This study investigates the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SP-S-NPs) using Spirulina platensis extract and evaluates their biological applications. SP-S-NPs were synthesised by combining S. platensis extract with selenium and ascorbic acid. Characterisation was performed using UV-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, zeta size and potential analysis, X-ray diffraction, EDAX, FE-SEM and HR-TEM. SP-S-NPs conducted in-vitro anticancer activity against SK-MEL-3 skin cancer cells. SK-MEL-3 cells treated with SP-S-NPs (15 and 20 µg/ml) for 24 hours underwent apoptosis, as revealed by AO/EB staining. Fluorescence microscopy showed green live cells, yellow early apoptotic cells, and orange late apoptotic cells. Flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC further confirmed apoptosis induction. UV-visible spectroscopy revealed surface plasmon resonance peaks at 340 nm, 400 nm, and 679 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. FT-IR analysis identified various functional groups, while zeta size analysis showed an average particle size of 99.66 nm with a zeta potential of -23.5 mV, indicating good colloidal stability. X-ray diffraction, FE-SEM, and HR-TEM confirmed the crystalline nature and spherical to oval morphology of SP-S-NPs, with sizes ranging from 16.71 nm to 34.85 nm. SP-S-NPs demonstrated significant anticancer activity against SK-MEL-3 skin cancer cells, with an IC50 of approximately 20 µg/mL. Treatment with 15 and 20 µg/ml SP-S-NPs for 24 hr induced apoptotic changes, as evidenced by AO/EB staining. Fluorescence microscopy revealed green live cells, early apoptotic cells that read yellow with fragmented nuclei, and late apoptotic cells that appeared orange with chromatin condensation. Flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC further confirmed apoptosis induction by SP-S-NPs. These findings suggest that SP-S-NPs synthesized using S. platensis extract have potential applications in cancer therapy and as antioxidants, warranting further investigation into their mechanisms of action and possible in vivo applications.
Keywords: Green synthesis, Selenium nanoparticles, Spirulina platensis, Anticancer activity, Apoptosis induction, SK-MEL-3 cells.
How to cite this article: Jilsha G, Elango H, Green Synthesis and Characterization of Selenium Nanoparticles Using Spirulina platensis Extract and its Anticancer Activity Against SK-MEL-3 Skin Cancer Cells. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(4s): 552-562; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.4s.65
Source of support: Nil
Conflict of interest: None