Synthesis and hypoglycemic efficacy assessment of epigallocatechin gallate-selenium nanoparticles (EGCG-Se NPs) nanocomposites

The synthesis of Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) using plant extracts has been widely recognized for many advantages. In this study, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was used as the reducing agent for sodium selenite to obtain Epigallocatechin gallate-Selenium nanoparticles (EGCG-Se NPs) whose hypoglycemic potential was evaluated. The Ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis) spectra, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) profiles, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of EGCG-Se NPs all confirmed the Se-O coordination bonds between Se NPs and EGCG, which is conducive to improving the stability of the molecular structure of the complex. The ellipsoidal structure (20–90 nm) and amorphous state of EGCG-Se NPs were characterized via X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analyses confirm that EGCG-SeNPs exhibit sustained colloidal stability under physiologically relevant buffer conditions (pH 7.2–7.4). The EGCG-Se NPs have a significant dose-responsive inhibitory effect on α-amylase (6.1–15.9%) and α-glucosidase (2.8–5.7%). In vitro studies have demonstrated the potential of this complex for both the supplementation of selenium and blood glucose regulation, warranting further in vivo validation.