Vietnam scientists patent green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using vối leaves

The Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam has granted Patent No. 4323 for a green synthesis process used to create antibacterial selenium nanoparticles. The method utilizes extract from Cleistocalyx operculatus L. (commonly known as vối leaves) as a reducing agent.

Developed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Phuong and colleagues at the Institute of Biology under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the process uses the polyphenol and flavonoid compounds found in the leaves to convert selenium precursors into elemental selenium (Se0). This green synthesis approach serves as an alternative to traditional chemical or physical methods, which often require complex reaction conditions and produce waste. Research indicates that the resulting selenium nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial properties, offering potential applications in the biomedical field.