Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles from Camptotheca acuminata Fruit Extract and their Biomedical Applications

Background: Selenium nanoparticles are emerging as promising nanomaterials owing to their unique physicochemical and biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, conventional chemical synthesis methods often rely on toxic reagents and harsh reaction conditions, which limit their use in biomedical applicability. Green synthesis using plant extracts provides an eco-friendly, biocompatible, and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. Camptotheca acuminata, a medicinal plant rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, offers suitable phytochemicals for nanoparticle synthesis. Aim: This study aimed to establish a sustainable green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using C. acuminata fruit extract and to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics and multifunctional biological activities for potential nanomedicine applications. Methods: Camptotheca acuminate selenium nanoparticles were synthesized using an aqueous fruit extract of C. acuminata as both reducing and stabilizing agent and characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). UV–visible analysis revealed a characteristic absorption band around 310 nm, FTIR confirmed hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups involved in nanoparticle stabilization, and SEM showed predominantly spherical particles with uniform morphology and sizes ranging from 45 to 90nm. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic (α-amylase inhibition), and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. Results: The green-synthesized CASeNPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity and significant antibacterial effects, producing inhibition zones of approximately 25mm against Staphylococcus aureus, 14mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 12mm against Escherichia coli. Additionally, CASeNPs demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells, effective α-amylase inhibition, and notable anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: Overall C. acuminata derived selenium nanoparticles demonstrate excellent multifunctional bioactivities and represent a promising, sustainable nanoplatform for future biomedical and therapeutic applications. Major Findings: Camptotheca acuminata fruit extract enabled green synthesis of stable spherical SeNPs confirmed by UV–Vis, FTIR, and SEM. The CASeNPs showed strong antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects and antimicrobial activity. They also exhibited significant anticancer and antidiabetic indicating promise for nanomedicine applications.