UP Scientists Apply Green Method to Produce Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Applications

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

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.

Colloidal silver nanoparticles produced using gamma irradiation at different doses, showing a visible color change from colorless to yellow to brown as silver ions are converted into antibacterial silver nanoparticles. Darker colors indicate higher nanoparticle concentrations. (Photo credit: Gili et. al., 2025)

Instead of using harsh chemicals, researchers Mon Bryan Gili, Wendell Manuel, and Dr. Marienette Vega of the UPD-CS Materials Science and Engineering Program (MSEP); Dr. Marlon Conato of the UPD-CS Institute of Chemistry (IC); and Rakshith Gowda Shankaregowda and Dr. Manh-Huong Phan of the University of South Florida used gamma radiation and a natural seaweed-derived substance called carrageenan to create the nanoparticles.

“In simple terms, we let radiation do the “work” of forming the particles, while the seaweed extract keeps them stable and safe. We then tested how effective these particles are against common bacteria,” Gili explained. Compared to traditional chemical methods, the researchers’ approach is much greener. 

Chemical synthesis often requires strong reducing agents and stabilizers, which can be toxic and difficult to dispose of safely. In their method, gamma radiation completely replaces these chemicals. It also sterilizes the nanoparticles as they form, which is a major advantage for medical applications. “Overall, this means fewer processing steps, less chemical waste, and a safer product for both people and the environment,” Gili added.

As a researcher in nuclear science, Gili was excited to apply radiation technology in a way that directly benefits health and sustainability. Concern for environmental safety and the growing issue of antibiotic resistance motivated him and his team to explore alternative methods for producing silver nanoparticles. Many conventional approaches use toxic chemicals that can harm people and the environment. 

“The next steps include improving their long-term stability, testing them in real-world products, and evaluating their safety for human use.” Gili said. “Ultimately, we hope this technology can lead to affordable, locally produced antibacterial materials using Philippine natural resources and nuclear science expertise.”

Their paper, “Antibacterial evaluation of radiolytically synthesized silver nanoparticles with ι-carrageenan stabilizers,” was published in Radiation Physics and Chemistry, a journal featuring studies which focus on research and developments involving ionizing radiation in radiation physics, radiation chemistry, and radiation processing.

𝐊𝐖𝐅 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐚 𝐊𝐨𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐲𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨

 

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Pinangunahan ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) ang pagpapalakas ng opisyal na komunikasyon sa Filipino—isang mahalagang hakbang sa pagpapatibay ng pamantayan at propesyonalismo sa mga institusyon—sa isinagawang Seminar sa Korespondensiya Opisyal noong 15 Enero 2026 sa University of the Assumption, San Fernando, Pampanga.

Sa naturang seminar, tinalakay ang Korespondensiya Opisyal (KO) at Ortograpiyang Pambansa (OP) bilang mahahalagang kasangkapan sa paglinang ng malinaw, episyente, at epektibong komunikasyon sa loob ng mga institusyong pang-edukasyon at pampubliko. Sa pamamagitan ng mga panayam at talakayan, ipinakita na ang wastong paggamit ng wika ay may direktang implikasyon sa kalidad ng serbisyo, kaalaman, at ugnayan sa loob ng mga tanggapan.

Ibinahagi Bb. Kirsteen D. Abustan ang panayam sa Korespondensiya Opisyal, na nakatuon sa tamang anyo at estruktura ng liham, memorandum, kapasiyahan, at iba pang korespondensiyang ginagamit sa mga institusyon. Samantala, pinangunahan ni Bb. Angelica Ellazar ang pagtalakay sa Ortograpiyang Pambansa na nagbigay-diin sa kahalagahan ng pagtalima sa tamang pagbaybay at pagsulat ng mga salita sa wastong pamantayan at gamit sa layuning mapanatili ang propesyonalismo sa mga opisyal na dokumento.

Dumalo at nagpakita ng suporta sina Komisyoner Carmelita C. Abduhraman at Komisyoner Reggie O. Cruz sa mandato ng KWF sa pagpapalaganap at pagpapaigting sa paggámit ng wikang Filipino sa akademya at serbisyo publiko.

Dumalo rin ang mga mag-aaral, guro, librarian, at iba pang kawani ng pamantasan, na naging aktibo sa pagbabahagi ng kaalaman at karanasan kaugnay ng mga paksang tinalakay. Ang kanilang partisipasyon ay nagpapatunay sa lumalaking interes at pangangailangan para sa pagsasanay sa wasto at epektibong paggamit ng Filipino sa opisyal na komunikasyon.

Ang Kautusang Tagapagpaganap Blg. 335, sa pangunguna ng KWF, ay humihimok sa mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan na gamítin ang Wikang Filipino bilang opisyal na wika ng komunikasyon at korespondensiya sa serbisyo publiko.

Learner voice anchored in policy as DepEd reforms move toward future-ready education

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

MAKATI CITY, 2 February 2026 – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday said learner participation is helping ground ongoing education reforms on actual classroom experience, as the agency works to strengthen foundational learning and improve how teaching and assessment are delivered in schools.

Speaking at the International Day of Education celebration at Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School in Makati City, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said DepEd’s reform agenda is increasingly learner-centered, particularly in the early grades where learning foundations are built. 

“We will have universal feeding for all public schools in the Philippines for kindergarten and grade 1, all for 180 days for the full school cycle. For the first time in Philippine history. And the budget is now almost 10 times more,” Angara said. 

He said the expansion of the School-Based Feeding Program reflects the Department’s emphasis on foundational learning and learner readiness. 

“Kung titignan natin yung mga bansa na maunlad sa edukasyon, nakatutok po sila doon sa pundasyon. ‘Pag mahina ang pundasyon, mahina din ang itatayong gusali o itatayong halili. So definitely, and it doesn't just involve what we teach in the classroom. It involves what we do at home. How we bring up our children,” Angara said. 

As part of efforts to make learning more engaging, Angara urged schools and teachers to maximize the use of digital and instructional tools, such as Khan Academy Philippines, Canva, Google, and Microsoft, made available by the Department. 

“So by all means, let's make use of the tools being made available to you by the Department to maximize our students' learning. We really want to make things more fun, more engaging. Because we realize this is a system that we all co-create together. And it's for the benefit of everyone,” Angara added. 

Education partners also highlighted the role of young people as active contributors to reform. “As lifelong learners, volunteers, peer educators, innovators, advocates, and future leaders, youth are not just participants in education. They are its driving force,” said Ivan Anthony Henares, secretary general of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines. 

UNICEF Philippines Country Representative Kyungsun Kim said learner participation strengthens the relevance of education reforms. 

“Your voice, your creativity, your courage, and your power to help shape the future of education in the Philippines and the future of the country,” Kim said. 

The event, themed “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,” brought together student leaders, youth advisers, teachers, and DepEd officials from the National Capital Region.