Versatile Healing Properties of Beetroot-Derived Nanoparticles

Jim Crocker
4th April, 2024

Versatile Healing Properties of Beetroot-Derived Nanoparticles

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Mansoura University developed a green method to create silver nanoparticles using beetroot extract
  • The nanoparticles showed strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting medical applications
  • Some nanoparticles also demonstrated antifungal activity, indicating potential for protecting crops
Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the way we approach problems in medicine, environmental science, and agriculture. A recent study by researchers at Mansoura University[1] has made significant strides in this field by developing a sustainable method to create nanoparticles (NPs) with potential applications across these diverse areas. This study may provide solutions to the ongoing quest for more effective medical interventions, including cancer treatments, and the development of green technologies. Nanoparticles are incredibly tiny particles, often smaller than a virus, which can have unique properties due to their size. These properties make them invaluable in various scientific and industrial applications. The study from Mansoura University focused on silver nanoparticles and their compounds, which were synthesized using a green method. This method involves using natural plant extracts from Beta vulgaris L., commonly known as the beetroot, to produce the nanoparticles, avoiding harmful chemicals typically used in NP synthesis. The researchers successfully created three types of nanoparticles: silver (Ag), silver-titanium dioxide (Ag@TiO2), and silver-selenium dioxide (Ag@SeO2). They used advanced imaging techniques like XRD, SEM, TEM, and EDX to confirm that they had achieved uniform spherical nanoparticles with a controlled size of about 25 nanometers. This size is important because the effectiveness of nanoparticles in applications such as drug delivery is often influenced by their size and shape[2]. One of the most promising findings of the study was the significant antioxidant potential of the synthesized nanoparticles and the beetroot extract used in their creation. Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. The antioxidant activity of these NPs suggests they could have medical applications, potentially in protecting cells from damage that can lead to diseases like cancer. However, the study also found that the Ag@SeO2 nanoparticles showed lower compatibility with blood, which could limit their use in medical applications where they would be in direct contact with the bloodstream. Despite this, the same nanoparticles, along with the beetroot extract, were observed to reduce inflammation in an animal model, which points to potential uses in treating inflammatory diseases. Additionally, two of the nanoparticle types, Ag@TiO2 and Ag@SeO2, demonstrated strong activity against harmful fungi that can affect plants. This antifungal property was confirmed through further analysis, indicating that these nanoparticles could be useful in protecting crops from fungal diseases, which is a significant issue in agriculture. The study's approach to nanoparticle synthesis is aligned with the growing need for environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies. By using a natural plant extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the nanoparticles, the researchers avoided the environmental and health concerns associated with more conventional chemical synthesis methods[3]. This green synthesis approach not only creates less pollution but also offers a use for agricultural waste products, contributing to a more sustainable cycle of production and consumption. In summary, the research conducted by Mansoura University has demonstrated a green method to produce silver-based nanoparticles with potential applications in medicine and agriculture. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these nanoparticles, along with their antifungal activity, open the door to further research and development. While the lower hemocompatibility of Ag@SeO2 nanoparticles presents a challenge, it does not diminish the overall potential of these green-synthesized nanoparticles to contribute to medical and agricultural solutions. The study builds on the existing body of research on nanoparticles[2] and their medical applications[3], expanding the possibilities of nanotechnology in ways that are both effective and environmentally responsible.

BiotechBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Multifaceted chemical and bioactive features of Ag@TiO2 and Ag@SeO2 core/shell nanoparticles biosynthesized using Beta vulgaris L. extract.

Published 15th April, 2024 (future Journal edition)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28359

Related Studies

2) Trends in targeted delivery of nanomaterials in colon cancer diagnosis and treatment.

https://doi.org/10.1002/med.21809

3) The present and future of nanotechnology in human health care.

Journal: Nanomedicine : nanotechnology, biology, and medicine, Issue: Vol 3, Issue 1, Mar 2007


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