Prayagraj: A tree best known for its nutritious seeds may soon contribute to the fight against cancer, drug-resistant bacteria and crop diseases. Researchers from CMP Degree College, a constituent college of Allahabad University, and Delhi University have developed an eco-friendly nanotechnology using the chironji (Kadapa almond or botanical name, Buchanania lanzan) plant, opening up new possibilities for sustainable healthcare and agriculture.The breakthrough, achieved without the use of toxic chemicals, was published in the June issue of the international journal 3 Biotech, published by the Springer Nature Group. The research was carried out under the guidance of principal investigator Alok Kumar Singh by a team comprising Sneha Dwivedi, Ankita Rai, Ajit Kumar Maddheshiya, Anurag Mishra and Thakur Prasad Yadav.According to Alok Kumar Singh, conventional methods of producing zinc oxide nanoparticles depend on expensive and hazardous chemicals that pose risks to both human health and the environment. The research team instead utilised a beneficial fungus isolated from the chironji plant along with the sol-gel technique to synthesise zinc oxide nanoparticles through a completely green, safe and cost-effective process.The nanoparticles measure only 17 nanometres in size, making them highly suitable for biological applications. Laboratory tests showed that they possess strong antioxidant properties capable of neutralising harmful free radicals, which are associated with diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and premature ageing, said Singh.The study also demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two bacteria responsible for several serious infections. In addition, the nanoparticles inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum, a fungus that causes substantial crop losses, by nearly 60%, indicating their potential as an environmentally friendly bio-fungicide.Researchers believe the technology could eventually be used in the development of antibacterial medicines, wound-healing creams, medical devices, water purification systems and smart pesticides for sustainable agriculture.The department of Physics and Astrophysics at Delhi University collaborated on the project, highlighting the growing role of interdisciplinary research in developing green technologies with applications across medicine, agriculture and environmental conservation.
