NIT Rourkela Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Antibacterial Agent Using Medicinal Plants

New Delhi/Rourkela, October 16, 2025: In a significant advancement towards combating antimicrobial resistance, researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela have successfully developed an environmentally friendly antibacterial agent using medicinal plant extracts. The innovation presents a sustainable alternative to conventional antibiotics and harmful chemical agents, offering potential applications in healthcare, sanitation, and food preservation.

The study, recently published in the reputed scientific journal Surfaces and Interfaces, is co-authored by Professor Suman Jha, Associate Professor in the Department of Life Science at NIT Rourkela, along with research scholars Kumari Subham, Sonali Jena, and Monalisha Ojha.

Tackling Superbugs Through Green Nanotechnology

Antimicrobial resistance, driven largely by the overuse of traditional antibiotics, has led to the emergence of “superbugs”—bacteria that no longer respond to standard treatments. This global health challenge has prompted researchers worldwide to seek alternative strategies to counter resistant pathogens.

One promising approach lies in the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), known for their potent antibacterial properties. These particles, incredibly small—thousands of times thinner than a human hair—interfere with bacterial cells by damaging their membranes, producing reactive molecules, and disrupting essential cellular functions.

However, conventional methods of producing zinc oxide nanoparticles typically involve toxic chemicals that pose risks to both human health and the environment. To address this, the NIT Rourkela team turned to nature.

Harnessing the Power of Plants

The research team adopted a green synthesis method, using natural extracts from marigold petals, mango leaves, and eucalyptus leaves to convert zinc salts into zinc oxide nanocrystals. This eco-friendly approach not only eliminated the need for harsh chemicals but also introduced additional benefits through the incorporation of phytocompounds—bioactive molecules naturally present in plants.

These phytocompounds form a layer, referred to as a “phyto-corona”, around the nanoparticles. This herbal shield plays a crucial role in:

• Stabilising the nanoparticles,

• Controlling the release of zinc ions for sustained antibacterial action, and

• Enhancing the therapeutic potential through the natural properties of the plant extracts.

The result is a biocompatible and sustainable antimicrobial platform that retains the powerful bacterial-fighting properties of zinc oxide while significantly improving its safety profile.

Towards Scalable, Sustainable Healthcare Solutions

Speaking about the broader vision of the project, Professor Suman Jha noted that the team aims to develop scalable, affordable, and eco-friendly antibacterial materials that can be integrated into real-world applications.

By leveraging India’s biodiversity and rich heritage of medicinal plants, the researchers hope to promote self-reliant innovations that align with the global push for sustainable health technologies.

This research not only marks a step forward in green nanotechnology but also contributes to addressing a pressing global health issue—antimicrobial resistance—through solutions rooted in nature.