Abuja, June 24, 2026 — A group of international researchers has developed a plant-based method for producing silver nanoparticles using extracts from the melaleuca plant, commonly known as the Australian tea tree, with promising applications against bacteria, fungi, and cancer cells.
The study involved scientists from Russia and partner institutions, including Aleksander Vetcher, an associate professor at the Institute of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Russian University of Peoples’ Friendship (RUDN).
Silver has long been recognized for its antimicrobial properties, but at the nanoscale, its effectiveness increases significantly due to the much larger surface area of tiny particles, which enhances interaction with biological environments.
In the experiment, melaleuca leaves were soaked in hot water to produce an extract, after which a silver salt solution was introduced. Within minutes, the mixture changed colour from clear to brown, indicating the formation of nanoparticles.
Researchers also observed notable anti-cancer effects during laboratory testing. When applied to MCF-7 breast cancer cells, the nanoparticles destroyed cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells largely unaffected.
The study recorded an IC50 value of 8.16 micrograms per millilitre, suggesting strong activity against cancer cells compared to higher concentrations required for antioxidant effects.
Scientists explained that the nanoparticles appear to interact selectively with cancer cells, leading to structural changes that cause the cells to shrink and detach.
In addition, the particles showed antioxidant activity, neutralising up to 69 per cent of free radicals, a process linked to reduced inflammation and slower tissue ageing.
Although the research is still at the laboratory stage, early findings suggest potential future use in developing antifungal treatments, medical coatings for devices such as catheters, and possibly new cancer therapies with fewer side effects.