NIT Rourkela researchers harness medicinal plant extracts to tackle antibiotic resistance

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, have developed eco-friendly antibacterial agents using extracts from medicinal plants, offering a promising approach to combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.” The study has been published in the prestigious journal Surfaces and Interphases.

Antimicrobial resistance has become a global concern due to the overuse of conventional antibiotics, which has led to bacteria evolving resistance to these drugs. In search of safer and more effective alternatives, the NIT team focused on zinc oxide nanoparticles, ultra-tiny materials that can attack bacterial cells at a microscopic level.

“These nanoparticles disrupt bacterial cell membranes and interfere with essential processes, producing reactive molecules that stress and kill bacteria,” explained Suman Jha, Associate Professor at NIT Rourkela. However, traditional synthesis methods often rely on harsh chemicals that can be toxic to humans and the environment.

To overcome this, the researchers adopted a green synthesis approach, using extracts from marigold, mango, and eucalyptus leaves and petals to convert zinc salts into zinc oxide nanocrystals. These extracts not only aid in the formation of nanoparticles but also create a protective “phyto-corona,” stabilizing the particles, controlling zinc ion release, and ensuring sustained antibacterial activity.

“The green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles combine the antimicrobial power of zinc with the medicinal properties of plant-derived compounds, offering a sustainable and effective solution against resistant bacteria,” Jha said.

The team envisions developing scalable, affordable, and environmentally safe antimicrobial materials that could be integrated into healthcare, sanitation, and food preservation systems. By leveraging India’s rich biodiversity, the researchers aim to create self-reliant, innovative solutions that contribute to global health and sustainability goals.

This breakthrough marks a step forward in the search for next-generation antimicrobial materials that are both powerful and environmentally responsible.