Kohima: Researchers from Nagaland University and Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, have developed an eco-friendly method to transform one of the state’s most aggressive invasive plants into a high-value scientific resource with applications in drug manufacturing, antibacterial treatment and cancer research.
The study demonstrates how Mikania micrantha, a fast-spreading weed that has long posed ecological challenges across Nagaland, can be converted into silver nanoparticles capable of accelerating pharmaceutical synthesis while also exhibiting strong antibacterial and anticancer properties.
The research team used a “green chemistry” approach, replacing conventional toxic chemical processes with plant-based methods.
By extracting compounds from the plant’s leaves, they produced stable silver nanoparticles that act as ultra-fast catalysts, enabling the synthesis of key drug components known as imidazoles within 30 to 180 seconds. These compounds form the backbone of many widely used medicines.
The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, were supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and the National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribe Students (NFSTMOTA). The study was co-authored by Manthae C. Phom, Phitovili Sumi, Betokali K. Zhimomi, Khonzani Yanthan, Tonge W W, Shokip Tumtin and Tovishe Phucho.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik commended the team’s work, stating that the study highlights a fast, eco-friendly pathway for drug synthesis while demonstrating significant antibacterial and anticancer potential, reinforcing the university’s focus on sustainable and impactful scientific research.
Beyond laboratory innovation, the study has immediate industrial relevance. The nanoparticles function as reusable catalysts, significantly reducing both production time and reliance on hazardous reagents.
Researchers found that the particles can be reused at least six times with minimal loss of efficiency, offering a cost-effective and scalable alternative for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Dr. I. Tovishe Phucho, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Nagaland University, noted that the findings open the door for further exploration of locally available plant species with similar properties, provided adequate research funding is available.
The nanoparticles also demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against harmful pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, a major cause of hospital-acquired infections, and Yersinia pestis. This suggests potential applications in antimicrobial coatings, wound care products and infection control technologies.
In addition, laboratory tests on human colon cancer cells showed that the nanoparticles significantly reduced cancer cell viability, displaying nearly twice the effectiveness of the plant extract alone. This points to the potential development of plant-based nanomaterials for future cancer therapies.
Researchers also highlighted the particles’ durability. Naturally coated with plant-derived compounds, the nanoparticles remained stable at temperatures up to 165°C, making them suitable for demanding industrial and biomedical environments.
The study also underscores a broader ecological and scientific opportunity. By converting an invasive species into a valuable raw material, the research offers a dual benefit—addressing environmental challenges while unlocking new pathways for sustainable industrial and medical applications.
Situated within the Eastern Himalayas, a recognised global biodiversity hotspot, Nagaland’s unique plant resources played a key role in the study’s success.
The researchers noted that the region’s distinct chemical diversity contributed to the efficiency and stability of the nanoparticles, marking a significant step in linking local biodiversity with global scientific innovation.
Also Read: Can North Bengal play a decisive role in the West Bengal elections?