Cannabis is being explored not only for its cannabinoids, but also as a biological tool for creating new materials with potential medical and industrial applications.

In this study, researchers used Cannabis sativa floral biomass extract to help synthesize copper-zinc-selenium nanocomposites. Chemical profiling identified multiple cannabis-derived compounds, including THC, CBD and CBN, while the resulting nanocomposites demonstrated antioxidant activity and promising molecular interactions in docking analyses.

The findings highlight another emerging use of cannabis plant chemistry in nanotechnology and bioactive material development.

“Background: Nanotechnology is an emerging field widely applied across various disciplines, including medicine, to develop cost-effective and innovative therapies by delivering therapeutic compounds to targeted sites. The integration of multiple metals can yield synergistic multifunctional properties.

Aims: This study focuses on the green synthesis of copper-zinc-selenium (Cu-Zn-Se) nanocomposite, which is a straightforward and reliable method compared to chemical, physical, and mechanical techniques. Cannabis sativa, a dioecious plant from the Cannabinaceae family, has garnered significant attention due to its pharmacological properties and global cultivation.

Methods: In this research, Phytochemical analysis of extracts was carried out using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS). After that, a trimetallic copper-zinc-selenium (Cu-Zn-Se) nanocomposite was successfully synthesized using the floral biomass extract of Cannabis sativa and characterized by using UV-Vis spectral analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and FTIR spectroscopy. Further, the potential applications of the synthesized trimetallic nanoparticles were evaluated by assessing their antioxidant activities through DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Activity, Hydrogen Peroxide Scavenging Assay, Ferric Reducing Power Assay, and Phosphomolybdate Antioxidant Activity. In addition, Molecular docking studies were used to investigate the drug target interactions for antioxidant behaviour.

Results: The UV-Vis spectrum displayed overlapping bands at 230, 290, and 327 nm, confirming the successful synthesis of the nanocomposite. FTIR analysis revealed peaks corresponding to various functional groups, notably a band at 1621.37 cm – 1 indicating C = O carbonyl stretching from amides, and a band at 1427.91 cm – 1 associated with C = C stretching (in-ring) from aromatic structures. SEM imaging showed spherical particles with an average size of 40 to 60 nm. A dose-dependent increase in antioxidant activity for the Cu-Zn-Se nanocomposite, which surpassed that of the plant extract in all assays studied and was comparable to the standard ascorbic acid. Molecular docking studies supported the experimental findings by showing that the Cu-Zn-Se nanocomposite binds stably to the antioxidant target protein, suggesting enhanced antioxidant activity.

Conclusion: This study is among the first to report the green synthesis of a Cannabis sativa-mediated Cu-Zn-Se trimetallic nanocomposite, highlighting its strong antioxidant potential and interaction pathways at the molecular level. These findings contribute novel insights into sustainable nanomaterial development and underscore the biomedical promise of phytogenic trimetallic nanocomposites as potent antioxidant agent.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41131581

“The present study successfully demonstrates the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the Cu-Zn-Se nanocomposite using Cannabis sativa floral biomass extract. The GC-MS analysis effectively identified the presence of key cannabinoids (THC, CBD, and CBN) and terpenes in the cannabis extract. These compounds contribute to the overall effects and therapeutic potential of the cannabis sample.”

“These results signify the immense bioactive potential of the green synthesized Cu-Zn-Se nanocomposite using Cannabis sativa extract, which can find applications in the pharmaceutical and industrial fields.”

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00320-9

Hemp fiber is increasingly being studied as a renewable reinforcement material for high-performance composites.

In this study, researchers combined hemp fabric with a recyclable thermoplastic resin and activated carbon nanoparticles to examine changes in mechanical strength, electrical behavior and thermal performance.

The results show how hemp-based biocomposites can be engineered for more advanced applications, expanding the plant’s potential beyond traditional fiber products into lightweight, multifunctional materials.

“This research examines the influence of various concentrations (0%, 1%, 1.4% and 1.8% by weight) of activated carbon nanoparticles (AC NPs) on the performance of Elium biocomposites reinforced with hemp fibers.

Unidirectional [0°/0°] laminates with 20% fiber volume fraction were fabricated via hand layup using two layers of 150 GSM hemp fabric and compression molded to achieve 0.9 mm cured thickness.

Quasi-static tensile testing (ASTM D3039, 2 mm/min, 100 mm gauge length) revealed a pronounced non-monotonic relationship between AC NPs loading and mechanical properties, with optimal performance at 1.0 wt.% fillers and catastrophic degradation at 1.8 wt.%. AC NPs filled composites, which were then characterized by their electrical and thermal behavior.

Electrically, it also achieved minimum resistivity (1.62 Ω·m) and maximum conductivity (0.62 S·m^-1), in contrast to the elevated resistance (42.5 kΩ) found in samples with a higher filler content.

Thermal analysis showed a slight effect on the degradation of the onset temperature (300 °C) and a higher charring after addition of AC NP. Finite element analysis (FEA) provided a corroboration for these experimental findings, with simulations verification.

Microscopy revealed cohesive fractures in the 1.0 wt.% composite whereas voids and brittle failure were evident in samples with higher loading. Hence, the concentration of 1.0 wt.% AC NP offers the best trade off of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41516850

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/18/1/66

Hemp fabrics are increasingly being explored as sustainable materials that can be enhanced with added functional properties.

In this study, researchers used soy protein isolate to support the in-situ formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles directly on hemp fabric, creating a more sustainable finishing process.

The treated fabrics showed improved multifunctional performance, highlighting the potential for hemp textiles to be developed for advanced applications beyond conventional clothing and fiber products.

“This study presents an environmentally sustainable finishing approach for hemp fabrics by combining soy protein isolate (SPI) pretreatment with an in situ infrared (IR)-assisted synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs).

IR heating was employed to reduce energy consumption while promoting efficient nanoparticle formation compared to conventional thermal processing, while SPI acted as a bio-based stabilizer to enable uniform ZnO NP distribution on the fabric surface. Transmission electron microscopy revealed predominantly spherical to polyhedral ZnO NPs with minimal agglomeration, and X-ray diffraction confirmed their characteristic wurtzite crystalline structure. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping further verified the homogeneous deposition of ZnO NPs on hemp fibers.

The treated fabrics exhibited multifunctional performance, showing significantly enhanced ultraviolet (UV) protection with a UV protection factor (UPF) of 50+ compared with untreated hemp.

Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was confirmed by the AATCC TM147 test, while a quantitative AATCC TM100 assessment demonstrated an excellent antibacterial efficiency of 99.99% bacterial reduction against S. aureus. Additionally, the incorporation of 2 wt% SPI significantly improved fabric hydrophilicity and wettability.

Overall, this work demonstrates a green and effective strategy for producing antibacterial and UV-protective hemp textiles.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41516899

“This study successfully developed a novel antibacterial finishing process for hemp fabrics by combining SPI pretreatment with an IR-assisted in situ synthesis of ZnO NPs.”

“Consequently, this work provides a generalized and scalable framework for the development of eco-friendly antibacterial and UV-protective textile finishes.”

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/18/1/116

Hempseed protein is finding new uses as a functional ingredient in sustainable food-packaging technologies.

In this study, researchers used hempseed protein nanoparticles to stabilize a ginger essential-oil nanoemulsion incorporated into an edible film designed to both protect food and indicate freshness. The resulting material showed improved antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, stronger barrier properties, and color changes in response to conditions associated with spoilage.

The findings highlight hempseed protein’s potential role in developing bio-based “smart” packaging that can help preserve food while also signaling changes in freshness.

“The present study aimed to develop a multipurpose edible film with active (antioxidant/antimicrobial) and intelligent (food freshness monitoring) capabilities.

A Pickering nanoemulsion containing ginger essential oil (PNGEO) was prepared using hempseed protein as a stabilizer.

The effect of incorporating varying concentrations of PNGEO (0%, 5%, 10%w/v) and Aronia anthocyanin extract (AE) (0%, 4%, 8%w/v) on the physicochemical properties of films were evaluated using RSM and CCD, then optimal samples were identified using the utility function method, and their properties were examined.

The results demonstrated that the PNGEO formed a stable O/W emulsion with a Z-potential of -18.3 mV, a particle size of 108 nm, and PDI of 0.44. The encapsulation efficiencies were 91.72% for PNGEO. The AE exhibited pH-responsive color changes, transitioning from red to green across a pH range of 2-13. Increasing the AE and PNGEO enhanced the films’ water vapor barrier, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Elongation at break and tensile strength increased from 19.21% to 45.89% and from 6.25 to 15.97 MPa, respectively.

The pH color changes and sensitivity to ammonia gas confirmed the smart functionality of films. SEM and FTIR revealed minor changes in the chemical structure and strong molecular interactions between the biopolymer matrix and the incorporated components. XRD and DSC analyses indicated an increase in crystallinity index and a slight reduction in thermal stability. Release kinetics studies showed that higher temperatures and GEO content can increase the release rate and D values.

In conclusion, the film containing 8% AE and 10% PNGEO showed the best performance by simultaneously providing improvements in antioxidant/antimicrobial properties and sensitive color response to volatile spoilage compounds, and is introduced as a bio-based system with dual capabilities for maintaining quality and monitoring food freshness.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41904862

“A novel active/smart edible film based on chitosan/kappa-carrageenan was developed using a Pickering nanoemulsion containing ginger essential oil and stabilized with hempseed protein and aronia anthocyanin extract to enhance the biopolymer’s properties.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814626009222?via%3Dihub

Cannabis and hemp-derived materials are increasingly being explored in environmental technologies as well as medical and industrial research.

In this study, researchers developed nanographene–manganese oxide composite nanoparticles using a green synthesis approach and evaluated their ability to capture carbon dioxide. The material showed effective CO₂ adsorption, favorable adsorption behavior and reusability across repeated cycles.

The findings highlight the potential of plant-assisted nanomaterials for more sustainable carbon-capture technologies.

“In this study, hybrid composite nanoparticles (MnO-NG/green) containing nanographene (NG) and manganese oxide (MnO) were produced by using an environmentally friendly synthesis approach, and their CO₂ adsorption performance was investigated in detail.

The conventional method was used to synthesize MnO-NG composites, which were then compared with MnO-NG/green composites prepared via green synthesis using bioextract from the hemp plant.

The composite nanoparticles were structurally characterized using various analytical methods, including FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, and BET analyses. The surface morphology of the composites obtained through green synthesis demonstrated a more homogeneous and regular distribution of MnO nanoparticles on the NG surface.

BET analysis revealed that the specific surface area of the MnO-NG/green composites was 629 m²/g, with a mean pore diameter of 4.65 nm. CO₂ adsorption tests were conducted at 273 and 298 K under 1 bar, and it was determined that the MnO-NG/green composites achieved 5.81 and 4.94 mmol/g CO₂ uptake capacities, respectively.

These values were significantly higher than those of NG (2.59-2.07 mmol/g) and conventional MnO-NG (4.43-3.74 mmol/g) composites. Analysis of the adsorption isotherm models indicated that the experimental data were better fitted by the Langmuir model. The calculated isosteric heat of adsorption (Q _st, 19.4-24.5 kJ/mol) suggests that the adsorption of CO₂ by MnO-NG/green composites predominantly occurs via physisorption. The MnO-NG/green composites demonstrated high structural stability and thermal resistance in five-cycle reusability tests, showing a reuse efficiency of 97%.

This study clearly demonstrates that the production of MnO-NG/green composite nanoparticles via a green synthesis offers a promising approach.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42110753

“This study provides a strong demonstration of the successful production of nanographene-manganese oxide (NG-MnO) composite nanoparticles via an environmentally friendly green synthesis method and of the use of this structure as a high-performance adsorbent for CO₂ capture applications. Superior properties were exhibited by MnO-NG/green composites produced using bioextracts from the hemp plant”

“In conclusion, the achievement of sustainable material production through a green synthesis approach with low environmental impact is not the study’s only accomplishment. The development of a high-performance, reusable, and environmentally friendly adsorbent that can contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions is another. The resulting MnO-NG/green nanocomposites could be used in many different ways, from in the lab to in industry, which makes them a good choice for next-generation adsorbents in carbon capture technologies.”

https://pubs.acs.org/acsodf/article/11/17/25730/5145806/Green-Synthesis-and-Characterization-of