Introduction

Bacteria and toxicants continue to threaten our health and pollute our environment. Eradicating those substances would lead to better health. Synthesizing selenium nanoparticles and incorporating them into solid supports is a milestone toward better health and hygiene due to their antimicrobial and catalytic properties. In this project, we have synthesized bovine serum album (BSA) capped silver nanoparticles using ascorbic acid, and polymer supported beads. The materials exhibited good antibacterial and catalytic properties.

Method

Selenium nanoparticles were synthesized by a reduction reaction using two core components, ascorbic acid (reductant) and sodium selenite, by two methods: First, the addition of ascorbic acid to sodium selenite drop-wise, then bovine serum albumin (BSA), a stabilizer to prevent sedimentation. It was tested by spectrometry. Secondly, beads were formed using sodium alginate and calcium chloride, which were added to the core components. In a UV-VIS spectrometer, the beads catalyzed the reaction with Congo red - a toxic dye - and NaBH4. Additionally, both methods were tested for their antibacterial properties on Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus Aureus, and E.Coli.

Results

The formation of selenium nanoparticles was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The particles were stable against aggregation due to the capping of BSA. The nanocomposite beads were spherical with porous morphology, and were effective in the degradation of a model dye Congo red. The beads are reusable with no appreciable decrease in degradation efficiency.

Conclusion

The nanoparticles and the nanocomposite beads were effective against bacteria. The beads were reusable and had enhanced catalytic activity against Congo red, showing promise for decontamination of water including hospital waste water.