Therapeutic potential of selenium nanoparticles synthesized by mangrove plant: Combatting oral pathogens and exploring additional biological properties

Background

Over the past few decades, nanoparticles have been widely employed to limit the growth of cancer both in vivo and in vitro, as well as many dangerous bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In traditional medicine, a marine plant called Rhizophora mucronata is frequently used to treat skin conditions, inflammation, and diabetes.

Objective

Evaluate the efficacy of selenium nanoparticles synthesized using mangrove plant extracts in combating oral pathogens and assess their potential for additional biological properties towards the development of novel therapeutic interventions for oral infections and related conditions.

Methods

In the current study, R. mucronata was utilized to create selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in an environmentally friendly manner. The elements of the material were identified using EDX spectroscopy, its shape was examined using SEM, and its surface Plasmon resonance was measured using UV–Vis spectroscopy. Moreover, FT-IR was used to identify the SeNPs' functional groups.

Results

The produced nanoparticles ranged in size from 20 to 60 nm and had a spherical form. Later analyses concentrated on the ability of the synthesized nanoparticles to combat common oral pathogens that cause dental cavities and other oral diseases. The marine plant-derived SeNPs showed notable zones of inhibition in addition to lethal actions against these oral infections. These nanoparticles also demonstrated anti-inflammatory and potentially effective DPPH radical scavenging qualities.

Conclusion

Based on the above reported results, it can be concluded that SeNPs generated by R. mucronata have significant potential for a variety of pharmacological and medical uses.