Cordy Gold Nanoparticles

• 04 Nov 2022

Why in News?

Recently, scientists from four Indian institutions, including Bodoland University, have developed Cordy Gold Nanoparticles (Cor-AuNPs), which can make drug delivery in the human body faster and surer.

• These nanoparticles have received an international patent from Germany.

What are Cordy Gold Nanoparticles (Cor-AuNPs)?

• About:
  • They are derived from the synthesis of the extracts of Cordyceps Mlitaris and Gold Salts.
    • Cordyceps militaris is a high value parasitic fungus, lab-grown at the Department of Biotechnology’s Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) in Bodoland University.
      • Wild Cordyceps mushroom are found in the eastern Himalayan belt.
    • Gold salts are ionic chemical compounds of gold generally used in medicine.
• Benefit:
  • Penetration in the cells is more when the drug particles are smaller.
    • Cordyceps militaris, called super mushroom because of its tremendous medicinal properties, adds bioactive components to the synthesis of gold nanoparticles for better penetration.
    • Biosynthesized 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.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question

Q. With reference to "Gucchi" sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 2 and 3

Ans: (c)

Exp:

• Guchhi mushroom is a species of fungus in the family Morchellaceae of the Ascomycota. They are pale yellow in colour. This cannot be cultivated commercially and grown in the foothills in Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, and Jammu and Kashmir. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Source: TH