Nagaland University Turns Invasive Weed Into Drug Discovery Tool
Researchers convert Mikania micrantha into eco-friendly silver nanoparticles with antibacterial and anticancer potential
INN/Chennai, @Infodeaofficial
A research team led by Nagaland University and Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, has turned one of Nagaland’s most troublesome invasive weeds into a promising resource for drug development, antibacterial applications and cancer research. The study shows how Mikania micrantha can be used to create silver nanoparticles through a green chemistry method that avoids toxic chemicals.
The research offers a practical example of how science can solve two problems at once: controlling an invasive plant and creating a useful product for healthcare and industry. Instead of treating the weed only as an ecological threat, the team has demonstrated that it can be converted into a high-value material for next-generation pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Using leaf extracts, the researchers synthesized highly stable silver nanoparticles that act as fast catalysts for producing “Imidazoles,” a key compound used in many medicines. The process takes just 30 to 180 seconds, making it far quicker and cleaner than conventional chemical methods. This could help lower costs, reduce waste and improve efficiency in drug production.
The study was supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the National Fellowship for Scheduled Tribe Students. It was published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, a peer-reviewed journal known for significant findings in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology.
Strong antibacterial and anticancer results
The nanoparticles did more than speed up drug synthesis. Lab tests showed strong antibacterial activity against dangerous pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, a major cause of hospital infections, and Yersinia pestis. This opens the door for possible use in antimicrobial coatings, wound-care products and infection-control systems.
The team also tested the nanoparticles on human colon cancer cells. The results showed a significant reduction in cancer cell viability, with the nanoparticles performing nearly twice as effectively as the plant extract alone. That makes the research an encouraging step toward plant-based nanomaterials for future cancer therapy studies.
Another important feature of the nanoparticles is their durability. Coated naturally with plant-derived compounds, they remain stable even at temperatures as high as 165 degrees Celsius. This makes them suitable for demanding industrial and biomedical environments.
Local biodiversity, global impact
Nagaland University Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik praised the study as a breakthrough in sustainable science. He said it reflects the university’s commitment to scientific excellence and practical solutions for global health challenges.
Lead researcher Dr. I. Tovishe Phucho said the work shows the untapped potential of locally available plants and noted that more research could be possible with better funding. The study also highlights the wider scientific value of Nagaland’s biodiversity, part of the Eastern Himalayas, a globally recognized hotspot.
By converting an invasive species into a useful tool for medicine and industry, the researchers have created a model for eco-friendly innovation. The work may inspire similar studies across India and beyond, especially in regions facing ecological threats from invasive plants.