09-07-2025
Omani researchers develop eco-friendly method to combat bacteria
Muscat – Researchers at the National University of Science and Technology (UTAS) have developed an innovative and environmentally sustainable method to repurpose used aluminum foil into aluminum oxide nanoparticles, offering promising applications in healthcare, agriculture, and industry.
The study, led by Omani researcher Reem Hilal al Maamari from the UTAS, demonstrates how discarded aluminum foil – typically sent to landfills – can be transformed into high-value nanomaterials using a green synthesis method.
Titled 'Eco-Friendly Synthesis and Characterisation of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles from Waste Aluminum Foil for Antibacterial, Anti-fungal and Anti-Corrosion Applications', the research addresses the urgent need to develop sustainable recycling technologies amid rising global aluminum waste.
'These nanoparticles have shown remarkable antibacterial and antifungal properties, opening the door to diverse biological and industrial applications,' the research team stated.
In the healthcare sector, the nanoparticles can be used to manufacture antimicrobial coatings and medical tools, helping reduce the spread of infections in hospitals and clinics. Their anti-corrosion properties make them suitable for protective coatings in the construction and metal industries, particularly in humid or marine environments.
The research also explores their potential use in water purification systems, where the nanoparticles' antimicrobial traits could support clean water access in remote or water-scarce regions. In the food sector, they offer a viable solution for enhancing packaging materials to extend shelf life and prevent microbial contamination.
Agricultural applications include their use as natural antifungal agents to treat soil and seeds, potentially improving crop quality and resistance to disease.
By converting aluminum waste into functional nanomaterials, the project not only offers practical solutions to pressing environmental challenges but also contributes to Oman's sustainability goals and the development of advanced recycling technologies.
The researchers emphasised the need to adopt such technologies to promote environmental stewardship and innovation across multiple sectors, in line with the sultanate's broader vision for a greener and more resilient future.
