Green nanotechnology is an expanding field that promises innovative nanoparticle drug formulations with enhanced bioactivity. In a recent breakthrough, researchers at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University synthesized a mesoporous metal-organic framework (ZIF-8) using Allium sativum (garlic) to create a nanocomposite with significant antibacterial and antifungal properties. This novel approach leverages garlic’s well-documented antimicrobial effects to combat drug-resistant pathogens effectively.
The study focused on the synthesis and characterization of the ZIF-8 nanocomposite. Advanced techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the successful formation and structural integrity of the nanocomposite. Tested against Shigella flexneri, Candida albicans, and Candida parapsilosis, the nanocomposite demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity, particularly against fungal infections. These findings are crucial given the rising drug resistance among pathogens, notably Candida species, which are increasingly problematic in immunocompromised patients and the elderly. By integrating A. sativum with ZIF-8, the researchers created a promising new antimicrobial agent, highlighting the potential of green nanotechnology in developing effective and environmentally friendly treatments for drug-resistant infections.
Date: 21st May, 2024
