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Pluronic F127Folic Acid Modified Nickel Oxide Nanocomposites via a Facile One-Pot Approach for InVitro Anticancer, Antibacterial, and DPPH Radical Scavenging Studies
Drug-resistant bacteria and cancer remain major challenges in healthcare, highlighting the need for multifunctional nanomaterials. In this study, folic acid- and Pluronic F127-modified nickel oxide nanocomposites (NiOPF127FA) were synthesized via a one-pot method, and their invitro antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties were evaluated. XRD analysis showed a crystallite size of 19.42 nm for NiOPF127FA, while PL spectra exhibited a green emission peak at 507 nm, indicative of structural defects in the NiO lattice. NiOPF127FA displayed enhanced antibacterial activity against MRSA and Candida albicans compared to bare NiO, as evidenced by larger inhibition zones and lower MIC and MBC values. The DPPH assay demonstrated improved radical scavenging activity of the modified nanocomposites, likely related to their smaller size, higher surface area, and surface defect-mediated electron transfer. Invitro anticancer studies using rat C6 glioblastoma cells revealed dose-dependent decreases in cell viability, with IC50 values of 12.3 ?g/mL for NiO and 9.6 ?g/mL for NiOPF127FA. Fluorescence staining with AO/EB and DAPI indicated morphological changes in nuclei and alterations in MMP, consistent with induction of cell death. Overall, these findings suggest that NiOPF127FA nanocomposites exhibit improved invitro biological activity, providing a foundation for further preclinical investigations of their potential biomedical applications. 2026 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Biocompatible Pluronic F127-coated nickel titanate nanoparticles: toward effective antimicrobial and antioxidant therapies
Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections are a major global health concern. Nickel titanate (NiTiO?) nanoparticles offer potential antimicrobial applications, but their biocompatibility is limited. This study explores the surface modification of NiTiO? with Pluronic F127 (PF127) to enhance biological performance. NiTiO? nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with PF127. Characterization was performed using XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, BET and DLS. Antibacterial activity was assessed via pathogenic bacteria assays and colony-forming unit quantification. Antioxidant activity was measured using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and zebrafish embryos evaluated in vivo toxicity. XRD confirmed hexagonal NiTiO?, and FTIR/HRTEM verified PF127 incorporation. BET analysis indicated a surface area of 28.66 m2 g?1 and mesoporous structure (2.59 nm pore diameter). DLS showed particle size reduction from 219.3 nm (NiTiO?) to 135.9 nm (NiTiO?PF127), confirming improved dispersion. NiTiO?PF127 exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity, with colony-forming unit counts decreasing in a concentration-dependent manner. The DPPH assay showed 53.7% radical scavenging at 20 ?g mL?1. Zebrafish embryo studies revealed higher viability and lower developmental toxicity for PF127-coated nanoparticles compared to uncoated NiTiO?. PF127 modification of NiTiO? improves dispersion, antibacterial and antioxidant activity, and biocompatibility. These results highlight NiTiO?PF127 nanocomposite as a promising candidate for biomedical and antimicrobial applications. 2026 Society of Chemical Industry. 2026 Society of Chemical Industry. -
Synthesis and characterization of SnO2-SA-FA nanocomposite for anticancer (cervical cancer HeLa cells), antimicrobial (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans) and antioxidant activities
This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a novel sodium alginate (SA) and folic acid (FA) functionalized tin oxide nanocomposite (SnO2-SA-FA) and investigates its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer properties. XRD analysis confirmed the tetragonal crystalline structure of SnO2, while the crystallite size decreased from 28.3 nm for pure SnO2 to 22.1 nm after functionalization, indicating enhanced surface area and reactivity. UVvisible analysis revealed a reduction in bandgap energy from 3.6 to 3.4 eV, suggesting improved charge transfer capability. Photoluminescence studies showed green emission at 506 nm, indicating enhanced oxygen vacancy defects and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The SnO2-SA-FA nanocomposite demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, exhibiting zones of inhibition of 20 mm and 17 mm, respectively, with minimum bactericidal concentration values of 1600 ?g mL?1. Antioxidant studies revealed significantly improved 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, reaching 83.23% at 100 ?g mL?1 compared to 66.34% for pure SnO? nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity studies against HeLa cervical cancer cells demonstrated dose-dependent anticancer activity, with the SnO2-SA-FA nanocomposite exhibiting a lower IC50 value (concentration required to inhibit 50% of cell viability) (40.6 ?g mL?1) than pure SnO? nanoparticles (58.2 ?g mL?1). Fluorescence microscopy confirmed enhanced apoptosis induction through ROS-mediated oxidative stress and folate-receptor-targeted uptake. Furthermore, biocompatibility studies on L929 fibroblast cells showed cell viability above 80%, confirming low toxicity and favorable biological safety. These findings demonstrate that the SnO2-SA-FA nanocomposite is a promising multifunctional nanoplatform for antimicrobial, antioxidant and targeted anticancer biomedical applications. 2026 Society of Chemical Industry. 2026 Society of Chemical Industry. -
Development of Green Synthesized Novel Carbon Dots from Ruta Graveolens L. for Fluorescent and Intracellular Sensing of Mercury Ions in Pico-molar (pm) Concentration
Green nanotechnology, which uses carbon nanomaterials for environmental remediation, is the pioneer among the prevailing approaches for the production and characterization. In the present study, highly fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) from Ruta Graveolens (ARH-CD) is developed, and its efficacy as a fluorescent sensor and biomarker is investigated. They act as a fluorescence sensor for Hg2+ over an extensive concentration range of 1 picomolar (pm) to 1 molar (m), with a detection limit as low as 26.75 pm. The studies reveal ARH-CD as an effective biomarker for intracellular toxicity analysis and a fluorescent probe for multi-colored (blue, green, and red) imaging of HEK293 cell lines. After 24 h of incubation, it is found that the ARH material reveals noticeable biocompatibility and visible fluorescence, with a viability of 98.88% at 5 gmL?1 and over 78.33% even at a concentration of 100 gmL?1. The IC50 value for the MTT assay for cell viability results is calculated to be 224.56 4.67 g, which further confirms the appreciable biocompatibility of the ARH-CD. The obtained samples are effective in being inspected for the intracellular detection of Hg2+ and serve as a possible candidate for cell imaging. 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Temperature-Tuned Nitrogen and Oxygen Self-Doped Carbonized Polymer Dots for Enhanced Supercapacitor Applications
A one-step hydrothermal method is used to synthesize nitrogen and oxygen self-doped carbonized polymer dots (N, O-CPDs) from o-phenylenediamine (o-PD) as the precursor. Detailed structural analysis shows that the evolution of defects is temperature-dependent, with the synthesis temperature being crucial in determining the level of carbonization and structural disorder. This process results in a complex carbon structure featuring sp2 graphitic domains mixed with controlled structural defects, essential for electrochemical activity. The N, O-CPDs demonstrate remarkable electrochemical performance when tested as electrode materials for supercapacitors. Notably, the sample synthesized at 220C achieves a high specific capacitance of 205 Fg?1 at 1 Ag?1 in a three-electrode setup and 58 Fg?1 in a two-electrode configuration. Additionally, it shows excellent cycling stability, maintaining 85% of its initial capacitance after 4500 cycles at 4 Ag?1. This impressive performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of nitrogen and oxygen doping, which create numerous active sites and enhance charge transfer efficiency. The combination of optimized structural disorder and heteroatom doping significantly improves the electrochemical properties of these N, O-CPDs, highlighting their potential as advanced materials for energy storage applications. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Surface Modification and Enhanced Catalytic Interface in Bifunctional Montmorillonite for the Synthesis of Novel Thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-Carboxylates
This study centers on the modification of montmorillonite (MMT) through the incorporation of pillaring agents, specifically ceria (CeO2) and zirconia (ZrO2), using a straightforward synthesis technique. The resulting catalyst is thoroughly characterized by employing various standard spectroscopic and electron microscopic methods to verify its structural and compositional integrity. Moreover, temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) is utilized to assess and quantify the acidic properties of the catalyst. The modified MMT catalyst is then applied in the ultrasonic-assisted one-pot synthesis of novel thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylates. This approach allowed for the efficient production of these compounds, which are subsequently characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) to confirm their structures. Additionally, the study elucidates the mechanistic role of ultrasonication in enhancing the synthesis process, highlighting the way sonic energy improves reactant dispersion, accelerates reaction rates, and facilitates high-yield formation of the target heterocycles. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Exploring the Optical Properties of Functional Carbon Dots Derived from Jackfruit Seeds and their Potential Applications
Carbon dots are nanomaterials that exhibit exceptional optical properties due to their fluorescence, photoluminescence tunability, broad absorption, and photostability. This study reports the synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) from agricultural remains, Jackfruit seeds (Artocarpus heterophyllus), through a facile synthesis technique of a one-step microwave-assisted solvothermal method. The synthesized CDs offer good optical properties, by absorbing UV radiation and giving a broad excitation wavelength-dependent emission (300 to 700nm). This evidences the synthesized material to act as a down-converter in various applications, like solar cells and LEDs. The tunability of the bandgap of these nanocarbons is also explored by employing solvatochromism in solvents of varying polarity, including DI water, DMF, and NMP, enhancing their optical properties. Further, they can also be used for UV protection applications like window panes, sunglasses, and sunscreen creams, owing to the 97.44% UV absorption for the CDs dispersed in NMP. Similarly, the down-conversion ability of this material is utilized to convert UV-LEDs to W-LEDs with CRI point, Ra = 77, and CCT = 6785 K, which resembles cool bright daylight. Thus, the synthesized CDs from jackfruit seeds exhibit exemplary optical properties, opening wide avenues into UV protection, lighting technologies, and other such potential applications. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Boosting DSSC Performance: Co-Sensitization With Morinda citrifolia-Derived Carbon Dots for Enhanced Light Harvesting
This study explores a novel co-sensitization architecture utilizing carbon dots (CDs) derived from Morinda citrifolia in combination with the N719 dye to enhance the light-harvesting efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The CDs were synthesized through a hydrothermal process using an aqueous extract of Morinda citrifolia fruit juice, resulting in a material with broad optical absorption properties. To investigate their effectiveness in DSSCs, the synthesized CDs were incorporated and used with two different co-sensitization strategies. In the first approach (DN), the CDs were initially adsorbed onto the photoanode, followed by sensitization with N719 dye. The second configuration (DND) employed a sandwich structure where the photoanode was sequentially sensitized with CDs, N719 dye, and an additional layer of CDs. In this study, TiO2 was used as the photoanode material, with N719 and CD-modified N719 acting as sensitizers, Iodolyte HI-30 as the electrolyte, and Platisol T/sp as the counter electrode. Among the two configurations, the DND structure exhibited the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.3%, demonstrating the potential of this co-sensitization approach. The significant enhancement in DSSC performance highlights the effectiveness of Morinda citrifolia-derived carbon dots as a promising, cost-effective strategy for improving the efficiency of next-generation DSSCs. 2026 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Cobalt Embedded N-Doped Carbon Spheres Derived From Cassava Starch for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Medium
Cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential for fuel cells and metal-air batteries. The sluggishness of ORR necessitates the synthesis of effective and durable catalysts to intensify the reaction process without compromising cost-effectiveness. Here, cobalt and cobalt oxides were embedded on N-doped carbon microspheres (Co?N?C/CS) using cassava starch as a carbon source. The catalyst exhibits a surface area of 388.73 m2 g?1, with a predominantly mesoporous texture. The presence of the Co?N bond, along with pyridinic and graphitic nitrogen, contributes to the ORR activity by enhancing the density of active sites. The catalyst achieves a limiting current density of ?4.64mA cm?2 with an onset potential of 0.91V (vs RHE). The calculated electron transfer value of 3.74 indicates the 4e- pathway ORR mechanism supported by Co?N?C/CS. Moreover, the catalyst demonstrates a high stability in 0.1M KOH with 99% of current retention after 14000 s, exceeding commercial Pt/C. Relatively high methanol tolerance was also observed for Co?N?C/CS by the addition of 3M methanol in the electrolyte during current-time response, highlighting its suitability as a cathode catalyst for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). 2026 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Relational Time as a Stochastic Variable in ADM Gravity
The absence of a fundamental time parameter in canonical quantum gravity is motivating the search for internal clocks by which evolution is defined relationally. While formal solutions are provided classical deparametrization schemes they often rely on semiclassical limits or fixed foliations that break general covariance. In this work, a canonical framework is constructed where time emerges dynamically as a stochastic degree of freedom, identified with a massless scalar field whose conserved momentum current defines a relational foliation. Unlike semiclassical stochastic gravity approaches where noise is introduced externally, here the stochasticity arises from coarse-graining of unresolved transverse-traceless graviton modes, leading to an intrinsic, dynamically coupled stochastic clock field. This leads to a diffusion-like broadening of the wavefunctional across neighboring clock slices, offering a novel stochastic phenomenology of the WheelerDeWitt equation. The resulting evolution remains consistent with hypersurface-deformation algebra in an ensemble sense, while introducing an intrinsic probabilistic nature to relational time. This work thus establishes the theoretical foundation for future applications in quantum cosmology and the emergence of classicality from quantum gravitational systems. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Model-Independent Cosmography with Logarithmic Polynomial using Recent Observational Data
The accelerated expansion of the Universe remains a fundamental challenge in cosmology, motivating model-independent methods to reconstruct its expansion history without relying on specific dark energy models. Cosmography, which employs series expansions of cosmological observables around the present epoch, provides a powerful kinematic framework rooted in the cosmological principle. However, standard Taylor expansions suffer from limited convergence at high redshift, prompting the exploration of alternative expansions. In this work, logarithmic polynomial cosmography is investigated, which expands observables in powers of the logarithm of redshift, thereby enhancing convergence over a broad redshift range while maintaining physical insight. The logarithmic polynomial parameters are constrained using recent datasets, including gravitational-wave standard sirens, DESI DR2, cosmic chronometers, and multiple Type Ia supernova compilations (DES-SN5YR, Union3, Pantheon+SH0ES). The analysis demonstrates the efficacy of the logarithmic approach in accurately modeling the cosmic expansion history, providing an interpretable alternative to traditional cosmographic techniques. 2026 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Estimation of System Reliability Based on Inverted Exponentiated Pareto Distribution Under a Progressively First-Failure Censored Scheme With Application
This article explores and derives the estimation of the multicomponent stressstrength (MSS) reliability parameter, assuming that the samples are coming from the inverted exponentiated Pareto distribution using a progressively first-failure censored scheme. To estimate the MSS reliability, both classical and Bayesian approaches are adopted. In the classical approach, the maximum likelihood and the asymptotic confidence interval estimation methods are used. The Bayes estimates with their corresponding highest posterior density credible interval estimates are obtained under the Bayesian approach, under the linear exponential loss function under both the noninformative and gamma informative priors. In addition, to compute the Bayes estimates, Markov chain Monte Carlo methods are used. To compare the efficacy of the different estimation strategies adopted in this paper, a Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology, two real-life scenarios resulting/arising from two different carbon fiber data sets arere-analyzed. 2025 The Author(s). Quality and Reliability Engineering International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
On StressStrength Reliability Estimation for the Generalized Inverted Exponential Distribution Under Unified Hybrid Censoring
Stressstrength reliability (SSR) analysis plays a fundamental role in reliability engineering, particularly when lifetime data are subject to censoring due to cost or time limitations. In this article, we study the estimation of the reliability parameter (Formula presented.) when the strength (Formula presented.) and stress (Formula presented.) follow the two-parameter generalized inverted exponential distribution (GIED) under a unified hybrid censoring (UHC) scheme, which ensures both a prespecified number of failures and a bounded test duration. Classical inference is developed via maximum likelihood estimation using the EM algorithm, and the corresponding asymptotic confidence intervals are obtained. Bayesian estimation is carried out using MCMC methods under a generalized entropy loss function, along with HPD credible intervals. The UMVUE of (Formula presented.) is also derived for comparison. A Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed estimators under different censoring scenarios. The results indicate that Bayesian methods, particularly under informative priors, often provide improved estimation accuracy in heavily censored cases. Two real data sets are analyzed to demonstrate the practical applicability of the proposedmethodology. 2026 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Intellectual Capital, FinTech Innovation, and Sustainable Performance: Moderating Role of Financial Literacy
In a fast-paced digital world of growing sustainability demands, organizations must utilize knowledge-based and financial resources in order to stay competitive and accountable. Even though there is increasing academic interest, the empirical evidence on how and when the major dimensions of intellectual capital (IC), human, structural, and relational capital, combine to contribute to sustainable performance (SP) remains fragmented and inconclusive. Given this, the present study empirically investigates the impact of IC, including human, structural, and relational capital, on SP. It also aims to examine the potential impact of FinTech innovation (FI) and financial literacy on IC and SP. Based on the Technology innovation theory and Resource based view, this study develops and empirically tests the proposed model that integrates intangible knowledge resources and technological capabilities to explain SP. Data were collected from 413 managers of the Indian banking industry. Structural equation modeling and Hayes Process were used to test the hypotheses. The findings exhibit that IChuman, structural, relational capital, and financial literacyplay a significant and positive role in FI and SP. The path analysis also confirmed a significant role of FI on IC and SP. This study suggests that managers and policymakers can improve the banking performance in an eco-friendly manner by actively resorting to investments in knowledge resources and digital transformation initiatives. Accordingly, the study model offers an integrative framework showing how financial institutions can ensure SP by converging IC, FI, and FL. 2026 ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Tracing the Legal Invisibility and Challenges of Same-Sex Couples in India
Although the Supreme Court's decision in Supriyo v. Union of India (2023) concerning marriage equality rights of same-sex couples has gained public attention, couples continue to face legal invisibility as the Court left the question of legal recognition to parliament. This study examines the legal challenges faced by same-sex couples in India in accessing marriage, family formation, healthcare and housing rights and seeks to understand their lived experiences in the context of limited legal recognition. It highlights how the lack of recognition deepens social vulnerability while also exposing couples to discrimination and, in some cases, abuse. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 couples recruited via snowball sampling, and data were thematically analyzed. The findings reveal that the participants continue to face legal blockades in exercising their rights, underscoring the need for urgent legislative reform. 2026 Policy Studies Organization. -
Catalytic Conversion of 2- Methyl Phenol to Salicylaldehyde Using Manganese-Oxide Doped Cellulose-Derived Carbon Spheres
In this study, we report on the hydrothermal synthesis of MnOx-anchored carbon spheres as an effective catalyst. A new method is employed to prepare carbon spheres from cellulose. Using a solvent-free process, the prepared catalyst is used to convert o-cresol to salicylaldehyde. Methods including XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FE-SEM, EDS mapping, and HR-TEM are used to examine the structural and morphological characteristics of the catalyst. It is confirmed from the BET analysis that doping with MnOx increases the surface area of the carbon spheres. At standard atmospheric pressure, the conversion of o-cresol to salicylaldehyde is highly selective due to the enhanced surface area and active sites of MnOx-doped carbon spheres. Under atmospheric pressure, the MnOx/CS catalysts show excellent efficiency, yielding 96% salicylaldehyde in under 1 h. This study underscores the feasibility of using MnOx-doped carbon spheres as a robust catalyst for the controlled oxidation of o-cresol. The results show that the catalyst has a great deal of activity and effectiveness, as well as being cheap and reusable, which greatly increases its potential for real-world catalytic applications. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Porous Carbon Nanospheres and MXene Nanocomposites for Enhanced Energy Storage Devices
In the present work, we prepared the porous carbon nanosphere from a biomass precursor (CNS) and made a composite of CNS with MXene (Ti3C2Tx) in various ratios. All the CNS:Mxene composites were electrochemical evaluated in three-electrode system in 3M KOH electrolyte solution with techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic chargedischarge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The 6:4 CNS:Ti3C2Tx MX ratio was found to exhibit excellent electrochemical performance with a higher specific capacitance of 527.5 Fg?1 at a current density of 0.25 Ag?1. A symmetric device study was carried out with 6:4 ratio of CNS:Ti3C2TxMX composite in S4R-SS316 type Swagelok cell. The device exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 45.0 Fg?1 at a current density of 0.25 Ag?1, with a higher power density of 2500 Wkg?1 and very low energy density of 6.25Wh Kg?1. Thus, the electrochemical performance of the CNS/Ti3C2Tx MX composite exhibited a combined electrical conductivity from the MXene, and the porous nature and significant surface area from CNS, which improved the wettability implying the potential of CNS:MXene composites for enhanced energy storage. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Effective Oil and Dye Adsorption Using Green Synthesized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Obtained from Combretum indicum Leaf Extract
This study describes a green and sustainable method of producing copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Combretum indicum leaf extracts in aqueous and alcoholic solvents. The synthesis parametersextract concentration and pHwere optimized to achieve high yield (85%), small crystallite size (2035nm), and monodisperse particles. FTIR, PXRD, SEM, TEM, and UVvisible spectroscopy indicated the synthesis of monoclinic CuO NPs with mixed morphologies (spheres, rods, and plates), as well as phytochemical surface functionalization. The NPs exhibited multifunctional performance: alcoholic extract-derived CuO NPs showed exceptional dye adsorption (?95% removal of Methyl Orange in 180min), while aqueous extract-derived NPs demonstrated high oil adsorption (90%). Antimicrobial activity was strain specific, with significant efficacy against Streptococcus mutans (3.7mm zone of inhibition). The solvent-dependent surface chemistryhydrophilic for dye removal and hydrophobic for oil adsorptionhighlights the potential for tailored environmental remediation. This eco-friendly approach offers a promising route for synthesizing versatile CuO NPs with applications in wastewater treatment and antimicrobial strategies. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Nanostructured Carbon-Coated Barium Ferrite for Efficient Cr(VI) Adsorption: Synthesis and Performance Evaluation
The study reports the synthesis of nanostructured carbon-coated barium ferrite via a combined in-situ pyrolysis and co-precipitation approach. The resulting material was characterized using XRD, TEM, and BET analysis, confirming its nanostructure and high surface area. The adsorbent demonstrated efficient removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions, achieving up to 92% removal under optimal conditions. Adsorption followed a multilayer process with pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the material retained significant efficiency over six reuse cycles. These findings highlight the potential of carbon-coated barium ferrite as a promising adsorbent for water purification applications. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Pharmaceutical Waste-Derived Carbon Quantum Dots via Microwave Method for Selective Au3+ Ion Detection
Heavy metals released in various ways into water bodies is a key concern for environmental protection. Their nonbiodegradability and the health risks associated with these heavy metals in the environment exacerbate the problem. Scientists worldwide are addressing the issue through various approaches. Among them, the fluorescence approach is unique in its simplicity and rapid results. In this study, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized from an expired vitamin B12 tablet using a simple microwave-assisted approach. The resulting CQDs showed sustainability, good photostability with quantum yield (30.08%), water solubility, prolonged storage stability, and produced a brilliant blue emission when exposed to UV light. These CQDs exhibited stable photoluminescence attributes across a wide range of ionic strengths and pH levels. Au3+ ions effectively quenched the PL intensity of CQDs in a linear, selective, and sensitive approach. We demonstrated Au3+ sensing in aqueous conditions utilizing CQDs as the fluorescent probe, with a limit of detection of 41nM. This work has been demonstrated to create an efficient and cost-effective method for detecting auric ions in wastewater effluents. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.