Eco-friendly synthesis of Balanites aegyptiaca-derived selenium nanoparticles: extract and assessment of their anticancer, antimicrobial, cytogenetic and molecular docking insights

Abstract

Abstract This study reports the eco-friendly synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using the methanolic extract of Balanites aegyptiaca mesocarp and evaluates their biological activities. The synthesized spherical SeNPs (average size: 2.82 nm) were characterized by TEM, FESEM, and UV–Vis spectroscopy, confirming that phenolic compounds serve as both reducing and stabilizing agents. HPLC analysis revealed eight major phenolics, with gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and daidzein being the predominant compounds. The SeNPs exhibited strong cytotoxicity against HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 30.03 µg/mL), potent antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae , Escherichia coli , and Enterococcus faecalis , and induced concentration-dependent cytogenetic effects in Vicia faba root tips. Molecular docking studies suggested that phenolic compounds effectively interact with the CDK4 active site, supporting their potential anticancer properties. These findings highlight B. aegyptiaca -derived SeNPs as promising candidates for biomedical applications.