A research team led by Nagaland University, in collaboration with Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, has developed an eco-friendly method to convert the invasive plant Mikania micrantha into silver nanoparticles with applications in pharmaceutical synthesis, antibacterial treatment and cancer research.
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DIMAPUR, APRIL 20 (MExN): A research team led by Nagaland University, in collaboration with Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, has developed an eco-friendly method to convert the invasive plant Mikania micrantha into silver nanoparticles with applications in pharmaceutical synthesis, antibacterial treatment and cancer research.
According to a press release, the team adopted a “green chemistry” approach, using leaf extracts of the plant to produce stable silver nanoparticles without relying on toxic chemicals typically used in conventional nanomaterial synthesis. These nanoparticles function as catalysts capable of producing imidazoles—key components used in a wide range of medicines—within 30 to 180 seconds.
The research was supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribe Students (NFST-MOTA), and the findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. The paper was co-authored by Manthae C Phom, Phitovili Sumi, Betokali K Zhimomi, Khonzani Yanthan, Tonge W W, Shokip Tumtin and Tovishe Phucho.
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NU Vice Chancellor Jagadish K Patnaik stated, “This innovative study highlights a fast, eco-friendly approach to drug synthesis while demonstrating significant antibacterial and anticancer potential. Such research underscores the university’s commitment to scientific excellence and sustainable solutions to address global health challenges.”
The press release stated that the nanoparticles can be reused at least six times with minimal loss of efficiency, reducing production costs and chemical waste. This makes the method a potentially scalable and sustainable alternative for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Dr I Tovishe Phucho, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, NU noted that many locally available plants may possess similar properties and further research could be pursued with adequate funding.
In laboratory tests, the nanoparticles showed strong antibacterial activity against pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia pestis, indicating potential applications in antimicrobial coatings, wound care and infection control. The study also reported that the nanoparticles significantly reduced the viability of human colon cancer cells, showing nearly twice the potency compared to the plant extract alone.
The nanoparticles were found to be stable even at temperatures up to 165°C, making them suitable for industrial and biomedical applications.
The study also highlighted the ecological significance of the work, noting that Mikania micrantha, a widely prevalent invasive species in Nagaland, has been converted into a high-value raw material for advanced medical and industrial use.
