Synthesis, characterization and anticancer activity of selenium nanobiocomposite of l-asparaginase

Selenium is a rare earth nonmetal and an essential micronutrient for animals, and a trace nutrient for humans. It is known to function as a cofactor for reduction of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase. The selenium nanobiocomposite synthesized using a co-precipitation method with sizes 20–30 nm were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy and they showed maximum absorption between 300 and 400 nm in the ultra-violet spectrum. Fourier transform infrared and H-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed the involvement of various functional groups in the binding of asparaginase to selenium nanoparticles to form the selenium nanobiocomposite. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the hexagonal structure of the selenium nanobiocomposite. Methylthiazolyl diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay on HT-29, MG-63 and HEPTO cells loaded with the selenium nanobiocomposite revealed a toxicity of 93.62, 94.24 and 87.68%, respectively, for a selenium nanobiocomposite concentration of $$1000\,\upmu \hbox {g ml}^-1$$ . The selenium nanobiocomposite of l-asparaginase opens a new arena in cancer treatment.