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Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and In Vitro Antiproliferative Evaluation of QuinolinePyranocoumarin Hybrids as Potent DNA Topoisomerase II Inhibitors
A series of novel quinolinepyranocoumarin hybrids incorporating quinoline and coumarin moieties were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as DNA topoisomerase II inhibitors. The key scaffold, 2-amino-5-oxo-4-(quinolin-4-yl)-4,5-dihydropyrano[3,2-c]chromene-3-carbonitrile, was obtained via a one-pot reaction in 92% yield at room temperature. Ten derivatives (4a4j) were characterized by 1H/13C NMR and mass spectrometry. Docking studies against TOPO II? (PDB ID: 5GWK) revealed compound 4b with the best binding affinity (?8.02kcal/mol), outperforming doxorubicin. In vitro cytotoxicity on MCF-7 and K562 cells showed lower IC50 values for MCF-7, and cell cycle analysis indicated G2/M arrest consistent with TOPO II inhibition. 2026 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Fluorescent Carbon Dots From Simarouba glauca for Food Safety Applications
The increasing use of food colorants to improve the visual appeal of food products presents challenges in maintaining their safety and quality. While there are numerous safe, natural, and synthetic colorants available, the food industry frequently resorts to using banned dyes to cut costs and boost profits. Consequently, detecting food adulteration involving prohibited dyes is vital. This research presents a quick and effective fluorescence sensor designed to identify metanil yellow dye in water and real samples. A simple microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique was employed to produce carbon dots (CDs) using the leaf extract of Simarouba glauca, which detected metanil yellow dye within a concentration range from 100nM to 70 M. The fluorescence sensor developed displayed a linear response at lower concentrations, with a detection limit of 7.14nM. Additionally, the CDs identified metanil yellow dye in two popular Indian sweets, Mysore Pak and Laddu, achieving a recovery rate of 97.23%108.33% and 90.00%104.17%, respectively. Moreover, the CDs successfully detected metanil yellow dye in two brands of turmeric powder available in the market, achieving recoveries ranging from 94.44%110.00%. These results highlight the potential uses of these CDs in environmental monitoring and various sectors, including food and confectionery, utilizing metanil yellow dye. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Sustainable Peanut Shell-Derived Carbon Dots for Fluorescent Sensing of Pb2+ Ions
Lead (Pb), a chemical element, is highly toxic even at low doses and can cause permanent harm with immediate life-threatening consequences upon short-term exposure. Its toxicity poses a significant risk, particularly to young children, leading to lifelong severe health issues. Detecting lead is crucial, and there is increasing interest in adopting eco-friendly approaches, such as utilizing carbon dots (CDs) derived from biomass. In our present study, we have synthesized CDs from peanut shells (PNS) through a straightforward pyrolysis process and employed various techniques to characterize these PNS-based CDs. Our findings reveal that these CDs emit fluorescence at 455 and 574nm when excited at 285nm, particularly in the presence of nanomolar Pb2+ ions. Notably, these PNS-derived CDs (PNS-CDs) demonstrate remarkable sensitivity and selectivity for detecting Pb2+ ions. A limit of detection (LOD) of 16.59nM was determined for the sensor, corresponding to a linear concentration range of 16.622.2nM. This study proposes a novel and simple one-pot pyrolysis method to synthesize CDs from PNS for the rapid testing of lead contamination in the environment, which holds great promise for sensor applications. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Role of Ionic Liquids in Hydrothermal Synthesis of Li-Doped CuO Nanoparticles: Improved Photocatalytic, Electrochemical, and Antibacterial Properties
Lithium-doped copper oxide nanoparticles (Li-CuO NPs) were synthesized via an ionic-liquid-assisted hydrothermal method to examine the role of ionic liquids in tailoring structural and functional properties. PXRD analysis confirmed phase-pure monoclinic CuO (JCPDS/PDF No. 45-0937), with a reduction in crystallite size from 46nm (CuO) to 39nm upon Li incorporation. BET analysis revealed mesoporous characteristics with a specific surface area of 85m2 g?1 and an average pore diameter of 10nm. Optical studies showed a red shift in absorption and a band gap narrowing from 2.61eV (CuO) to 2.35eV (Li-CuO), indicating enhanced visible-light absorption. The photocatalytic performance of Li-CuO NPs was evaluated using Evans Blue dye under visible-light irradiation, achieving 96.67% degradation within 2h, along with good stability over repeated fourth cycles. The effects of various parameters, including pH, catalyst loading, dye concentration, illumination intensity, and the recyclability and reusability of the catalyst, were also investigated. Electrochemical studies demonstrated enhanced redox activity and improved charge-transfer behavior for dye sensing. In addition, Li-CuO NPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity, attributed to lithium-induced defects, and increased surface reactivity. These findings highlight ionic-liquid-assisted lithium doping as an effective approach for improving the multifunctional performance of CuO-based nanomaterials. 2026 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Cobalt-Based ZIF-67 Metal Organic Framework for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance
This investigation explores the efficacy of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67), a cobalt-centric metal-organic framework, in photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation. A comprehensive analysis of ZIF-67's structural, morphological, and photoelectrochemical attributes is conducted using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and ultraviolet-visible (UVvis) absorption spectroscopy. The photoelectrochemical performance of ZIF-67 is evaluated on various substrates, including UV-ozone treated fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates and carbon paper. This study demonstrates enhanced photoelectrocatalytic performance from ZIF-67 through strategic substrate engineering. UV-ozone treated FTO/ZIF-67 achieves -138A/cm2(five times improvement vs untreated FTO), while ZIF-67/carbon black delivers -390A/cm2 (4 times higher than literature ZIF-67/BiVO4 composites). Comprehensive analysis (SEM, XRD, BET: 1416m2/g, UVvis: 2.03eV bandgap) reveals how surface hydrophilicity and conductive additives enhance charge transfer, validated by EIS, and chronoamperometry. These findings establish substrate optimization as a powerful strategy for advancing MOF-based photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen production. 2026 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Defect Engineered Few Layered MoS2 for HumanMachine Interface
Ultrasensitive flexible devices have huge applications in many areas, like healthcare monitoring, humanmachine interaction, and wearable technology. However, improving the sensitivity of these devices is still challenging. In the current study, a flexible non-contact sensing system is designed with a humanmachine interface using defect-engineered, few-layered Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). The fabricated sensors show high sensitivity when monitoring proximity, humidity, and in-plane applied strain. The output performance demonstrates the influence of surface defects, which greatly impact the average surface charge of the nanosheets. The experimental measurements and in-detail density functional theoretical (DFT) calculation further reveal surface charge variations on the basal planes that correlate with topographic defects and increase sensitivity. The electrical signals for different gestures of human hands are used to illustrate the identification of multidirectional bending and sliding events. These findings will contribute to understanding the effect of surface defects that play an important role in sensing applications with humanmachine interface. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Case Analysis of Evolving and Successful Practices in Water Governance in Asia
Water governance is a critical issue across Asia, where countries face escalating challenges such as water scarcity, pollution, and inefficient management systems. This paper contributes to the field by offering a comparative analysis of innovative and successful governance practices from multiple Asian countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Jordan. Unlike prior studies that focus on isolated national or local contexts, this research synthesizes diverse governance models to highlight scalable innovations and transferable strategies. Key insights include the effectiveness of decentralized governance frameworks, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and data-driven policy integration. These practices are evaluated for their potential to inform context-specific water management solutions that are both sustainable and resilient. The study also emphasizes the alignment of governance strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By bridging theoretical insights with practical applications, the research addresses critical gaps in the literature and provides actionable frameworks for policymakers to strengthen water security across the region. 2025 Policy Studies Organization. -
Analysis of SH and anti-plane SH wave signals for nanosensor applications using two distinct models of piezoelectric materials lead zirconate titanate
The primary goal of the current study is to examine the effects of wave propagation on the performance of surface acoustic wave (SAW) macro- and nano-sensors. Therefore, shear horizontal waves (SH) in an orthotropic piezoelectric layer laid on top of an elastic framework (Model I), a piezoelectric substrate, and an orthotropic piezoelectric substrate (Model II) are studied using the surface piezoelectricity theory. The study used a variable-separable methodology. Theoretical forms are developed and used to show the wavenumber of surface waves in any direction of the piezoelectric medium based on the differential equations and matrix formulation. A piezoelectric material half-space with a nano substrate and an orthotropic piezoelectric material layer over an elastic framework are the two configurations that are investigated. Frequency equations are expressed analytically for both symmetric and anti-symmetric waves. The study looks into how phase velocity is affected by surface density, anisotropic piezoelectric constant, surface elastic constants, and symmetric and antisymmetric modes. The study is limited to the propagation of linear waves. Furthermore, the analysis is predicated on the material's surface characteristics and idealized material qualities. Surface effect study is the novelty, which is conducted in the piezoelectric model and its applications in sensors. The findings of this research may be useful in designing SAW devices. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Surface energy transmission in dry long bones: A continuum mechanics approach with initial stress and rotation
This study examines the effect of the initial stress and a magnetic field on wave propagation in a dry long bone, modeled as an orthotropic hollow cylinder. The governing equations of motion are formulated in terms of displacements, capturing the anisotropic nature of the bone materials. A continuum mechanics approach with differential equations is utilized to compute phase velocity and vibration frequencies of harmonic wave propagation through the medium. Mathematica software is used for plotting the graphs. The current study discussed two cases: Case I is without rotation, and Case II is with rotation. Comparison analysis is also done for both cases. Graphical representations demonstrate the impact of initial stress, magnetic field, and surface span on wave behavior, emphasizing the sensitivity of phase velocity to these parameters. The findings contribute to theoretical knowledge of wave transmission in orthotropic bone structure, with possible implications in noninvasive diagnostics, including bone integrity and fracture healing rates. Moreover, the study provides the groundwork for future orthopedic research by shedding light on the dynamic behavior of long bones under mechanical and magnetic forces. The novelty of the study lies in its exploration of the combined effects of initial stress and a magnetic field on wave propagation in dry long bones, modeled as an orthotropic hollow cylinder. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Ramifications of thermal slip on ternary nanofluids flow over an incurvate stretching sheet: A sensitivity analysis
The effects of thermal slip on the flow and heat mass transfer properties of ternary nanofluids over an incurvate stretched sheet are explored in this research article. The ternary nanofluid is colloidal mixture of three nanoparticles namely reduced graphene oxide, titanium oxide and silver suspended in a base fluid water. The relevant theoretical mathematical model is transformed into dimensionless equations by applying the proper similarity transformations and the dimensionless equations are then solved using RungeKuttaFehlberg 45 order method (RKF-45). The importance of clearly researched restrictions on the profiles of concentration, temperature and velocity are analysed through plotted graphs. The findings show that, while the temperature jump parameter affects the thermal properties, raising the curvature parameter increases fluid velocity close to the surface. Using response surface methodology, the sensitivity analysis is carried out to investigate the characteristics of skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number. The model's accuracy for the rate of heat transfer is (Formula presented.) and for skin friction is (Formula presented.). It is observed that the sensitivity of the Nusselt number towards radiation ((Formula presented.)) is more for all the values of thermal conductivity ((Formula presented.)) and for middle level of (Formula presented.) and sensitivity of skin friction (Formula presented.) is more for Schmidt number ((Formula presented.)) and independent of (Formula presented.). 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
A dual-phase-lag mathematical framework with mechanics-informed machine learning for predicting ocular thermal risk under environmental heating
Thermal damage to ocular tissues is a significant medical issue, as even minor increases in temperature can compromise corneal endothelial function, hasten cataract development, and disturb retinal metabolism. The aim of this study is to create a dependable model for forecasting temperature distributions in the human eye during external heat exposure, thereby facilitating safer therapeutic interventions, refined clinical risk evaluation, and improved environmental health surveillance. A dual-phase-lag (DPL) bioheat transfer framework with two relaxation times is created to capture the behavior of thermal waves that travel at a finite speed. Normal-mode analysis is then used to find closed-form analytical solutions for all six ocular layers. Parametric investigations measure the effects of things like temperature, evaporation, porosity, and perfusion. When compared to the LordShulman and Fourier models, DPL is clearly better at predicting thermal responses that are realistic for the body. Complementary thermal-safety mapping, sensitivity analysis, surrogate-model validation, and response-surface visualization offer enhanced engineering insights and expedited predictive capabilities. The study reveals that non-Fourier effects are essential in regulating peak temperatures, and tissue-level parameters substantially affect intraocular thermal loads. The model's limitations consist of axisymmetric geometry and temperature-independent material properties, which could be rectified in forthcoming three-dimensional or patient-specific investigations. This work offers a medically pertinent and computationally efficient methodology for ocular thermal safety, enhancing healthcare modeling, precision diagnostics, and protective measures for populations subjected to extreme thermal conditions. 2026 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
The unseen dilemma of AI in mental healthcare
[No abstract available] -
Transformative impact of electrical engineering on society, education, academia, and industry: a brief review
The transforming power of electrical engineering (EE) on societal evolution, educational paradigms, university systems, and industrial revolutions is comprehensively reviewed in this study. This study emphasizes the critical contribution of EE in promoting technological development, improving learning approaches, and allowing sustainable industrial practices by methodically analyzing the co-evolution of these domains from Society 1.0 to 5.0, Education 1.0 to 4.0, University 1.0 to 4.0, and Industry 1.0 to 4.0. Unlike conventional stories that credit EE alone for development, this assessment critically examines the multidisciplinary character of progress and acknowledges the contributions of computer science, computer engineering, and artificial intelligence (AI) in forming the digital world. Focusing on fundamental technologies, including power systems, semiconductor devices, renewable energy integration, and automation, which have been the backbone of recent AI-driven advancements, this study offers a crucial contribution. This study clarifies EEs special contribution of EE in the global technological revolution by separating its basic contributions from those resulting from its junction with computing disciplines. Furthermore underlined in this paper are EEs contributions to smart infrastructure development, sustainable energy solutions, and society resilience. Presenting an evidence-based evaluation, this paper provides an insightful analysis for academics, teachers, and legislators, thus supporting EEs basic enabler of multidisciplinary technical and societal advancement. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Quasi-finite modules over affine and extended affine Lie algebras
In this paper, we consider irreducible quasi-finite (or equivalently weakly integrable) modules, with non-trivial action of the core, over the extended affine Lie algebras (EALAs) whose centerless cores are multiloop algebras. The centerless cores of all but one family of EALAs having nullity greater than 1 are known to admit such multiloop realizations. For any such (untwisted) EALA, we show that the irreducible quasi-finite modules are either integrable with the center of the underlying core acting trivially, or restricted generalized highest weight (GHW) modules. We further prove that in the nullity 2 case, these irreducible restricted GHW modules turn out to be highest weight type modules, thereby classifying the irreducible quasi-finite modules over all such EALAs. In particular, we obtain the classification of irreducible quasi-finite modules over toroidal Lie algebras, minimal EALAs and toroidal EALAs of nullity 2. Along the way, we also completely classify the irreducible weakly integrable modules over affine Kac-Moody algebras (RaoFutorny in Trans. Am. Math. Soc. 361(10): 54355455, 2009). Our results generalize the well-known work of Chari (Invent. Math. 85(2):317335, 1986) and ChariPressley (Math. Ann. 275(1):87104, 1986) concerning the classification of irreducible integrable modules over (nullity 1) affine KacMoody algebras. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Chitosan and L-histidine coated biofunctional TiO? composite with enhanced ROS-mediated antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy for biomedical applications
Societies continue to face the urgent challenge of developing effective, safe, and stable nanoparticles with promising biomedical applications. Herein, the present study synthesis chitosan and L-Histidine dually coated titanium dioxide (TiCSLH) nanocomposite (NC) by chemical co-precipitation method. The antimicrobial performance of TiO? nanoparticles is closely linked to their physicochemical properties, such as reduced particle size, increased bandgap, and the presence of oxygen vacancies, all of which collectively enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and inhibit microbial growth. Structural analyses using XRD and TEM confirmed that TiCSLH nanoparticles possess an anatase phase and a spherical morphology. Compared to TiO?, TiCSLH nanoparticles demonstrated significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity against MRSA, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans strains, as evidenced by larger zones of inhibition from 2324mm. This enhanced efficacy is attributed to their smaller particle size (~ 26 3nm), wider bandgap (3.34eV), and prominent oxygen vacancy-related emissions at 518 and 531nm, which facilitate increased ROS production, resulting in cellular membrane disruption and microbial death. Furthermore, compared to TiO2, TiCSLH exhibited notable anticancer potential against breast cancer cells, with an IC?? of 10?g/mL, while maintaining excellent biocompatibility, as evidenced by its non-toxic response toward L929 fibroblast cells, which showed 83.5% cell viability. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of TiCSLH nanoparticles for diverse biomedical applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Design and characterization of SrO2-CMC-Dcar nanocomposite with enhanced antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities
HeLa cervical cancer cells exhibit high aggressiveness and proliferation, highlighting the need for novel therapies. Nanocomposite synthesis offers a promising approach due to its enhanced bioavailability, targeted delivery, and selective cytotoxicity. Thus, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and D-carvone (Dcar)-coated strontium oxide (SrO2) (SrO2-CMC-Dcar) nanocomposite were synthesized using a wet chemical method. Structural and morphological characterization using XRD, FTIR, PL spectroscopy, DLS, HRTEM, and XPS confirmed the successful synthesis of the nanocomposite. XRD analysis revealed that the crystallite sizes of SrO2 and SrO2-CMC-Dcar were 38nm and 29nm, respectively. PL spectra revealed prominent green emission at 516, 524, and 535nm, indicating that oxygen vacancies are associated with ROS generation. DLS analysis revealed that pure SrO2 exhibited a particle size distribution of 128.7nm, while the SrO2-CMC-Dcar nanocomposite showed an increased size of 244.80nm. The nanocomposite demonstrated an enhanced antimicrobial activity against MRSA and Candida albicans when compared to SrO2 alone. Furthermore, MTT assay results revealed that the SrO2CMCDcar composite significantly decreased HeLa cell viability to 11.94%, and the IC50 value was found to be 50.2 and 39.7 for SrO2 and nanocomposite SrO2-CMC-Dcar, respectively, confirming it enhanced anticancer potential. In addition, the SrO2-CMC-Dcar nanocomposite exhibited enhanced antioxidant properties demonstrated by DPPH free radical scavenging assays. These findings suggest that the SrO2-CMC-Dcar nanocomposite holds promise for therapeutic applications in combating cancer, microbial infections, and oxidative stress. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Nickel oxide modified with sodium alginate and dopamine nanoparticles for enhanced antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activity against HepG2 cells
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, while multidrug-resistant bacterial infections pose escalating health threats. To address these challenges, nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO Nanoparticles) and sodium alginatedopamineNiO-SA-Dop nanoparticles (NiO-SA-Dop Nanoparticles) were synthesized and extensively characterized for multifunctional biomedical applications. X-ray diffraction revealed crystallite sizes of 40.6nm (NiO) and 29.76nm (NiO-SA-Dop). Transmission electron microscope analysis confirmed spherical morphology with reduced particle size upon modification, supporting improved surface properties. UVvisible spectroscopy showed band gap energies of 4.15eV (NiO) and 4.44eV (NiO-SA-Dop). Photoluminescence spectra indicated enhanced green emission in NiO-SA-Dop, suggesting a higher concentration of oxygen vacancies Linked to increased reactive oxygen species Generation. In functional assays, NiO-SA-Dop demonstrated superior free radical scavenging efficiency in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay compared to NiO. Strong antibacterial activity was observed against Gram-negative pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, and Shigella dysenteriae. Cytotoxicity assays against HepG2 cells yielded IC?? values of 11.9g/mL for NiO and 10.3g/mL for NiO-SA-Dop, underscoring the enhanced anticancer efficacy of the modified nanoparticles. Overall, NiO-SA-Dop Nanoparticles exhibit promising antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, making them strong candidates for advanced therapeutic development. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Development of pluronic F127 and folic acid coated TiO2nanoparticles for antimicrobial and anticancer applications
Functionalizing metal oxide nanoparticles with polymers and folic acid enhances eco-friendly synthesis, therapeutic efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This study reports the green synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO?) and folic acidPluronic F127modified TiO?(TiPFFA) nanoparticles usingPsidium guajavaleaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that both nanoparticles crystallized in the rutile phase. Morphological characterization by FESEM and TEM showed that the nanoparticles were spherical with uniform size distribution. FTIR spectroscopy showed TiOTi (789cm?1) and TiO (666cm?1) for TiO?; TiPFFA had extra peaks at 951 and 640cm?1, confirming the lattice. PL spectra exhibited emission peaks at 518nm (TiO?) and 520nm (TiPFFA), indicating oxygen vacancies linked to reactive oxygen species generation. Antimicrobial tests against methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus andCandida albicansshowed superior activity of TiPFFAnanoparticles compared to TiO?. Cytotoxicity assays on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and L929 fibroblast cells demonstrated enhanced anticancer activity and better biocompatibility for TiPFFA. These findings highlight TiPFFA nanoparticles as promising candidates for targeted cancer therapy and as antimicrobial agents. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Chitosan coated multifunctional NiFe?O? nanocomposites as a promising candidate for biomedical applications
Nanoparticles for biomedical applications often suffer from limited stability, low biocompatibility, and suboptimal therapeutic efficacy. To address these challenges, NiFe?O? nanoparticles were functionalized with chitosan (NiFe?O?-CS) via a co-precipitation method, aiming to enhance their structural, optical, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. XRD analysis revealed a reduction in crystallite size from 37 to 33nm after chitosan modification, indicating controlled crystal growth and increased surface area. TEM results confirmed a corresponding decrease in particle size from 35 2.1nm to 29 1.8nm, improving surface reactivity and stability. PL spectra exhibited a red-shift in green emission peaks, suggesting increased oxygen vacancies and defect states that facilitate ROS generation. Antimicrobial assays against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans (C.albicans) demonstrated significantly higher activity for NiFe?O?-CS nanocomposites, supported by SEM imaging that showed extensive microbial membrane disruption. Furthermore, NiFe?O?-CS exhibited enhanced anticancer activity against C6 glioma cells, with an IC?? of 35.6g/mL compared to 43.6g/mL for unmodified nanoparticles. Zebrafish embryo studies confirmed the biocompatibility of NiFe?O?-CS at appropriate doses, although dose-dependent embryotoxicity was observed. These findings highlight that chitosan functionalization of dual-metal nanoparticles improves therapeutic efficacy through increased surface interactions and ROS generation while underscoring the need for careful dose optimization. This study presents a novel strategy for designing biopolymer-coated nanocomposites that balance enhanced biomedical performance with safety considerations. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Synthesis and characterization of NiTiO?L-ornithine nanoparticles and their antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant activities, and zebrafish biocompatibility
The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-associated infections demands multifunctional nanomaterials with improved efficacy and safety. In this study, defect-engineered nickel titanate (NiTiO?) nanoparticles functionalized with L-Ornithine (NiTiO?LO) were synthesized via a co-precipitation approach to enhance antimicrobial performance while maintaining biocompatibility. XRD analysis confirmed phase-pure rhombohedral NiTiO? with reduced crystallite size upon functionalization (31.3 2nm to 26.2 2nm). XPS and FTIR analyses verified successful LO surface coordination and modulation of oxygen vacancyrelated defect states. PL studies revealed defect-mediated green emissions (507529nm), indicating stabilized oxygen vacancies after functionalization. NiTiO?LO exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial and antifungal activity, with inhibition zones of 17.9 0.4mm and 18.9 0.4mm, respectively. The nanoparticles also demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, achieving ~ 63% DPPH scavenging at 100g/mL, comparable to Vitamin C (~ 65%). Importantly, zebrafish embryo assays showed no observable developmental toxicity, indicating favourable in vivo biocompatibility. These findings establish NiTiO?-LO as a defect-modulated, multifunctional nanoplatform integrating antimicrobial, antioxidant, and biocompatible properties for potential biomedical applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026.