Solvothermal synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with polygonal-like nanostructure and antibacterial potential.

• A rapid solvothermal method was developed using Moringa oleifera leaf extract. • Selenium nanoparticles were amorphous and exhibited a polygonal-like nanostructure. • Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy mapping showed uniform distribution of selenium. • Selenium nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against three food pathogens. In this study, a rapid solvothermal method was developed using Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a reducing agent. Synthesized selenium nanoparticles were amorphous and exhibited a polygonal-like nanostructure with an average size of 82.86 ± 19.42 nm. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy mapping showed uniform distribution of selenium as a dorminant element. The nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli , Salmonella typhimurium as well as Bacillus cereus. Therefore, this demonstrates its potential application in the development of active food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]