*Corresponding Author: R. Bannari, Ph.D. Research Scholar, PG & Research Department of Zoology, L.R.G.
Govt Arts College for Women, Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu. India, Email: bannari.mjcas-[email protected]. 49
International Journal of Zoology and Applied Biosciences ISSN: 2455-9571
Volume 10, Issue 5, pp: 49-57, 2025 http://www.ijzab.com
https://doi.org/10.55126/ijzab.2025.v10.i05.007
Research Article
SELENIUM NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED THROUGH PONTEDERIA
CRASSIPES EXTRACT: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON
CHARACTERIZATION AND FUTURE APPLICATIONS
*R. Bannari and Litty Koria
PG & Research Department of Zoology, L.R.G. Govt Arts College for Women, Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu. India
Article History: Received 26th July 2025; Accepted 29th August 2025; Published 30th September 2025
ABSTRACT
This study aims to explore innovative approaches for vector control, specifically targeting the Aedes aegypti mosquito. A
progressive methodology utilizing green synthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) derived from Pontederia crassipes
as a novel biocontrol strategy is proposed in this study. The preparation of plant extract was meticulously conducted to
ensure optimal phytochemical yield, followed by the synthesis of Se-NPs through environmentally friendly methods.
Characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles was performed using various techniques, including UV-Vi’s
spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy
(SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The findings indicate that the green synthesized Se-NPs can exhibit
promising biocidal properties against Aedes aegypti, suggesting their potential as a sustainable alternative in dengue vector
control strategies. This study highlights innovative vector management using green synthesized nano particles.
Keywords: Selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs), Green synthesis, Pontederia crassipes, Biocontrol.
INTRODUCTION
Over the past 20 years, dengue fever has become much
more common worldwide, which presents a serious public
health risk. The World Health Organization (WHO)
projected a ten-fold increase in reported cases globally
between 2000 and 2019, going from 500,000 to 5.2 million.
A record high was reached in 2019, with cases recorded in
129 different nations. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and
a lower reporting rate, there was a slight decline in dengue
cases between 2020 and 2022. However, in 2023, there was
a global upsurge in dengue cases, which was characterized
by a significant increase in the number, scale, and
simultaneous occurrence of multiple outbreaks that spread
into previously unaffected regions. A number of novel
methods are used for the control of Dengue fever. One
such method for effective control is the use of Nano
particles. A variety of chemical and physical techniques
have been employed in the production of NPs. The
chemical and physical approaches are expensive and hence
biosynthesis of NPs is required. The manufacturing of NP
via the green-synthesis process has shown to be
economical, environmentally safe and has increasing uses
across a range of industries. This environmentally friendly
technique can regulate the emission of hazardous
compounds. (Mikhailova, E.O. 2023)
Recently, there has been interest in the production of
nanoparticles. With broad applications in domains like
medicine, chemistry, biology, electronics and energy,
which fills the gap between bulk material and atomic or
molecular structure (Mushtaq et al., 2021; Alavi et al.,
2022). According to Zhang et al. (2011) and Fernández et
al. (2017), selenium is a trace element that may
occasionally be classified as a metalloid. It has a wide
range of characteristics and uses, such as semiconductor,
thermoelectric, and catalytic activity, as well as hydration
and oxidation processes. It functions as an antioxidant and
guards against oxidative processes that could harm bodily
tissues. Selenium has an inhibitory impact on some germs
and lowers the incidence of certain malignancies, including
those of the lungs, pancreas, stomach, and intestines.
R. Bannari and Litty Koria Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 49-57, 2025
www.ijzab.com 50
Despite the numerous benefits that have been shown,
selenium is poisonous, and excessive concentrations can
have negative effects. Through the production of selenium
nanoparticles (SeNPs), researchers in nanotechnology may
be able to lower the element's potential and verify for
toxicity. Size has a major impact on SeNPs' biological
activity. These particles have more biological activity than
typical selenium compounds, to the extent that 5-200 nm of
selenium may effectively remove free radicals in a
laboratory setting (Winkel et al., 2012; Sharma et al.,
2014).
In all aquatic environments, particularly in still water
environments like lakes, Pontederia crassipes is an
invasive plant. Bioactive substances with favorable
antifungal effects on the environment are present in this
plant. Water hyacinth's potential as a strong and long-
lasting antifungal has been demonstrated by research
(Semu J Williams b.et al., 2024) It is anticipated that the
water hyacinth's antifungal composition would raise
agricultural demands. A native plant species of the Amazon
basin, Pontederia Crassipes has spread throughout tropical
and subtropical areas, causing disastrous effects on water
bodies and water systems in over 80 nations, including all
of Southern Africa (Harun et al., 2021). Significant losses
to tropical water systems and ecosystems, both
economically and ecologically, have been attributed mostly
due to the water hyacinth. The infamously invasive
monocotyledonous free-floating water plant is ranked by
the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
as one of the world's ten worst weed plants.
Numerous plants possessing bioactive qualities have been
identified as crucial elements in conventional medicine and
human nourishment. These naturally occurring medicinal
plants include a variety of active components (extracts, oils,
and phytochemicals) that may interfere with the life stages
of mosquitoes, including the egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Furthermore, scientists choose plant-based treatments over
toxic chemical pesticides when combating vector
mosquitoes. The insecticidal properties of botanicals
against vector mosquitoes have been the subject of several
published articles (Pålsson & Jaenson, 1999; Ghosh et al.,
2012; Kalita et al., 2013; Lupi et al., 2013; Rehman et al.,
2014; Shaalan & Canyon, 2015; Tehri & Singh, 2015;
Naseem et al., 2016; Remia et al., 2017; Hikal et al., 2017;
Bekele, 2018; Ganesan et al., 2023). A list and discussion
of 344 botanical compounds with possible mosquitocidal
properties was provided by Sukumar et al. (1991). Senthil-
Nathan et al. (2020) have reviewed a recent study that goes
into depth into the botanicals utilized for larvicidal activity.
Similarly, the plant Pontendria Crassipes is used in the
present study as biocontrol agent with SeNP. Selenium
nanoparticles (SeNPs) are extremely popular objects in
nanotechnology. “Green” synthesis has special advantages
due to the growing necessity for environmentally friendly,
non-toxic, and low-cost methods.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials and reagents: Selenous acid (H2SeO3), MTT 3-
(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide,
DAPI 40-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, acridine
orange/ethidium bromide (Ao/EtBr), Sodium dodecyl
sulfate (SDS) Were purchased from Sigma Aldrich, India.
All additional analytical grade chemicals were obtained
from commercial suppliers.
Collection of plant and obtaining the extract
Collection and identification of the plant species were done
by standard practice and inferring them with the herbarium
at Botanical Survey of India, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu,
India. Aqueous extraction from the plants were carried out
as per previous report (Vetrivel, et al. 2019).
Preparation of plant extract
Freshly collected plant material was washed thoroughly
with distilled water to remove any impurities. The plant
was then air-dried at room temperature and ground into a
fine powder. The powdered plant material was subjected to
extraction using methanol through Aqueous extraction. The
extract was filtered through Whatman No. 1 filter paper to
remove particulate matter. The filtrate was then
concentrated using a rotary evaporator at reduced pressure
to obtain a viscous extract.
Synthesis of Se-NPs from plant extract
5 mL of C. bulbosa tuber extract was diluted with 45 mL of
double distilled water (DDW), followed with the addition
of 20 mL of 40 mM Selenous acid solution. The mixture
solution was stirred for 24 h at 37 °C (room temperature)
until the color changes from yellow to ruby red. In the end
the resultant product was washed with DDW followed by
centrifugation at 10,000 rpm for 10 min. The washing step
was repeated several times until the impurities was
removed. Finally, the red pellet was dried in freeze drier for
two days and used for further study.
Characterization of Se-NPs
The rapidly synthesized Se-NPs was characterized by UV–
Visible spectroscopy (SHIMADZU-1800, India). The
phase formation and crystalline nature of the SeNPs was
examined by Rigaku XRD at a voltage of 45 kV with Cu-
Kα radiation (K=1.5406 Å). Functional groups were
analyzed by FT-IR (PERKIN ELMER SPECTRUM 100
FT-IR Spectrometer). The IR (Infra-Red) spectrum can be
recorded in middle region wavelength of 4000–400 cm−1
at a resolution of 4.0 -*cm−1. A suspension on a Zeta sizer
Nano ZS particle analyzer (MALVERN) was used to
measure the surface charge of the SeNPs. The surface
www.ijzab.com 50
Despite the numerous benefits that have been shown,
selenium is poisonous, and excessive concentrations can
have negative effects. Through the production of selenium
nanoparticles (SeNPs), researchers in nanotechnology may
be able to lower the element's potential and verify for
toxicity. Size has a major impact on SeNPs' biological
activity. These particles have more biological activity than
typical selenium compounds, to the extent that 5-200 nm of
selenium may effectively remove free radicals in a
laboratory setting (Winkel et al., 2012; Sharma et al.,
2014).
In all aquatic environments, particularly in still water
environments like lakes, Pontederia crassipes is an
invasive plant. Bioactive substances with favorable
antifungal effects on the environment are present in this
plant. Water hyacinth's potential as a strong and long-
lasting antifungal has been demonstrated by research
(Semu J Williams b.et al., 2024) It is anticipated that the
water hyacinth's antifungal composition would raise
agricultural demands. A native plant species of the Amazon
basin, Pontederia Crassipes has spread throughout tropical
and subtropical areas, causing disastrous effects on water
bodies and water systems in over 80 nations, including all
of Southern Africa (Harun et al., 2021). Significant losses
to tropical water systems and ecosystems, both
economically and ecologically, have been attributed mostly
due to the water hyacinth. The infamously invasive
monocotyledonous free-floating water plant is ranked by
the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
as one of the world's ten worst weed plants.
Numerous plants possessing bioactive qualities have been
identified as crucial elements in conventional medicine and
human nourishment. These naturally occurring medicinal
plants include a variety of active components (extracts, oils,
and phytochemicals) that may interfere with the life stages
of mosquitoes, including the egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Furthermore, scientists choose plant-based treatments over
toxic chemical pesticides when combating vector
mosquitoes. The insecticidal properties of botanicals
against vector mosquitoes have been the subject of several
published articles (Pålsson & Jaenson, 1999; Ghosh et al.,
2012; Kalita et al., 2013; Lupi et al., 2013; Rehman et al.,
2014; Shaalan & Canyon, 2015; Tehri & Singh, 2015;
Naseem et al., 2016; Remia et al., 2017; Hikal et al., 2017;
Bekele, 2018; Ganesan et al., 2023). A list and discussion
of 344 botanical compounds with possible mosquitocidal
properties was provided by Sukumar et al. (1991). Senthil-
Nathan et al. (2020) have reviewed a recent study that goes
into depth into the botanicals utilized for larvicidal activity.
Similarly, the plant Pontendria Crassipes is used in the
present study as biocontrol agent with SeNP. Selenium
nanoparticles (SeNPs) are extremely popular objects in
nanotechnology. “Green” synthesis has special advantages
due to the growing necessity for environmentally friendly,
non-toxic, and low-cost methods.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials and reagents: Selenous acid (H2SeO3), MTT 3-
(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide,
DAPI 40-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, acridine
orange/ethidium bromide (Ao/EtBr), Sodium dodecyl
sulfate (SDS) Were purchased from Sigma Aldrich, India.
All additional analytical grade chemicals were obtained
from commercial suppliers.
Collection of plant and obtaining the extract
Collection and identification of the plant species were done
by standard practice and inferring them with the herbarium
at Botanical Survey of India, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu,
India. Aqueous extraction from the plants were carried out
as per previous report (Vetrivel, et al. 2019).
Preparation of plant extract
Freshly collected plant material was washed thoroughly
with distilled water to remove any impurities. The plant
was then air-dried at room temperature and ground into a
fine powder. The powdered plant material was subjected to
extraction using methanol through Aqueous extraction. The
extract was filtered through Whatman No. 1 filter paper to
remove particulate matter. The filtrate was then
concentrated using a rotary evaporator at reduced pressure
to obtain a viscous extract.
Synthesis of Se-NPs from plant extract
5 mL of C. bulbosa tuber extract was diluted with 45 mL of
double distilled water (DDW), followed with the addition
of 20 mL of 40 mM Selenous acid solution. The mixture
solution was stirred for 24 h at 37 °C (room temperature)
until the color changes from yellow to ruby red. In the end
the resultant product was washed with DDW followed by
centrifugation at 10,000 rpm for 10 min. The washing step
was repeated several times until the impurities was
removed. Finally, the red pellet was dried in freeze drier for
two days and used for further study.
Characterization of Se-NPs
The rapidly synthesized Se-NPs was characterized by UV–
Visible spectroscopy (SHIMADZU-1800, India). The
phase formation and crystalline nature of the SeNPs was
examined by Rigaku XRD at a voltage of 45 kV with Cu-
Kα radiation (K=1.5406 Å). Functional groups were
analyzed by FT-IR (PERKIN ELMER SPECTRUM 100
FT-IR Spectrometer). The IR (Infra-Red) spectrum can be
recorded in middle region wavelength of 4000–400 cm−1
at a resolution of 4.0 -*cm−1. A suspension on a Zeta sizer
Nano ZS particle analyzer (MALVERN) was used to
measure the surface charge of the SeNPs. The surface
R. Bannari and Litty Koria Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 49-57, 2025
www.ijzab.com 51
shape and particles elemental analysis was carried out using
FE-SEM with EDS mapping analysis (JEOL 7401 F) and
HR-TEM (TECNAI G2 F30) analysis. The DLS and ZP
analyzer (MALVERN ZETA sizer nano-ZS90, UK) was
utilized to measure the size dimension and surface charge
of synthesized SeNPs.
Figure 1. Pontederia crassipes plant was collected from Sulur lake Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. India. Sulur is located at
11.0295°N, 77.1190°E. It has an average elevation of 340 metres (1115 feet).
Figure 2. Graphical presentation ofgreen synthesized selenium nanoparticles using Pontederia crassipes extract.
Synthesis of Se-NPs using
Pontederia crassipesplant
extract
Pontederia crassipes Characterization of the
green synthesized Se-NPs
(UV, XRD, FTIR, SEM
AND TEM)
www.ijzab.com 51
shape and particles elemental analysis was carried out using
FE-SEM with EDS mapping analysis (JEOL 7401 F) and
HR-TEM (TECNAI G2 F30) analysis. The DLS and ZP
analyzer (MALVERN ZETA sizer nano-ZS90, UK) was
utilized to measure the size dimension and surface charge
of synthesized SeNPs.
Figure 1. Pontederia crassipes plant was collected from Sulur lake Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. India. Sulur is located at
11.0295°N, 77.1190°E. It has an average elevation of 340 metres (1115 feet).
Figure 2. Graphical presentation ofgreen synthesized selenium nanoparticles using Pontederia crassipes extract.
Synthesis of Se-NPs using
Pontederia crassipesplant
extract
Pontederia crassipes Characterization of the
green synthesized Se-NPs
(UV, XRD, FTIR, SEM
AND TEM)
R. Bannari and Litty Koria Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 49-57, 2025
www.ijzab.com 52
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Collecting and identifying the plant species by standard
practice and preserving them in the herbarium at Botanical
Survey of India, Coimbatore. Tamil Nadu. India. (Voucher
No: BSI/SRC/5/23/2024-25/Tech/436). The synthesis of
selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Pontederia crassipes
extract was confirmed by a color change from pale yellow
to reddish-brown, indicating the formation of SeNPs.
Table 1. Shows that phytochemical screening of the Pontederia crassipes extract revealed the presence of various
bioactive compounds including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and phenols. Saponins and Terpenoids
were present in higher concentrations, followed by Alkalloids, phenols and Glycosides which were present in
moderately high concentrations. Flavonoids, Steroids and amino acids were present in low concentrations.
Phytochemicals Methanol
Alkaloids ++
Phenols ++
Flavonoids +
Tannins -
Saponins +++
Terpenoids +++
Steroids +
Carbohydrates +
Glycosides ++
Amino acids +
Proteins +
+ → present in small concentration; ++ → present in moderately high concentration;
Atomic absorption spectroscopy was also used to study the concentration of selenium ions at various time trials to
determining its remaining one in the supernatant.
+++ → present in very high concentration; -- → absent.
The SeNPs from the extracts of Pontendria Crassipes were
characterized by Methods such as In present study SeNPs
was synthesized by the Pontederia crassipes extract. The
formation of SeNPs was confirmed by UV–vis spectral
analysis. Results showed that the reduction of selenium
ions and the generation of SeNPs were completed within 24
h of incubation at room temperature. The formation of ruby
red colour indicated the reduction of selenium ions. The
absorption spectra of the SeNPs were observed at 259 nm
and the formation of such peak occurs due to the Surface
Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of SeNPs. This confirms the
intensity of the colour was directly proportionate to the
incubation period and it was occurred due to the excitation
of surface plasma resonance (SPR) as well as the
polydispersity of the SeNPs (Figure 3). Table 1. Shows that
phytochemical screening of the Pontederia crassipes
extract revealed the presence of various bioactive
compounds including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids,
saponins, and phenols
+ → present in small concentration; ++ → present in moderately high concentration;
Atomic absorption spectroscopy was also used to study the concentration of selenium ions at various time trials to
determining its remaining one in the supernatant.
+++ → present in very high concentration; -- → absent.
www.ijzab.com 52
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Collecting and identifying the plant species by standard
practice and preserving them in the herbarium at Botanical
Survey of India, Coimbatore. Tamil Nadu. India. (Voucher
No: BSI/SRC/5/23/2024-25/Tech/436). The synthesis of
selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Pontederia crassipes
extract was confirmed by a color change from pale yellow
to reddish-brown, indicating the formation of SeNPs.
Table 1. Shows that phytochemical screening of the Pontederia crassipes extract revealed the presence of various
bioactive compounds including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, and phenols. Saponins and Terpenoids
were present in higher concentrations, followed by Alkalloids, phenols and Glycosides which were present in
moderately high concentrations. Flavonoids, Steroids and amino acids were present in low concentrations.
Phytochemicals Methanol
Alkaloids ++
Phenols ++
Flavonoids +
Tannins -
Saponins +++
Terpenoids +++
Steroids +
Carbohydrates +
Glycosides ++
Amino acids +
Proteins +
+ → present in small concentration; ++ → present in moderately high concentration;
Atomic absorption spectroscopy was also used to study the concentration of selenium ions at various time trials to
determining its remaining one in the supernatant.
+++ → present in very high concentration; -- → absent.
The SeNPs from the extracts of Pontendria Crassipes were
characterized by Methods such as In present study SeNPs
was synthesized by the Pontederia crassipes extract. The
formation of SeNPs was confirmed by UV–vis spectral
analysis. Results showed that the reduction of selenium
ions and the generation of SeNPs were completed within 24
h of incubation at room temperature. The formation of ruby
red colour indicated the reduction of selenium ions. The
absorption spectra of the SeNPs were observed at 259 nm
and the formation of such peak occurs due to the Surface
Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of SeNPs. This confirms the
intensity of the colour was directly proportionate to the
incubation period and it was occurred due to the excitation
of surface plasma resonance (SPR) as well as the
polydispersity of the SeNPs (Figure 3). Table 1. Shows that
phytochemical screening of the Pontederia crassipes
extract revealed the presence of various bioactive
compounds including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids,
saponins, and phenols
+ → present in small concentration; ++ → present in moderately high concentration;
Atomic absorption spectroscopy was also used to study the concentration of selenium ions at various time trials to
determining its remaining one in the supernatant.
+++ → present in very high concentration; -- → absent.
R. Bannari and Litty Koria Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 49-57, 2025
www.ijzab.com 53
Figure: 3. UV- Visible spectrum and Chromatic variation of SeNPs after adding extract with 40 mM of sodium selenite
solution (i)Sodium selenite, (ii) Extract, and (iii) SeNPs.
Figure 3. XRD of synthesized Se-NPs.
Figure 3 shows the XRD pattern of Se-NPs, which showed
the hexagonal structure of the produced Se-NPs. The planes
of the Se crystalline form (210), (202), (112), (102), (110),
(101), and (100) were assigned to the usual diffraction
peaks located at 2theta = 65.90, 41.83, 31.92, 43.35, 48.24,
29.61, and 23.98, respectively (JCPDS No. 06-0362). The
predominant orientation occurred to plane (101), as seen by
the stronger and higher peak at 2theta = 23.98 pointing to
the plane (101). Figure:4 Shown in determine the potential
biomolecules in charge of stabilizing and capping the
selenium nanoparticles, FT-IR analysis was carried out in
the current investigation. The thermocyclic amine, >N-H
stretch, 2025 (N=C=S stretching isothiocyanate), 1384
(gem-Dimethyl or “iso” (doublet), 1314 (primary or
secondary, OH in plane blend), 1101 (C-N symmetrical
vibration of carboxylate ions), and 657 (Thioether, CH3-S-
(C-S Stretch)) were the absorption bands that the aqueous
extract displayed. Nearly identical peaks are produced in
the green generated selenium nanoparticles. When
comparing the two results, the band shift in the FTIR
spectra of 3434 (heterocyclic amine, >N-H stretch), 2025
(iosthiocyanatein (-NCS), 1633 (organic nitrates), 1384
(gem-Dimethyl or “iso” (doublet), 1314 (primary or
secondary, OH in plane blend), 1270 (Vinylidence C-H in-
plane blent), 1101 (C-N symmetrical vibration of
carboxylate ions), and 488 (polysulfides (S-S stretch) FTIR
spectrum, which validates the decrease procedure. The
production of SeNPs effectively relies on these functional
groups.
www.ijzab.com 53
Figure: 3. UV- Visible spectrum and Chromatic variation of SeNPs after adding extract with 40 mM of sodium selenite
solution (i)Sodium selenite, (ii) Extract, and (iii) SeNPs.
Figure 3. XRD of synthesized Se-NPs.
Figure 3 shows the XRD pattern of Se-NPs, which showed
the hexagonal structure of the produced Se-NPs. The planes
of the Se crystalline form (210), (202), (112), (102), (110),
(101), and (100) were assigned to the usual diffraction
peaks located at 2theta = 65.90, 41.83, 31.92, 43.35, 48.24,
29.61, and 23.98, respectively (JCPDS No. 06-0362). The
predominant orientation occurred to plane (101), as seen by
the stronger and higher peak at 2theta = 23.98 pointing to
the plane (101). Figure:4 Shown in determine the potential
biomolecules in charge of stabilizing and capping the
selenium nanoparticles, FT-IR analysis was carried out in
the current investigation. The thermocyclic amine, >N-H
stretch, 2025 (N=C=S stretching isothiocyanate), 1384
(gem-Dimethyl or “iso” (doublet), 1314 (primary or
secondary, OH in plane blend), 1101 (C-N symmetrical
vibration of carboxylate ions), and 657 (Thioether, CH3-S-
(C-S Stretch)) were the absorption bands that the aqueous
extract displayed. Nearly identical peaks are produced in
the green generated selenium nanoparticles. When
comparing the two results, the band shift in the FTIR
spectra of 3434 (heterocyclic amine, >N-H stretch), 2025
(iosthiocyanatein (-NCS), 1633 (organic nitrates), 1384
(gem-Dimethyl or “iso” (doublet), 1314 (primary or
secondary, OH in plane blend), 1270 (Vinylidence C-H in-
plane blent), 1101 (C-N symmetrical vibration of
carboxylate ions), and 488 (polysulfides (S-S stretch) FTIR
spectrum, which validates the decrease procedure. The
production of SeNPs effectively relies on these functional
groups.
R. Bannari and Litty Koria Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 49-57, 2025
www.ijzab.com 54
Figure 4. FT-IR spectrum of SeNPs synthesized.
Figure 5. Characterization of SeNPs (a) Energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis and (b) & (c) Field emission scanning
electron microscopy analysis in different magnification.
Field emission scanning electron microscopy images of
green synthesized selenium nanoparticles are shown in the
figure.5 (b-c). Morphology of the green synthesized
selenium nanoparticles was spherical and the average
particle size was 25 nm. The EDAX spectra of green
synthesized selenium nanoparticles confirmed that Se was
the major element, with ∼3-keV signal. Moreover, the
presence of a sharp optical absorption peak in the range of
2 to 3 keV was typical for the absorption of metallic
selenium nano-crystallites.
www.ijzab.com 54
Figure 4. FT-IR spectrum of SeNPs synthesized.
Figure 5. Characterization of SeNPs (a) Energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis and (b) & (c) Field emission scanning
electron microscopy analysis in different magnification.
Field emission scanning electron microscopy images of
green synthesized selenium nanoparticles are shown in the
figure.5 (b-c). Morphology of the green synthesized
selenium nanoparticles was spherical and the average
particle size was 25 nm. The EDAX spectra of green
synthesized selenium nanoparticles confirmed that Se was
the major element, with ∼3-keV signal. Moreover, the
presence of a sharp optical absorption peak in the range of
2 to 3 keV was typical for the absorption of metallic
selenium nano-crystallites.
R. Bannari and Litty Koria Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 49-57, 2025
www.ijzab.com 55
Figure 6. TEM and SAED pattens of Se-NPs.
HR-TEM analysis showed the different sizes of SeNPs due
to the bio reduction of selenium oxide by the aqueous
extract. Mostly, the biosynthesized SeNPs were spherical.
The size of the SeNPs ranged between 23.9 and 57.1 nm.
The results of SAED confirmed that the biosynthesized
SeNPs were spherical with an fcc phase. The observed
rings corresponded to the (111), (200), (220), and (311)
planes of the fcc crystalline lattice of SeNPS (Figure 6). In
nanotechnology, selenium nanoparticles, or Se-NPs, are
highly sought-after materials. Because there is an
increasing need for low-cost, non-toxic, ecologically
acceptable technologies, "green" synthesis offers unique
benefits. The antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer,
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other features of
selenium nanoparticles—as well as the mechanisms
underlying these processes—as well as current knowledge
and methods regarding their potential biomedical
application are discussed (Mikhailova, 2023). Moreover,
plant-derived Se-NPs have noteworthy antimicrobial
characteristics and hold great promise for use as sensory
probes, therapeutic drug delivery, anticancer agents, and
heavy metal detectors (Khalilov, 2023; Ikram et al., 2021;
Cittrarasu et al., 2021). The fast conversion of selenium
ions to SeNPs is caused by reducing water-soluble
phytochemicals like flavones, tannins, quinones and
organic acids (Ghaffari-Moghaddam et al.,2014). It was in
the present study Pontendria crassipes- selenium
nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using
various techniques, including Ultraviolet-visible
spectroscopy (UV), Fourier-transform infrared
spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscope
(SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential
(ZP), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron
Microscopy (TEM)
CONCLUSION
Biogenic synthesis of selenium nanoparticles is successful
since the biomolecules used in the reduction process are
derived from plants and are thus entirely non-toxic to the
environment. The evaluation of green produced selenium
nanoparticles against the extract of Pontederia crassipes
can be encouraging results in the realm of nanotechnology
for mosquito control and environmental sustainability. The
manufacture and application of selenium nanoparticles was
examined with an emphasis on their potential
efficaciousness as mosquito larvicides. To sum up, the use
of Pontederia crassipes extract in the characterization of
green manufactured selenium nanoparticles offers a viable
approach to battle Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The
integration of plant extracts with nanoparticles has emerged
as a promising approach for controlling target species. This
innovative method leverages the bioactive compounds
present in plant extracts such as saponin, Terpenoid’s and
alkaloids which enhances their efficacy through
nanoparticle mediated delivery. In order to increase the
production and efficacy of the nanoparticles, further studies
may be conducted on the synthesis parameters, the effect
the nanoparticles on species other than the target species,
specify and validating the potential of this innovative
approach.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors are thankful to Dr. Litty Koria, Head and
Associate professor, PG & Research Department of
Zoology, L.R.G. Govt Arts College for Women, Tiruppur,
Tamil Nadu. India
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
The authors declare no conflict of interest
ETHICS APPROVAL
Not applicable
FUNDING
This study received no specific funding from public,
commercial, or not-for-profit funding agencies.
www.ijzab.com 55
Figure 6. TEM and SAED pattens of Se-NPs.
HR-TEM analysis showed the different sizes of SeNPs due
to the bio reduction of selenium oxide by the aqueous
extract. Mostly, the biosynthesized SeNPs were spherical.
The size of the SeNPs ranged between 23.9 and 57.1 nm.
The results of SAED confirmed that the biosynthesized
SeNPs were spherical with an fcc phase. The observed
rings corresponded to the (111), (200), (220), and (311)
planes of the fcc crystalline lattice of SeNPS (Figure 6). In
nanotechnology, selenium nanoparticles, or Se-NPs, are
highly sought-after materials. Because there is an
increasing need for low-cost, non-toxic, ecologically
acceptable technologies, "green" synthesis offers unique
benefits. The antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer,
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other features of
selenium nanoparticles—as well as the mechanisms
underlying these processes—as well as current knowledge
and methods regarding their potential biomedical
application are discussed (Mikhailova, 2023). Moreover,
plant-derived Se-NPs have noteworthy antimicrobial
characteristics and hold great promise for use as sensory
probes, therapeutic drug delivery, anticancer agents, and
heavy metal detectors (Khalilov, 2023; Ikram et al., 2021;
Cittrarasu et al., 2021). The fast conversion of selenium
ions to SeNPs is caused by reducing water-soluble
phytochemicals like flavones, tannins, quinones and
organic acids (Ghaffari-Moghaddam et al.,2014). It was in
the present study Pontendria crassipes- selenium
nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using
various techniques, including Ultraviolet-visible
spectroscopy (UV), Fourier-transform infrared
spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscope
(SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential
(ZP), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron
Microscopy (TEM)
CONCLUSION
Biogenic synthesis of selenium nanoparticles is successful
since the biomolecules used in the reduction process are
derived from plants and are thus entirely non-toxic to the
environment. The evaluation of green produced selenium
nanoparticles against the extract of Pontederia crassipes
can be encouraging results in the realm of nanotechnology
for mosquito control and environmental sustainability. The
manufacture and application of selenium nanoparticles was
examined with an emphasis on their potential
efficaciousness as mosquito larvicides. To sum up, the use
of Pontederia crassipes extract in the characterization of
green manufactured selenium nanoparticles offers a viable
approach to battle Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The
integration of plant extracts with nanoparticles has emerged
as a promising approach for controlling target species. This
innovative method leverages the bioactive compounds
present in plant extracts such as saponin, Terpenoid’s and
alkaloids which enhances their efficacy through
nanoparticle mediated delivery. In order to increase the
production and efficacy of the nanoparticles, further studies
may be conducted on the synthesis parameters, the effect
the nanoparticles on species other than the target species,
specify and validating the potential of this innovative
approach.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors are thankful to Dr. Litty Koria, Head and
Associate professor, PG & Research Department of
Zoology, L.R.G. Govt Arts College for Women, Tiruppur,
Tamil Nadu. India
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
The authors declare no conflict of interest
ETHICS APPROVAL
Not applicable
FUNDING
This study received no specific funding from public,
commercial, or not-for-profit funding agencies.
R. Bannari and Litty Koria Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 49-57, 2025
www.ijzab.com 56
AI TOOL DECLARATION
The authors declares that no AI and related tools are used to
write the scientific content of this manuscript.
DATA AVAILABILITY
Data will be available on request
REFERENCES
Mikhailova, E. O. (2023). Selenium nanoparticles: Green
synthesis and biomedical application. Molecules,
28(8125). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28248125
Mushtaq, M. M., Peerzada, S., & Ishtiaq, S. (2021).
Pharmacognostic features, preliminary phytochemical
screening and in vitro antioxidant studies of indigenous
plant of Lahore. International Journal of Advanced
Biological and Biomedical Research, 9(2), 190–201.
Zhang, W., Chen, Z., Liu, H., Zhang, L., Gao, P., & Li, D.
(2011). Biosynthesis and structural characteristics of
selenium nanoparticles by Pseudomonas alcaliphila.
Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 88(1), 196–202.
Fernández-Llamosas, H., Castro, L., Blázquez, M. L., Díaz,
E., & Carmona, M. (2017). Speeding up bioproduction of
selenium nanoparticles by using Vibrio natriegens as
microbial factory. Scientific Reports, 7, 16046.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-16378-1
Winkel, L. H. E., Johnson, C. A., Lenz, M., Grundl, T.,
Leupin, O. X., Amini, M., & Charlet, L. (2012).
Environmental selenium research: From microscopic
processes to global understanding. Environmental Science
& Technology, 46(2), 571–579.
Sharma, G., Sharma, A., Bhavesh, R., Park, J., Ganbold, B.,
Nam, J. S., & Lee, S.-S. (2014). Biomolecule-mediated
synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using dried Vitis
vinifera (raisin) extract. Molecules, 19(3), 2761–2770.
Semu, J., Williams, B., Cheng, J., Mutingwende, I., &
Chifamba, J. (2024). Pontederia crassipes biosynthesised
silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), characterisation and
activity against multidrug-resistant microbes. Journal of
Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
26(6), 1–16.
https://doi.org/10.9734/jamps/2024/v26i651305
Harun, I., Pushiri, H., Amirul-Aiman, A. J., & Zulkeflee, Z.
(2021). Invasive water hyacinth: Ecology, impacts and
prospects for the rural economy. Plants, 10, 1613.
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081613
Pålsson, K., & Jaenson, T. G. T. (1999). Plant products
used as mosquito repellents in Guinea Bissau, West
Africa. Acta Tropica, 72, 39–52.
Ghosh, A., Chowdhury, N., & Chandra, G. (2012). Plant
extracts as potential mosquito larvicides. The Indian
Journal of Medical Research, 135, 581–598.
Kalita, B., Bora, S., & Sharma, A. K. (2013). Plant
essential oils as mosquito repellent: A review.
International Journal of Research and Development in
Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 3, 715–721.
Lupi, E., Hatz, C., & Schlagenhauf, P. (2013). The efficacy
of repellents against Aedes, Anopheles, Culex and Ixodes
spp. – A literature review. Travel Medicine and Infectious
Disease, 11, 374–411.
Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant-based
products: Use and development as repellents against
mosquitoes: A review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65–74.
Shaalan, E. A., & Canyon, D. V. (2015). A review on
mosquitocidal activity of botanical seed derivatives.
Current Bioactive Compounds, 11, 78–90.
Tehri, K., & Singh, N. (2015). The role of botanicals as
green pesticides in integrated mosquito management: A
review. International Journal of Mosquito Research, 2,
18–23.
Naseem, S., Malik, M. F., & Munir, T. (2016). Mosquito
management: A review. Journal of Entomology and
Zoology Studies, 4, 73–79.
Remia, K. M., Logaswamy, S., & Shanmugapriyan, R.
(2017). Efficacy of botanical repellents against Aedes
aegypti. International Journal of Mosquito Research, 4,
126–129.
Hikal, W. M., Baeshen, R. S., & Said-Al Ahl, H. A. H.
(2017). Botanical insecticide as simple extractives for
pest control. Cogent Biology, 3, 1404274.
Bekele, D. (2018). Review on insecticidal and repellent
activity of plant products for malaria mosquito control.
Biomedical Research and Reviews, 2(2), 2–7.
Gharsan, F. N. (2019). A review of the bioactivity of plant
products against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).
Journal of Entomological Science, 54, 256–274.
Noronha, M., Pawar, V., Prajapati, A., & Subramanian, R.
B. (2020). A literature review on traditional herbal
medicines for malaria. South African Journal of Botany,
128, 292–303.
Ganesan, P., Samuel, R., Mutheeswaran, S., Pandikumar,
P., Reegan, A. D., et al. (2023). Phytocompounds for
mosquito larvicidal activity and their modes of action: A
review. South African Journal of Botany, 152, 19–49.
Senthi-Nathan. (2020). A review of resistance mechanisms
of synthetic insecticides and botanicals, phytochemicals
and essential oils as alternative larvicidal agents against
mosquitoes. Section Invertebrate Physiology, 10–2019.
Vetrivel, C., et al. (2019). Fabrication and characterization
of noble crystalline silver nanoparticles from Ceropegia
bulbosa Roxb root tuber extract for antibacterial,
larvicidal and histopathology applications. Nanosci.
Nanotechnology. Letter, 11, 11–21.
Khalilov, R. (2023). A comprehensive review of advanced
nanobiomaterials in regenerative medicine and drug
www.ijzab.com 56
AI TOOL DECLARATION
The authors declares that no AI and related tools are used to
write the scientific content of this manuscript.
DATA AVAILABILITY
Data will be available on request
REFERENCES
Mikhailova, E. O. (2023). Selenium nanoparticles: Green
synthesis and biomedical application. Molecules,
28(8125). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28248125
Mushtaq, M. M., Peerzada, S., & Ishtiaq, S. (2021).
Pharmacognostic features, preliminary phytochemical
screening and in vitro antioxidant studies of indigenous
plant of Lahore. International Journal of Advanced
Biological and Biomedical Research, 9(2), 190–201.
Zhang, W., Chen, Z., Liu, H., Zhang, L., Gao, P., & Li, D.
(2011). Biosynthesis and structural characteristics of
selenium nanoparticles by Pseudomonas alcaliphila.
Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 88(1), 196–202.
Fernández-Llamosas, H., Castro, L., Blázquez, M. L., Díaz,
E., & Carmona, M. (2017). Speeding up bioproduction of
selenium nanoparticles by using Vibrio natriegens as
microbial factory. Scientific Reports, 7, 16046.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-16378-1
Winkel, L. H. E., Johnson, C. A., Lenz, M., Grundl, T.,
Leupin, O. X., Amini, M., & Charlet, L. (2012).
Environmental selenium research: From microscopic
processes to global understanding. Environmental Science
& Technology, 46(2), 571–579.
Sharma, G., Sharma, A., Bhavesh, R., Park, J., Ganbold, B.,
Nam, J. S., & Lee, S.-S. (2014). Biomolecule-mediated
synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using dried Vitis
vinifera (raisin) extract. Molecules, 19(3), 2761–2770.
Semu, J., Williams, B., Cheng, J., Mutingwende, I., &
Chifamba, J. (2024). Pontederia crassipes biosynthesised
silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), characterisation and
activity against multidrug-resistant microbes. Journal of
Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
26(6), 1–16.
https://doi.org/10.9734/jamps/2024/v26i651305
Harun, I., Pushiri, H., Amirul-Aiman, A. J., & Zulkeflee, Z.
(2021). Invasive water hyacinth: Ecology, impacts and
prospects for the rural economy. Plants, 10, 1613.
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081613
Pålsson, K., & Jaenson, T. G. T. (1999). Plant products
used as mosquito repellents in Guinea Bissau, West
Africa. Acta Tropica, 72, 39–52.
Ghosh, A., Chowdhury, N., & Chandra, G. (2012). Plant
extracts as potential mosquito larvicides. The Indian
Journal of Medical Research, 135, 581–598.
Kalita, B., Bora, S., & Sharma, A. K. (2013). Plant
essential oils as mosquito repellent: A review.
International Journal of Research and Development in
Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 3, 715–721.
Lupi, E., Hatz, C., & Schlagenhauf, P. (2013). The efficacy
of repellents against Aedes, Anopheles, Culex and Ixodes
spp. – A literature review. Travel Medicine and Infectious
Disease, 11, 374–411.
Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant-based
products: Use and development as repellents against
mosquitoes: A review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65–74.
Shaalan, E. A., & Canyon, D. V. (2015). A review on
mosquitocidal activity of botanical seed derivatives.
Current Bioactive Compounds, 11, 78–90.
Tehri, K., & Singh, N. (2015). The role of botanicals as
green pesticides in integrated mosquito management: A
review. International Journal of Mosquito Research, 2,
18–23.
Naseem, S., Malik, M. F., & Munir, T. (2016). Mosquito
management: A review. Journal of Entomology and
Zoology Studies, 4, 73–79.
Remia, K. M., Logaswamy, S., & Shanmugapriyan, R.
(2017). Efficacy of botanical repellents against Aedes
aegypti. International Journal of Mosquito Research, 4,
126–129.
Hikal, W. M., Baeshen, R. S., & Said-Al Ahl, H. A. H.
(2017). Botanical insecticide as simple extractives for
pest control. Cogent Biology, 3, 1404274.
Bekele, D. (2018). Review on insecticidal and repellent
activity of plant products for malaria mosquito control.
Biomedical Research and Reviews, 2(2), 2–7.
Gharsan, F. N. (2019). A review of the bioactivity of plant
products against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).
Journal of Entomological Science, 54, 256–274.
Noronha, M., Pawar, V., Prajapati, A., & Subramanian, R.
B. (2020). A literature review on traditional herbal
medicines for malaria. South African Journal of Botany,
128, 292–303.
Ganesan, P., Samuel, R., Mutheeswaran, S., Pandikumar,
P., Reegan, A. D., et al. (2023). Phytocompounds for
mosquito larvicidal activity and their modes of action: A
review. South African Journal of Botany, 152, 19–49.
Senthi-Nathan. (2020). A review of resistance mechanisms
of synthetic insecticides and botanicals, phytochemicals
and essential oils as alternative larvicidal agents against
mosquitoes. Section Invertebrate Physiology, 10–2019.
Vetrivel, C., et al. (2019). Fabrication and characterization
of noble crystalline silver nanoparticles from Ceropegia
bulbosa Roxb root tuber extract for antibacterial,
larvicidal and histopathology applications. Nanosci.
Nanotechnology. Letter, 11, 11–21.
Khalilov, R. (2023). A comprehensive review of advanced
nanobiomaterials in regenerative medicine and drug
R. Bannari and Litty Koria Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci., 10(5), 49-57, 2025
www.ijzab.com 57
delivery. Advances in Biology and Earth Sciences, 8(1),
5–18.
Cittrarasu, V., Kaliannan, D., Dharman, K., Maluventhen,
V., Easwaran, M., Liu, W. C., & Arumugam, M. (2021).
Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles mediated from
Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb extract and its cytotoxicity,
antimicrobial, mosquitocidal and photocatalytic activities.
Scientific Reports, 11(1), 103.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79317-8
Ghaffari-Moghaddam, M., Hadi-Dabanlou, R., Khajeh, M.,
Rakhshanipour, M., & Shameli, K. (2014). Green
synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts.
Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 31(4), 548–
557.
www.ijzab.com 57
delivery. Advances in Biology and Earth Sciences, 8(1),
5–18.
Cittrarasu, V., Kaliannan, D., Dharman, K., Maluventhen,
V., Easwaran, M., Liu, W. C., & Arumugam, M. (2021).
Green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles mediated from
Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb extract and its cytotoxicity,
antimicrobial, mosquitocidal and photocatalytic activities.
Scientific Reports, 11(1), 103.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79317-8
Ghaffari-Moghaddam, M., Hadi-Dabanlou, R., Khajeh, M.,
Rakhshanipour, M., & Shameli, K. (2014). Green
synthesis of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts.
Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 31(4), 548–
557.