Researchers at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague have found a new way to tackle waste and fight infections at the same time.
They’ve discovered how to turn plant waste from Cannabis sativa (hemp) and Vitis vinifera (grapevines) into tiny particles called nanoparticles.
These nanoparticles have strong antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help stop the growth of harmful bacteria.
This exciting work has been published in the journal RSC Advances.
The team focused on a green, or eco-friendly, method to create these nanoparticles, using plant waste that would otherwise be thrown away. This approach is part of a larger effort to create a “circular economy,” where waste materials are reused and repurposed, reducing overall waste and pollution.
“Our goal is to turn agricultural waste into something valuable,” said Jana Michailidu, the lead researcher. “By using waste from hemp and grapevines, we can address the problem of waste management while also finding new ways to combat microbial infections.”
Here’s how they did it: The researchers first extracted important compounds from the leftover hemp and grapevine materials. They then mixed these extracts with silver nitrate and tetrachloroauric acid. When combined, these ingredients created what is known as bimetallic nanoparticles, specifically silver-gold nanoparticles (AgAuNPs).
The researchers used several advanced tools to study these nanoparticles, such as UV-Vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. These tools helped them understand the structure and properties of the nanoparticles.
The most exciting discovery was that these nanoparticles showed strong antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a tough type of bacteria that is known for being resistant to many antibiotics. This bacterium is particularly dangerous because it can form biofilms, which are thick layers of bacteria that are very hard to treat. However, the nanoparticles created by the researchers not only stopped the bacteria from growing but also prevented these biofilms from forming.
“The antimicrobial properties of these nanoparticles are very promising,” Michailidu said. “They could be a valuable tool in the fight against infections, especially those that are resistant to antibiotics.”
This research is important because it shows how plant waste can be transformed into something useful, providing a double benefit: reducing waste and creating new materials that can help protect public health.
The work done by the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague is a significant step forward in sustainable nanotechnology. By continuing to explore eco-friendly ways to produce nanoparticles, they are contributing to global efforts to find greener and more cost-effective solutions for both environmental and health challenges.
Source: KSR.
