Zinc selenide nanoparticles: Green synthesis and biomedical applications

Nanotechnology has become one of the most widely used technologies in translational research and may significantly impact the future of healthcare. Because of their distinctive physicochemical characteristics, nanoparticles (NPs) have diverse applications in all areas of science including biomedicine, agriculture, biolabeling, catalysis, electronics, sensors, and fiber optics. Recently, green synthesis technology, as a reliable and eco-friendly method, has been taken into consideration for synthesizing a wide range of nanomaterials of desired sizes, shape, and functionalities. In this regard, zinc selenide nanoparticles (ZnSe-NPs) as a semiconductor nanostructure with low toxicity and high luminescence features have potential applications in different research fields like optoelectronic devices, laser solar cells, and, particularly in medical and biological sciences. ZnSe NPs can be synthesized by various chemical methods, including sol-gel, solvothermal, hydrothermal, wet chemical, and green and biological synthesis approaches. In this study, we have reviewed the green chemical or biological ZnSe nanoparticles synthesis as eco-friendly methods. Also, we have discussed the biological applications of ZnSe nanoparticles, including antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity effect, biomedical imaging and, drug delivery.