Science and Technology
Context: Bodoland University’s collaborative work on fungus-powered biosynthesised nanogold particles earns international patent.
About Cordy gold nanoparticles:
- Cordy gold nanoparticles (Cor-AuNPs), the outcome of a collaborative experiment by scientists from four Indian institutions, 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 surer.
- Cordyceps militaris is a high-value parasitic fungus.
- Gold salts are ionic chemical compounds of gold generally used in medicine.
- Penetration in the cells is more when the drug particles are smaller.
- Cordyceps militaris, called super mushroom for its tremendous medicinal properties, adds bioactive components to the synthesis of gold nanoparticles for better penetration.
- The wild Cordyceps mushroom is found in the eastern Himalayan belt.
- Biosynthesised nanogold particles indicate a new application of nanoparticles in the development of therapeutic drugs that can be delivered as ointments, tablets, capsules, and in other forms.
About Cordyceps militaris:
- Cordyceps militaris is a species of fungus in the family Cordycipitaceae, and the type species of the genus Cordyceps.
- It was originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Clavaria militaris.
- Cordyceps militaris is entomopathogenic fungus, i.e., it parasitizes insects.
- It can be cultivated in a variety of media, including silkworm pupae, rice, and liquid nutrition.
- It is a potential harbourer of bio-metabolites for herbal drugs and there is evidence from ancient times for its applications for revitalization of various systems of the body.
- It contains a protein CMP18 which induces apoptosis in vitro via a mitochondrion-dependent pathway.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Q.1) With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:
- It is a fungus.
- It grows in some Himalayan Forest areas.
- It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 3 only
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
