Saint Mary’s University (SMU) continues to demonstrate excellence in research and scientific innovation as alumni and faculty from the Department of Pharmacy and the Center for Natural Sciences successfully published their study in a Q3 Scopus-indexed journal under the Faculty Promotership Program. The groundbreaking research, titled “Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles functionalized with Chromolaena odorata metabolites: Formulation and antimicrobial evaluation of a topical wound-healing cream,” was authored by pharmacy graduates Geri Lyzl K. Pido, Bryan Jay B. Baliwang, Frances Deana A. Perez, Sarah Mae A. Yadao, and Judy Ann A. Pumihic, together with faculty member Dr. Elsa L. Cajucom (Corresponding Author). The study appeared in the Journal of Applied and Natural Science (Vol. 18, No. 3, pp. 1376–1391).

The research explores green chemistry in nanomedicine, using ethanolic leaf extracts of Chromolaena odorata (locally known as Hagonoy) to synthesize eco-friendly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the synthesized AgNPs were formulated into a 100 mg/mL topical cream. Laboratory evaluations demonstrated robust antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, as well as activity against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Furthermore, in-vivo excision wound models using Albino Wistar rats revealed complete wound closure by Day 9, performing comparably to standard positive controls without causing skin irritation or hypersensitivity. This scientific achievement shows the high caliber of research at SMU and highlights the potential of plant-derived nanomedicine to offer safe, low-cost, and effective alternatives for topical wound therapy.

Citation:

Pido, G. L. K., Baliwang, B. J. B., Perez, F. D. A., Yadao, S. M. A., Pumihic, J. A. A., & Cajucom, E. L. (2026). Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles functionalized with Chromolaena odorata metabolites: Formulation and antimicrobial evaluation of a topical wound-healing cream. Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 18(3), 1376–1391. https://doi.org/10.31018/jans.v18i3.7795