Scientists from the University of the Philippines–Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) have advanced a greener approach to silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis by using gamma irradiation in combination with the natural seaweed-derived biopolymer ι-carrageenan. While gamma-radiolytic routes for AgNP formation have been reported previously, the specific role of ι-carrageenan in stabilizing and influencing nanoparticle formation during radiolysis has remained largely underexplored.

Matagal nang sangkap ng kaunlaran ang kimika sa iba’t ibang larangan, mula sa agrikultura at pangangalagang pangkalusugan hanggang sa enerhiya at imprastruktura. Ang mga inobasyon nito ang nagtutulak sa paglago ng ekonomiya, nagpapabuti sa kalidad ng buhay, at tumutulong sa pagtugon sa mga pangunahing pangangailangang panlipunan. Gayunman, may dalawang mukha ang kimika. Maaari itong lumikha ng kapaki-pakinabang at mapaminsalang mga sangkap at magamit sa mabuti o masasamang layunin.

Chemistry has long driven progress in fields ranging from agriculture and healthcare to energy and infrastructure. Its innovations fuel economic growth, improve quality of life, and help countries meet their fundamental societal needs. Yet chemistry’s dual nature—capable of producing both beneficial and harmful substances—means it can be used for both good and nefarious purposes.