Green synthesis of mono and bimetallic selenium nanoparticles and their applications in biomedical and agriculture

Abstract

The need for more effective and environmentally sustainable solutions to various medical and agricultural issues in the current scenario has driven significant interest in nanomaterials, among which selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have emerged as particularly promising. The current review discusses the role of mono and bimetallic selenium nanoparticles and their applications in agricultural and biomedical studies. An overview of different plant and microbial sources available for green synthesis of nanoparticles is highlighted. Silver, gold, zinc, and selenium nanoparticles and their general characteristics are presented briefly. The phytochemicals generally involved in the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles are discussed. The literature review of the synthesis of mono and di-selenium nanoparticles using various plants and microbial sources is reported. Applications of selenium nanoparticles in the biomedical field as antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antimalarial, anthelmintic and wound healing agent are discussed. The role of selenium nanoparticles in agriculture for plant growth, protection against pests and abiotic stress is outlined.