Eco-friendly synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Cuminum cyminum L extract: Evaluating their cytotoxicity, antimicrobial properties, and photocatalytic efficiency

• Eco-friendly synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Cuminum cyminum L extrac. • Examination of antibacterial effects of selenium nanoparticles. • Examination of cytotoxicity of selenium nanoparticles on cancer CT26 cell line. • Examination of photocatalytic efficiency of selenium nanoparticles to degradation of organic dyes. In this study, selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) were synthesized through a sustainable and eco-friendly method utilizing Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin) extract. The bioactive compounds in the extract act as natural reducing agents and stabilizers. The morphological, optical, and functional attributes of Se-NPs were analyzed with a focus on their photocatalytic applications, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activities. UV-Vis, XRD, and TEM analyses confirmed that Se-NPs were mainly amorphous with a spherical shape. The photocatalytic evaluation showed that Se-NPs effectively degraded organic dyes when exposed to UV light, highlighting their potential for environmental purification. The MTT assay evaluated the potential cytotoxicity of Se-NPs toward the cancerous CT26 cells and showed targeted anticancer activity with an IC 50 value of 309.9 µg/mL after 48 h. The agar diffusion approach was used to study the bactericidal effects of Se-NPs against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus ; the appearance of clear inhibitory zones confirmed the antimicrobial properties of Se-NPs.