NIT Rourkela develops plant-based nanoparticles to tackle antibiotic resistance

new delhi: researchers at the national institute of technology (nit), rourkela, have developed eco-friendly antibacterial agents using extracts from medicinal plants, offering a potential solution to combat antimicrobial resistance, officials said.the team focused on zinc oxide nanoparticles, which are extremely small—tens of thousands could fit across a human hair—and can disrupt bacterial cells by producing reactive molecules that damage membranes and block vital processes. traditional methods to synthesize these nanoparticles involve toxic chemicals, but the nit researchers used extracts from marigold, mango, and eucalyptus leaves and petals to create the nanoparticles naturally.“the plant extracts not only aid in synthesis but also stabilize the nanoparticles with a herbal shield, control zinc ion release, and ensure steady antibacterial action,” said suman jha, associate professor at nit rourkela.the study, published in the journal surfaces and interphases, highlights the potential of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles with surface-adsorbed plant compounds as a sustainable antimicrobial platform.jha added, “our aim is to develop scalable, affordable, and environmentally safe antimicrobial materials for healthcare, sanitation, and food preservation, leveraging india's rich biodiversity to create self-reliant innovations that address global health challenges.”