Carrageenan as polymer matrix for selenium nanocomposites

Abstract

Carrageenan derived from red algae has been used for the chemical synthesis of selenium nanocomposite (NC Se/Car), in which the content of selenium nanoparticles was 2%. The effect of NC Se/Car on the potato plants in vitro has been studied. The electron microscopy data have indicated that NC Se/Car comprises spherical selenium nanoparticles (of a wide size range) forming aggregates. Experiments in plants have shown a stimulating effect of NC Se/Car on plant biometric indicators and an effect of NC Se/Car decreasing harmful influence from Clavibacter sepedonicus (bacteria causing potato ring rot) infection. Some level of accumulation of selenium in potato tissues treated with NC Se/Car (0.010.03% of air-dry weight) has been found. There is no negative effect of NC Se/Car on the viability of soil microorganisms. These results allow us to consider NC Se/Car as a plant growth stimulator for agricultural crops.