Phyto-fabrication of selenium nanorods using extract of pomegranate rind wastes and their potentialities for inhibiting fish-borne pathogens

Abstract

The invasion of fish/seafoods by zoonotic pathogens causes health threats to humans. Plant derivatives and phytosynthesized nanometals could promisingly overcome bacterial infections/contaminations. The extract of pomegranate rinds (PRE) was innovatively employed for biosynthesizing selenium nanorods (Se-NRs). These agents were assessed as antibacterial candidates against diverse fish-borne pathogenic species (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Sphingomonas paucimobilis). The PRE-synthesized Se-NRs, within 60 min of contact, were negatively charged (-32 mV) and had mean diameter of 62.31 nm and length range of 443.5-1236.9 nm. The designated infrared spectra for PRE and PRE/Se-NRs composite validated the biosynthesis, bonding, and interactions of the nanocomposite. The antibacterial potentialities of PRE, phytosynthesized Se-NRs, and PRE/Se-NRs composite was confirmed toward the entire challenged pathogens; S. aureus had the highest resistance (with inhibitory concentrations of 72.5, 60.0, and 55.0 mg/L, respectively) and S. paucimobilis was the most sensitive (with inhibitory concentrations of 55.0, 45.0, and 42.5 mg/L, respectively). The ultrastructure of the treated S. paucimobilis with PRE/Se-NRs emphasized the composite potentiality for deforming/distorting cells within 4 h and causing full cells' destruction and deformation within 8 h of exposure. The PRE-phytosynthesized Se-NRs are advocated as potent antibacterial products against fish-borne pathogens for decontaminating fisheries farms and products.