[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
JOHOR BAHRU, 5 October 2026<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Green nanotechnology, local bioresources and the translation of scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions took centre stage at the <\/span>\u201cFrom Nature to Healthcare Through Biobased Innovation and Nanotechnology Seminar\u201d<\/span><\/strong>, organised through a collaboration between the <\/span>Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT)<\/span><\/strong> and <\/span>Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Held at the <\/span>Auditorium, Block N23A, Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), UTM Johor Bahru<\/span><\/strong>, the seminar brought together researchers and technology professionals to explore how biological resources, advanced materials and nanotechnology can be integrated to address healthcare challenges more sustainably.<\/span><\/p>\n Among the invited speakers was <\/span>Prof. Ts. ChM. Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek<\/span><\/strong>, Deputy Dean (Research, Innovation & Development), Faculty of Science, UTM, who delivered a presentation entitled <\/span>\u201cUsing Green Nanotechnology to Develop Sustainable Materials for Healthcare.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The seminar also featured <\/span>Prof. Ts. Dr. Ervina Efzan Mhd Noor<\/span><\/strong> from Multimedia University, who spoke on <\/span>AI in Nanomaterials: From Characterisation to Healthcare Applications<\/span><\/em>, and <\/span>Prof. Tan Lay Poh<\/span><\/strong> from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, who presented <\/span>Lesson from Natural Biological Processes: Applications from Tissue Engineering to Cultivated Meat<\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n In his presentation, Prof. Nik Ahmad Nizam highlighted an important challenge facing materials research: healthcare applications require materials that demonstrate reliable biological performance, but their synthesis and production should also minimise unnecessary chemical consumption, energy demand and environmental impact.<\/span><\/p>\n Green nanotechnology therefore goes beyond simply replacing conventional reducing agents with plant extracts. Instead, it requires a systematic consideration of <\/span>raw materials, synthesis conditions, energy and solvent consumption, material performance, reproducibility, safety and scalability<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n As emphasised during the presentation, the ultimate aim is to develop <\/span>effective healthcare materials supported by a defensible sustainability case<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n The research journey presented during the seminar illustrated four interconnected platforms: <\/span>plant-mediated silver nanoparticles, inorganic material supports, sol\u2013gel materials and future living materials<\/span><\/strong>. Together, these platforms represent a progression from local biological resources towards increasingly advanced functional materials for healthcare.<\/span><\/p>\n A major focus of the presentation was the use of plants as renewable resources for the green synthesis of <\/span>silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Plant extracts contain naturally occurring phytochemicals that can participate in reducing silver ions into metallic silver while simultaneously contributing to nanoparticle surface stabilisation. The approach can therefore reduce reliance on separate synthetic reducing and stabilising agents.<\/span><\/p>\n One of the research team’s key plant resources is <\/span>Persicaria odorata<\/span><\/em><\/strong>, locally known as <\/span>kesum<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Screening of several Malaysian plant extracts showed particularly strong antioxidant characteristics for <\/span>P. odorata<\/span><\/em>, with a reported <\/span>FRAP value of 603.0 \u00b1 3.3 \u00b5mol Fe\u00b2\u207a\/g extract<\/span><\/strong> and <\/span>DPPH radical-scavenging activity of 79.0 \u00b1 1.1%<\/span><\/strong> in the comparative analysis presented during the seminar.<\/span><\/p>\n This local herb subsequently became an important research platform for the development of <\/span>Persicaria odorata<\/span><\/strong><\/em>-mediated silver nanoparticles (PO-AgNPs)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n The green synthesis process involves three broad stages: preparation of an aqueous plant extract, reaction between phytochemicals and silver ions, and subsequent recovery and characterisation of the nanoparticles. The resulting nanoparticles can exhibit properties arising from their nanoscale size, surface chemistry and optical behaviour that are useful for biological applications.<\/span><\/p>\n The presentation also explained that the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles does not depend upon a single mechanism.<\/span><\/p>\n AgNPs may interact with the bacterial cell envelope, influence membrane permeability, release silver ions and promote reactive oxygen species formation. These effects can subsequently interfere with intracellular proteins, enzymes and nucleic acids.<\/span><\/p>\n Such multiple pathways provide a scientific basis for exploring silver nanomaterials for antimicrobial applications while highlighting the importance of controlling nanoparticle composition, exposure and biological response.<\/span><\/p>\n Importantly, the research does not stop at antibacterial testing.<\/span><\/p>\n A published study highlighted during the seminar evaluated PO-AgNPs using a human fibroblast scratch model. Under the reported experimental conditions, <\/span>62.5 \u00b5g\/mL PO-AgNPs produced 94.79% scratch closure within 32 hours<\/span><\/strong>, while the 125 \u00b5g\/mL concentration produced <\/span>93.00% closure<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n These results provide an encouraging basis for further investigation of PO-AgNP-based materials in wound-related research, although additional validation is required before translating laboratory observations into clinical claims.<\/span><\/p>\n A key message of the seminar was that successful research translation requires more than demonstrating that a material works in the laboratory.<\/span><\/p>\n The PO-AgNP research has progressively contributed towards a <\/span>Kesum\u2013Silver antibacterial product platform<\/span><\/strong>, including the <\/span>Persicaria Series<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n The transition from nanomaterial research towards a product requires additional evidence relating to batch reproducibility, storage stability, finished-product safety, application-specific performance and manufacturing control. Analytical characterisation must ultimately be connected to biological performance and the intended use of the final formulation.<\/span><\/p>\n The commercialisation pathway presented at the seminar showed progression from research readiness to product development and early market entry through <\/span>HyaNovaX Sdn. Bhd.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Research synthesis has been documented across multiple consistent batches, while cream and spray products have progressed to product development. Market validation activities have also involved user feedback and online sales channels. The next stages emphasise regulatory requirements, GMP production and scale-up.<\/span><\/p>\n This translational journey demonstrates why researchers must consider <\/span>Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), prototype funding, quality specifications and commercialisation requirements<\/span><\/strong> early in the innovation process rather than treating them as activities that begin only after research is completed.<\/span><\/p>\n The seminar further demonstrated how nanotechnology research can be expanded by integrating nanoparticles with other materials.<\/span><\/p>\n Inorganic supports such as <\/span>zeolites and clays<\/span><\/strong> can act as carriers for silver nanoparticles, offering opportunities to improve particle stability, control silver delivery and create multifunctional nanocomposites.<\/span><\/p>\n This research direction has produced published studies involving <\/span>PO-AgNPs supported on zeolite Y<\/span><\/strong> as well as a <\/span>Moringa-derived AgNP\u2013kaolinite antibacterial nanocomposite<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Similarly, <\/span>sol\u2013gel-derived porous silica materials<\/span><\/strong> offer another strategy for immobilising functional agents. Rather than viewing the nanoparticle alone as the final material, the research increasingly focuses on engineering the entire material system \u2014 nanoparticle, carrier, biological interface and intended application.<\/span><\/p>\n While <\/span>Persicaria odorata<\/span><\/em> represents an important case study, the research programme extends considerably beyond kesum.<\/span><\/p>\n Other plant platforms highlighted during the seminar included <\/span>Moringa oleifera, Ficus deltoidea, Bauhinia kockiana, Orthosiphon aristatus, Clinacanthus nutans<\/span><\/em><\/strong> and <\/span>Diplazium esculentum<\/span><\/em><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Collectively, studies involving these plant resources have investigated antibacterial, antibiofilm, wound-related, anticancer and nanocomposite applications, illustrating the considerable potential of plant biodiversity as a resource for sustainable nanomaterials research.<\/span><\/p>\n Rather than regarding plant extracts merely as substitutes for conventional chemicals, this approach positions <\/span>local bioresources as starting points for new functional-material platforms<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n The longer-term research direction presented during the seminar moves beyond conventional nanoparticles and nanocomposites towards <\/span>nanocomposite bioinks and living materials<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n In this emerging research area, advanced materials are combined with biological components to develop printable constructs capable of supporting cellular functions. The broader vision includes <\/span>4D printing and responsive living materials<\/span><\/strong>, with potential future applications including nerve-like tissue constructs.<\/span><\/p>\n This transition illustrates the continuing evolution of the research programme:<\/span><\/p>\n local bioresources \u2192 green nanomaterials \u2192 functional nanocomposites \u2192 bioactive materials \u2192 living materials.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Each stage introduces additional scientific challenges. For plant-derived nanoparticles, researchers must achieve reproducible synthesis. For supported nanoparticles, they must understand how the carrier influences performance. For sol\u2013gel materials, they must determine how functional compounds can be retained effectively. For bioinks and living materials, the challenge extends to preserving biological function during and after fabrication.<\/span><\/p>\n Perhaps one of the most important messages from the presentation was that the word <\/span>\u201cgreen\u201d should represent a measurable design objective rather than simply a label attached to plant-based synthesis<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Using a biological extract alone does not automatically make a nanomaterial environmentally sustainable.<\/span><\/p>\n Researchers must also evaluate parameters such as extraction variability, water and energy consumption, purification requirements, waste generation, nanoparticle release, biological compatibility, batch-to-batch consistency and eventually techno-economic and life-cycle considerations.<\/span><\/p>\n As summarised in the presentation:<\/span><\/p>\n Measure. Optimise. Demonstrate impact.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n This evidence-based philosophy provides a stronger pathway for converting green nanotechnology from an attractive laboratory concept into a credible technology capable of delivering healthcare, environmental and societal benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n The MBOT\u2013UTM seminar provided a platform for demonstrating how nanotechnology, biotechnology, materials science and engineering can converge around a common objective: developing better technologies for human health while making more responsible use of resources.<\/span><\/p>\n For Prof. Nik Ahmad Nizam and his collaborators, the journey from Malaysian plants such as <\/span>Persicaria odorata<\/span><\/em> to silver nanoparticles, nanocomposites, healthcare prototypes and future living materials reflects a broader philosophy of research translation.<\/span><\/p>\n The value of green nanotechnology lies not merely in producing nanoparticles differently, but in <\/span>designing an integrated pathway from scientific discovery to measurable function, reproducible technology and ultimately real-world impact<\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n From nature, through nanotechnology, towards healthcare \u2014 the research demonstrates how locally inspired science can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” type=”1_2″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/10\/Seminar-TTWG-NT-1.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title_text=”Seminar TTWG NT (1)” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/10\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-10-06-at-10.08.19-AM.jpeg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” 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[…]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":265,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5822","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-as-a-lecturer-fbme"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/265"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5822"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5822\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5832,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5822\/revisions\/5832"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5822"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/people.utm.my\/niknizam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Connecting Nanotechnology with Sustainable Healthcare<\/span><\/h2>\n
Turning Local Plants into Functional Nanomaterials<\/span><\/h2>\n
Understanding How Green-Synthesised Silver Nanoparticles Work<\/span><\/h2>\n
From Laboratory Research to the Persicaria Series<\/span><\/h2>\n
Moving Beyond Free Nanoparticles<\/span><\/h2>\n
A Broader Library of Malaysian Plant Resources<\/span><\/h2>\n
Towards Living Materials and 4D Printing<\/span><\/h2>\n
Green Must Be Demonstrated, Not Simply Claimed<\/span><\/h2>\n
From Nature to Impact<\/span><\/h2>\n