RUDN University biologists received nanogold for medicine and agronomy
Gold nanoparticles can be used in delivery systems for anticancer drugs, as biosensors, in the creation of muscle tissue, and in other areas of modern medicine. In addition, gold nanoparticles also have an antifungal effect. This may be useful in agriculture to combat pathogenic fungi that attack plant crops. However, the antifungal properties of nanogold have still been largely unexplored. RUDN University biologists, together with colleagues from Iran, obtained gold nanoparticles from endophytic fungi, that is, fungi that live on plants and do not interfere with their vital functions. The resulting particles turned out to be an effective remedy against pathogenic fungi.
“Endophytic fungi are potential sources of bioactive substances that are used in medicine, agriculture, industry, and biology. Their derivatives exhibit antitumor, immunomodulatory, antituberculosis, antiviral and antidiabetic activity. Therefore, the study of endophytes living on various plants will make it possible to discover new useful compounds. At the same time, endophytes are easier to cultivate than other microorganisms,” Meysam Zargar, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Agrobiotechnology of RUDN University.
RUDN biologists made endophytes living on the peach tree the source of nanogold. Biologists studied the effect of the resulting nanoparticles against the pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani, which affects, for example, rice and potatoes.
Nanogold was able to destroy up to 93% of the pathogen. The experiment showed a direct dependence of efficiency on the number of nanoparticles: the maximum is achieved at a concentration of 80 micrograms per milliliter, and a concentration 8 times less can destroy 15% of the pathogen.
“Fungal-assisted biosynthesis opens the door to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly gold nanoparticles with antibacterial properties. Their influence on crops is of growing interest and requires careful study. Our results provide a basis for the development of nanoparticle-based agents. They can provide a platform for future research, commercialization of products and hopefully help take a step towards sustainable agriculture,” Maysam Zargar.
The results were published in the journal Molecules.
Matilda Pavlovna Mityaeva was born in 1925. In November 1942, she volunteered for frontline duty. She participated in the Great Patriotic War from November 1942 to June 1945 as part of the 53rd Infantry Division of the 475th Infantry Regiment. She was wounded twice.
The team led by Sergey Zyryanov, Head of the Department of General and Clinical Pharmacology, became the winner of the All-Russian competition of scientific projects "Technologies for Human Health".
RUDN University constantly adapts to the changes of the modern world and responds to challenges flexibly. This allows us to keep the standard of a world-class research university. The sphere of science is no exception. Peter Dokukin, Head of the Research Division, presented the updated R&D Programme at the meeting of the RUDN University Academic Council.
Matilda Pavlovna Mityaeva was born in 1925. In November 1942, she volunteered for frontline duty. She participated in the Great Patriotic War from November 1942 to June 1945 as part of the 53rd Infantry Division of the 475th Infantry Regiment. She was wounded twice.
The team led by Sergey Zyryanov, Head of the Department of General and Clinical Pharmacology, became the winner of the All-Russian competition of scientific projects "Technologies for Human Health".
RUDN University constantly adapts to the changes of the modern world and responds to challenges flexibly. This allows us to keep the standard of a world-class research university. The sphere of science is no exception. Peter Dokukin, Head of the Research Division, presented the updated R&D Programme at the meeting of the RUDN University Academic Council.