Preparation of amorphous nano-selenium-PEG composite network with selective antimicrobial activity

Abstract In this work selenium-polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) composite network was synthesized. Simple and inexpensive one-pot method was performed at room temperature. Saturated water solution of diethyl ether acted as a solvent and ascorbic acid was used as a reduction agent for sodium selenite. Prepared orange selenium-PEG6000 solid composite was characterised by SEM, XRD and TEM measurements. The antibacterial activity of prepared sample was tested on Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis (DBM 2124) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (DBM 3138). Synthesized material showed antibacterial activity on S. epidermidis , however, E. coli bacteria were not inhibited. Although bulk-like, the material has a large surface area and anti-microbial properties of nano-sized amorphous selenium. Thus it can be used in specific applications, e.g. as a special targeted drug or for selective antimicrobial coating.