Growth of Se Nanoparticles on Kinetin Assemblies and their Biocompatibility Studies

In this work we examined the growth and self-assembly of kinetin nano and microstructures under varying conditions followed by the utilization of the formed structures as templates for the growth of selenium nanoparticles. It was found that the self-assembly of kinetin nanostructures is pH and concentration dependant. The optimal pH for self-assembly was found to be between pH 5-7. The self-assembly of the nanostructures was aided by aromatic - stacking, solvophobic interactions, as well as hydrogen bonding interactions. The sizes of the nanostructures ranged from 200 nm-500 nm in diameter, which grew into microstructures over a longer period of time. The assemblies were then used as templates for the growth of selenium nanoparticles. The formation of the nanoconjugates was confirmed by spectroscopic and electron microscopic analysis. The utility of the nanoconjugates as anti-oxidants was examined by conducting the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH center dot) assay, where in selenium nanoparticles bound kinetin nanofibers showed the ability to scavenge free radicals. Further, the biocompatibility of the materials was examined in the presence of normal rat kidney cells (NRK). Thus, such nanomaterials may potentially be useful as a new family of antioxidants for biological applications and for nanodevice fabrications.