Rapid, room-temperature synthesis of amorphous selenium/protein composites using Capsicum annuum L extract Shikuo, Li; Yuhua, Shen; Anjian, Xie; Xuerong, Yu; Xiuzhen, Zhang; Liangbao, Yang; Chuanhao, Li [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230039 (China)] 36 MATERIALS SCIENCE; CAPSICUM; CRYSTAL GROWTH; MOLECULAR WEIGHT; NUCLEATION; PROTEINS; SELENIUM; SELENIUM IONS; SYNTHESIS; TEMPERATURE RANGE 0273-0400 K We describe the formation of amorphous selenium ({alpha}-Se)/protein composites using Capsicum annuum L extract to reduce selenium ions (SeO{sub 3}{sup 2-}) at room temperature. The reaction occurs rapidly and the process is simple and easy to handle. A protein with a molecular weight of 30 kDa extracted from Capsicum annuum L not only reduces the SeO{sub 3}{sup 2-} ions to Se{sup 0}, but also controls the nucleation and growth of Se{sup 0}, and even participates in the formation of {alpha}-Se/protein composites. The size and shell thickness of the {alpha}-Se/protein composites increases with high Capsicum annuum L extract concentration, and decreases with low reaction solution pH. The results suggest that this eco-friendly, biogenic synthesis strategy could be widely used for preparing inorganic/organic biocomposites. In addition, we also discuss the possible mechanism of the reduction of SeO{sub 3}{sup 2-} ions by Capsicum annuum L extract. United Kingdom 2007-10-10 English Journal Article Journal Name: Nanotechnology (Print); Journal Volume: 18; Journal Issue: 40; Other Information: PII: S0957-4484(07)46916-1; DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/18/40/405101; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Medium: X; Size: page(s) 405101 https://doi.org/10.1088/0957-4484/18/40/405101; COUNTRY OF INPUT: INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA) [] 40 18 Journal ID: ISSN 0957-4484; TRN: GB08P4598040559 GBN 2010-01-01 21018761