Russian researchers, working alongside international experts, have developed silver nanoparticles derived from the leaves of the melaleuca plant—commonly known as the Australian tea tree—that show promising potential to fight bacteria, fungi, and even cancer cells.
The breakthrough was reported by TV BRICS and involved researchers including Dr. Aleksander Vetcher, an Associate Professor at the Institute of Pharmacy and Biotechnology of the Russian University of Peoples’ Friendship (RUDN).
Silver has long been recognized for its antimicrobial properties, but scientists say its effectiveness increases significantly when reduced to nanoparticles—particles thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair.
According to the researchers, the tiny size of the particles increases their surface area, enhancing their interaction with microorganisms and biological tissues.
To create the nanoparticles, scientists prepared a melaleuca leaf infusion in hot water before adding a silver salt solution. Within minutes, the initially colorless mixture turned brown, indicating the successful formation of silver nanoparticles.
One of the most significant findings of the study was the particles’ potential anti-cancer activity.
Researchers tested varying concentrations of the nanoparticles on MCF-7 cells, an aggressive breast cancer cell line. The results showed that while healthy cells remained largely unaffected, cancer cells were destroyed.
The study found an IC50 of 8.16 micrograms per milliliter, indicating that only a small concentration was required to eliminate half of the cancer cells in laboratory tests.
Scientists noted that the nanoparticles appeared to act selectively, triggering changes in cancer cells that caused them to shrink, detach and ultimately die, while sparing healthy cells.
Beyond their anti-cancer properties, the nanoparticles also demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, neutralizing up to 69 percent of harmful free radicals associated with inflammation, cellular damage and aging.
The researchers believe the technology could have wide-ranging medical applications if future studies confirm its safety and effectiveness.
Potential uses include the development of advanced ointments for treating persistent fungal infections, antimicrobial coatings for medical devices such as catheters, and next-generation cancer therapies with fewer side effects than conventional treatments.
Although the findings remain at the experimental stage, scientists say the environmentally friendly “green nanoparticles” represent a promising step toward new approaches in infection control and cancer treatment.
SOURCE: NAN
