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 in the journal Molecules.
The RUDN University Science and Innovation Prize winners were honoured at the extended meeting of the Academic Council. In 2024 the terms of the traditional RUDN University Prize were changed: for the first time the competition was announced in two categories: leading scientists and young scientists.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity consumption in Africa has increased by more than 100% over the past two years (2020-2022). However, 74.9% of this energy is still produced by burning organic fuels 鈥� natural gas, coal and oil. At the same time, the level of electrification on the continent remains extremely low 鈥� only 24%, while in other developing countries it reaches 40%. Even in grid-connected areas, electricity supply is often unreliable: industrial enterprises lose energy on an average of 56 days a year.
Today, diagnosis and treatment planning with orthodontists takes several days. Also, complications can arise during treatment that slow down the patient's recovery process. For example, improper orthodontic treatment planning can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
The RUDN University Science and Innovation Prize winners were honoured at the extended meeting of the Academic Council. In 2024 the terms of the traditional RUDN University Prize were changed: for the first time the competition was announced in two categories: leading scientists and young scientists.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity consumption in Africa has increased by more than 100% over the past two years (2020-2022). However, 74.9% of this energy is still produced by burning organic fuels 鈥� natural gas, coal and oil. At the same time, the level of electrification on the continent remains extremely low 鈥� only 24%, while in other developing countries it reaches 40%. Even in grid-connected areas, electricity supply is often unreliable: industrial enterprises lose energy on an average of 56 days a year.
Today, diagnosis and treatment planning with orthodontists takes several days. Also, complications can arise during treatment that slow down the patient's recovery process. For example, improper orthodontic treatment planning can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction.