What’s in the news?

• Scientists from four Indian institutions has developed a fungus-powered biosynthesised nanogold particles, named as Cordy gold nanoparticles (Cor-AuNPs).
• Cordy gold nanoparticles has earned an international patent from Germany.
• These nanoparticles, derived from the synthesis of the extracts of Cordyceps militaris and gold salts, could make drug delivery in the human body faster and easier.
• Cordyceps militaris is a high value parasitic fungus, lab-grown at the Department of Biotechnology’s Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) in Bodoland University of Assam.
• Cordyceps militaris, called super mushroom because of its tremendous medicinal properties, adds bioactive components to the synthesis of gold nanoparticles for better penetration.
• Biosynthesised nanogold particles indicate a new application of nanoparticles in the development of therapeutic drugs which can be delivered as ointments, tablets, capsules, and in other forms

Related information

Nanotechnology

• Nanotechnology or nanotech is the technology that involves the manipulation of matter on atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scales. 

Nanoparticles

• A nanoparticle is a small particle that ranges between 1 to 100 nanometres in size. Undetectable by the human eye, nanoparticles can exhibit significantly different physical and chemical properties to their larger material counterparts.

Biosynthesised nanoparticles

• Biosynthesised nanoparticles are those nanoparticles synthesized through natural means such as plant extract, micro-organism and their biological applications.

These biosynthesized nanoparticles are relatively new, safe and eco-friendly with a number of applications without any toxic effects.

Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/gold-gets-nano-boost-from-super-mushroom-for-better-drug-delivery/article66090620.ece