Heptapeptide–selenium nanoparticles: synthesis and assessment of biocatalytic activity

Abstract

Nanotechnology and the application of nanoparticles in biological systems are rapidly advancing areas of research. Selenium, an essential micronutrient for humans, animals, and microbes, has recently drawn significant scientific interest in its nanoparticle form due to its enhanced bioavailability and compatibility with biological systems. This study focuses on the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using a short synthetic hepta peptide with the amino acid sequence FRLKFHF. The peptide-functionalized selenium nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy-Enenrgy Dispersive spectrum and Transmission Electron Microscopy analyses. Their biological efficacy as biocatalysts was evaluated. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated nanozyme-like properties, as they mimicked antioxidant enzymes, effectively scavenging free radicals. They exhibited antioxidant enzyme-mimicking activities similar to superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, they showed catalytic efficiency in degrading methylene blue dye. These findings highlight the potential of heptapeptide–selenium nanoparticles as biocatalytic agents, with their antioxidant enzyme-like functions. Further more, dye degradation ability of these nanoparticles suggests possible applications in wastewater treatment within the textile industry.