathogens, applying a simple and eco-friendly phytosynthesis protocol.
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DOI: 10.1515/gps-2020-0038
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