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Carbon dots derived from Averrhoa bilimbi fruit for the detection of cholesterol and chromium(vi)
Carbon dots (CDs) are a class of carbon-based nanomaterials, typically less than 10 nm in size, known for their unique optical and electronic properties. Their discovery led to the opening of new avenues in nanotechnology, particularly in the field of fluorescence-based sensing. Owing to their strong photoluminescence, excellent aqueous solubility, low cytotoxicity, and potential surface functionalization, CDs have been considered as effective fluorescent probes for the detection of a wide range of analytes. Herein, we report the hydrothermal synthesis of CDs from a natural source, Averrhoa bilimbi fruit, leading to the formation of CDs exhibiting useful photoluminescent properties and potential for selective detection of cholesterol and Cr(vi) ions. The average particle size of Averrhoa bilimbi fruit-derived CDs (AB-CDs) was found to be 6.022 nm. The properties of AB-CDs were unravelled from structural and optical characterization and the applicability of AB-CDs as sensors for heavy metals and biomarkers was studied. The selective fluorescence response towards cholesterol and Cr(vi) makes it an efficient fluoroprobe for practical applications. The limits of detection for the sensing of cholesterol and Cr(vi) were estimated to be 0.31 M and 1.71 M respectively. The sensor system using AB-CDs is economical, sustainable, and eco-friendly. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026 -
Defect engineered unzipped multiwalled carbon nanotube/vanadium pentoxide composite for high-performance supercapacitor application
In the pursuit of next-generation energy storage systems, the advancement of high-performance electrode materials with enhanced capacitance and durability remains critical. This study presents a binary composite of unzipped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (UzMWCNTs) integrated with vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). The unzipping process introduces surface defects and oxygen functional groups, which enhance dispersion and provide numerous active sites. V2O5 nanoparticles uniformly anchor onto the UzMWCNT surface, offering pseudocapacitive behavior and boosting redox activity. The synergistic interaction between electric double-layer capacitance and faradaic charge storage delivers superior electrochemical performance. Structural and morphological characterization confirms successful composite formation, while electrochemical evaluations reveal a specific capacitance of 1135 F g?1 and cycling stability with 88% retention over 2000 cycles. This work highlights the potential of UzMWCNT/V2O5 hybrids as promising candidates for high-efficiency, next-generation supercapacitor electrodes. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026 -
Hormonal-mediated Cicer arietinum L. leaf extract-assisted synthesis of a ternary g-C3N4/ZrTiO4/V2O5 nanocomposite for photocatalytic remediation of organic pollutants
A novel green synthesis approach was developed for the fabrication of a g-C3N4/ZrTiO4/V2O5 nanocomposite (NC) using a hormone-treated plant extract as a biogenic reducing and stabilizing agent. The hormone-assisted synthesis had a significant influence on the physical, chemical, and morphological properties of the nanocomposite compared to the control route. The obtained NCs, confirmed by XRD, FTIR, UV-vis, SEM, and EDX analyses, exhibited enhanced crystallinity, a reduced band gap, and a distinct morphological transformation from nanorods to nanocubic structures. Elemental composition analysis confirmed the successful integration of Zr, Ti, and V components, improving the photocatalytic performance of the material. The hormone-mediated g-C3N4/ZrTiO4/V2O5 NC achieved an 89.14% degradation efficiency of Rose Bengal dye, maintaining its activity over three successive cycles without notable loss of performance. Furthermore, the photocatalyst efficiently converted degradation intermediates, such as benzyl alcohols, into valuable substituted benzaldehyde derivatives with yields ranging from 75% to 92%, demonstrating sustained catalytic stability over four consecutive cycles. These findings highlight the potential of hormone-assisted green synthesis as a promising and sustainable approach for designing advanced photocatalytic nanomaterials. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 2026 -
Engineering Ru(ii) Schiff base complexes as biofunctional materials: cytotoxic and cell imaging perspectives
Four bromine-substituted Ru(ii)-arene Schiff base complexes derived from bromo-picolinaldehyde and 3-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)propan-1-amine were examined for their cytotoxic behaviour toward cervical cancer (SiHa) and normal fibroblast (3T3-L1) cells using MTT-based in vitro assays. The ligands and complexes were comprehensively characterized by FTIR; 1H, 13C, and 19F NMR; and ESI-LCMS analyses. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) confirmed the molecular structure of complex 3, while PXRD validated the crystalline nature of complexes 2 and 4. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further supported the experimental data by revealing optimized geometries and key electronic descriptors. All complexes exhibited time- and dose-dependent anticancer effects, with complexes 24 showing the greatest cytotoxicity toward the SiHa cells (viability at 72 h: 20% 3%, 31% 3%, and 29% 3%, respectively) while maintaining high viability in normal fibroblasts (>90%). The IC50 values for complexes 14 were 19.54 2, 14.21 4, 12.43 4, and 12.43 4 M, respectively. Acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EtBr) staining and morphological analyses confirmed apoptosis as the primary mechanism of cell death, as evidenced by reduced adhesion, membrane blebbing, and cell rounding. The pronounced and selective cytotoxicity of these bromine-substituted Ru(ii) complexes highlights their potential as promising biomaterial candidates for targeted anticancer therapy. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 2026 -
A turn-on bis-hydrazone fluorescent chemosensor for selective Cd2+ detection: synthesis, structural insights, and theoretical validation
Heavy metal pollution, particularly from cadmium(ii) ions (Cd2+), causes severe environmental and health risks due to its acute toxicity, carcinogenicity, and bioaccumulation, leading to kidney damage, neurological disorders, and other physiological issues. Herein, we report the one-pot synthesis of a bis-hydrazone-based fluorescent probe L2H2O (1) for selective detection of Cd2+. Probe 1 was derived from isophthalaldehyde and 3-pyridylcarbonyl hydrazine and single-crystal X-ray diffraction discloses a well-defined binding pocket with pyridyl, imine, and carbonyl donor sites suitable for Cd2+ coordination. Probe 1 exhibits weak emission in CH3CN/HEPES buffer (9?:?1, v/v, pH 7.4) due to photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and unrestricted intramolecular rotations. Upon selective binding to Cd2+, 1 displays a pronounced turn-on fluorescence response with intensity enhancements of at ?324 nm and at 420 nm, accompanied by bathochromic shifts to 327 nm (?? = 3 nm) and 445 nm (?? = 25 nm) (?ex = 295 nm). The limit of detection (LOD) for probe 1 with metal Cd2+ is 3.39 M, with a binding constant of 5 103 M?1. 1H NMR titration, DFT-optimized geometries (B3LYP/6-31+G(d)/LANL2DZ), and simulated UV-Vis spectra further confirm binding of Cd2+, blocking PET and rigidifying the structure via chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF). This work presents a modular hydrazone scaffold for developing selective Cd2+ sensors with potential application in environmental and biological monitoring. The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 2026. -
Copper immobilized on a layered magnetite-based nanocatalyst for sustainable Ullmann cross-coupling reaction
This study demonstrates the efficient synthesis of diarylthioethers via CS cross-coupling between diverse aryl halides and arylthiols utilizing a magnetically retractable Fe3O4@SiO2PrNH2SACu(ii) nanocatalyst using K2CO3 as a base in DMF. The heterogeneous nanocatalyst was fabricated through a multistep process. The designed catalyst was characterized using various techniques, such as XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, STEM, EDAX, elemental mapping, TGA, VSM, XPS, ICP-OES and FT-IR. The catalyst design provides a dual role of the Schiff base-anchoring copper ions, to accelerate the oxidative addition and reductive elimination steps. This method makes use of ligand-free synthesis of diarylsulfides, enabling magnetic recovery and reuse of the catalyst for up to 6 cycles. The nanocatalyst exhibited high catalytic activity and a broad substrate scope. The magnetic nature of the nanocatalyst enabled easy separation from the reaction mixture using an external magnet, thus simplifying the workup. The synthesized nanocatalyst was then utilized for the synthesis of diarylthioethers and heterodiarylthioethers. The pure compounds were characterized using 1H and 13C NMR. This catalytic system offers a cost-effective, efficient, and simple protocol for the formation of the CS bond. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026. -
Cr2MoAlC2 MAX phase and its derivative Cr2MoC2Tx MXene for supercapacitors and electrocatalytic water splitting
The expanding research on 2D MXenes has enabled new strategies to engineer material properties via structural design. While bimetallic or double transition metal (DTM) MXenes have continued to gain attention since their emergence in 2015, their versatile structure and exceptional physicochemical properties have inspired wide exploration. This study reports the synthesis of the Cr2MoAlC2 MAX phase and its derivative Cr2MoC2Tx MXene (Tx = F/OH/O), leveraging the synergistic incorporation of Cr and Mo as dual transition metals. The structural, thermal, chemical, and surface morphology characteristics were analyzed using various techniques. Cr2MoC2Tx MXene exhibits superior pseudocapacitance performance as an electrode material, achieving a specific capacitance of 1350 F g?1 at 1 A g?1 with 84% retention over 5000 cycles. In a two-electrode asymmetric device, Cr2MoC2Tx MXene delivers a specific capacitance of 438.3 F g?1 at 1 A g?1, an energy density of ?87.66 Wh kg?1, and a power density of 1200 W kg?1. Additionally, Cr2MoC2Tx MXene demonstrates excellent electrocatalytic activity for water splitting applications, with overpotentials of 186 mV for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and 280 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), at 10 mA cm?2. This dual functionality, driven by the synergistic interaction between Cr and Mo, establishes Cr2MoC2Tx MXene as a promising material for both energy storage and hydrogen production, positioning it as a competitive candidate among state-of-the-art materials. Furthermore, this research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, contributing to the advancement of high-performance electrode materials for next-generation electrochemical applications. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026. -
A new benzothiazoloacetonitrile-derived fluorescent probe for selective hydrazine detection and its applications in bioimaging and cotton swab analysis
Hydrazine (N2H4) is extensively utilized in various chemical industries. However, it is a highly toxic and explosive chemical posing a serious risk to human health and the environment, which warrants its quick and selective detection. To address this issue, we introduce a benzothiazoloacetonitrile-based fluorescent probe containing a recognition site for hydrazine detection. Adding the benzothiazoloacetonitrile group to the phenanthroline-based imidazole fluorophore increased BTN's electrophilicity, aiding the nucleophilic attack by hydrazine. This led to a rapid fluorescence change from orange to green within one minute, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.21 M, resulting from the cleavage of the olefinic bond between the donor and acceptor units. The probe's selective response to hydrazine was supported by a specific reaction mechanism, confirmed by LC-MS and DFT studies. Additionally, the probe can detect hydrazine using cotton swabs for quick, on-site testing. It also allows for clear visualisation in living cells through different fluorescence channels. Overall, these results demonstrate that the probe exhibits significant potential for the detection of hydrazine in environmental and biological samples. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026. -
Photoaligned nematic liquid crystals doped with palladium-immobilised carbon nanospheres for advanced low-voltage display and energy storage devices
This study presents a nematic liquid crystal (NLC), D30-17, doped with palladium-immobilised carbon nanospheres (CNS) Pd/ON10 at two different concentrations. The composites were prepared with 0.1 and 0.4 wt/wt% dopant concentrations and are referred to as Mix 1 and Mix 2, respectively. The palladium-immobilized carbon nanospheres were employed because they function as advanced materials for catalysis and energy applications owing to the catalytic properties of palladium. The sample holder used in this experiment consisted of photo-aligned cells coated with a photosensitive alignment layer, Cibacron brilliant yellow (CBY). The textural studies revealed improved alignment in the doped mixtures. The frequency- and temperature-dependent dielectric behaviour was analysed for the pure and doped systems in both the planar (at 0 V) and homeotropic (at 12 V) states. Dielectric studies showed that the relative permittivity, dielectric loss, and conductivity of the doped material increased with increasing dopant concentration compared with that of pure NLC. Compared with the pure NLC and Mix 2, Mix 1 exhibited greater dielectric anisotropy, leading to a lower threshold voltage. A reversal in the dielectric anisotropy was also observed, which was attributed to the bistable inversion in the CBY alignment layer of the photo-aligned cells. Optical studies indicated that there was no significant shift in wavelength with respect to the dopant concentration. These composites are expected to find applications in liquid-crystal-based electronic and photonic devices. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026 -
A self-powered and stretchable magnetic film for humanmachine interface applications
Developing stretchable, self-powered electronic interfaces for ambient energy harvesting is crucial for next-generation wearable electronics and humanmachine interface applications. We present a stretchable magnetoelectric composite film comprising Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4magnetic nanoparticles embedded in an Ecoflex matrix. The nanoparticles, synthesized via co-precipitation, exhibit a strong magnetic response, while Ecoflex ensures high stretchability and skin-mountable adaptability. The comprehensive structural, morphological, and magnetic analyses confirm the formation of a uniform and multifunctional film. The optimized device delivers a peak output voltage of ?8.3 V and a power density of 3.16 mW cm?3under ambient magnetic fields, outperforming conventional soft nanogenerators. The films demonstrate excellent durability under repeated deformation and maintain stable performance at tensile strains up to ?315%. Integration into a soft wearable platform enables real-time gesture recognition, with distinct voltage signals for finger bends and gestures under low-intensity magnetic fields. This work highlights the potential of magnetic/Ecoflex-based nanogenerators in self-powered, wearable, stretchable electronics, smart prosthetics, and intelligent humanmachine interfaces. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025 -
Systematic investigation on unsymmetrical mesogenic cyanobiphenyl dimers towards optical storage devices: synthesis, mesomorphic, photo switching and DFT studies
This research presents the synthesis and analysis of a novel series of mesogenic dimers comprising cyanobiphenyl and azonaphthyl units. Structural validation was performed using FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, etc. The dimers thermotropic behaviours were studied through POM and DSC, revealing enantiotropic nematic phases in all cases, with some also showing monotropic smectic C phases. The study explores the relationship between the chemical structure of the dimers and the length of the flexible spacer, the odd-even effect, and their phase transition temperatures. Longer chains tended to form smectic phases, while shorter chains primarily exhibited nematic phases. Computational analysis using B3LYP/6-31g(d,p) and evaluations of electrostatic potential (ESP) and optical properties provided further insight into the electronic structures. Photoisomerization studies demonstrated consistent photochromic responses, with all dimers showing high conversion efficiency (88-95%) under UV light along with similar back relaxation times (?10-12 hours). Optical storage devices prepared by these materials showed excellent contrast between dark and bright states elucidating the importance of such materials for the future. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Formaldehyde electrolysis in a membrane-free electrolyzer: low-energy hydrogen and formate co-production with Cu-based boride electrocatalysts
The formaldehyde oxidation reaction (FOR) offers a low-energy alternative to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for electrochemical hydrogen production, enabling simultaneous generation of value-added formate. Here, we report a boron-doped copper catalyst on copper foam (B/CuxO/CF) that efficiently catalyzes FOR with an ultralow onset potential of 0.06 V at 100 mA cm?2. Compared to its phosphorus- and sulfur-doped counterparts (P/CuxO/CF and S/CuxO/CF), B/CuxO/CF exhibits markedly superior activity with ?97% formate yield. Surface analysis confirms the critical role of coexisting Cu+/Cu2+ species in B/CuxO in facilitating the key FOR steps of adsorption and CH cleavage, while the presence of boron improves charge transfer and active site availability. The limited HER activity of B/CuxO/CF was effectively addressed by coupling it with a Ni-based phospho-boride catalyst on Ni foam (NiPB/NF) that delivers selective and high hydrogen evolution performance, even in formaldehyde-containing media. The asymmetric NiPB/NF?B/CuxO/CF configuration achieved 100 mA cm?2 at only 0.25 V and sustained long-term stability with continuous HCHO replenishment, maintaining 300 mA cm?2 for over 8 hours. Operated in a membrane-free flow cell, the system maintained ?90% formate yield with a H2 production faradaic efficiency of ?190%, nearly doubling the hydrogen output. This hybrid strategy not only lowers energy input by 1.64 V compared to water electrolysis but also demonstrates viability for decentralized hydrogen and chemical co-production with economic benefits. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026 -
Free COOH-tethered layered Co(ii) framework and flexible composite as a size-reliant, tandem and robust catalyst for mild and scalable synthesis of bioactive molecules
Pore-functionalization in metalorganic frameworks (MOFs) through the immobilization of free carboxylic sites offers a promising strategy for designing high-performance materials with potential applications, including selective and benign chemical transformations. However, this feat is tricky because of their extreme tendency to coordinate with the concerned metal ions. Herein, we developed a layer-stacked and thermo-chemically stable two-dimensional MOF, encompassing flanked carboxylic acid and [Co2(COO)4] unit-decked porous channel, using a mixed-ligand approach. The guest-free structure serves as a one-of-a-kind superior heterogeneous catalyst for tricomponent KnoevenagelMichael condensation, yielding a multitude of 2-amino-3-cyano-4H-pyrans with low catalyst loading, short duration and mild temperature compared to the majority of reported materials. The role of Lewis and Brsted acidic sites in the MOF catalyst is comprehensively supported by control experiments, analyte-induced emission articulation, inferior activity of a task-specific site-truncated iso-skeletal framework, and density-functional theory results. Importantly, the MOF demonstrated the first-ever deacetalization multi-component reaction (MCR) with admirable and recyclable conversion under relatively green conditions. Besides covering twenty-two electronically diverse substrates, the MOF can synthesize nine bioactive pyrans with excellent yield and gram scale. Notably, fifteen 4H-pyrans are first-time characterized in their purest forms via X-ray crystallography besides other spectro-analytical studies. Larger-sized substrates failed to diffuse inside MOF's micropores and illustrate unprecedented molecular-dimension-mediated MCR. The in situ-grafted MOF inside melamine-foam (MF) yielded a reconfigurable composite that promotes this one-pot reaction with similar activity and reusability to that of the sole MOF and demarcates a paradigm shift toward cutting-edge sustainable catalysis over a practical platform. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025 -
Recyclable layered chromite-based porous film for water cleaning
The oil spillage and pollutants in water bodies are a significant concern in the present time. To address this concern, a porous and superhydrophobic nanocomposite film containing layered natural chromite ores with a polymer was fabricated using a simple solution casting method. The flexible film exhibited a good tensile strength of 1.022 kg mm?2 and self-cleaning properties. It showed an excellent oil adsorption of up to ?268% for castor oil and an adsorption efficiency of ?90% for toxic cationic dyes. The presence of high surface charges on the chromite nanosheets enhanced its adsorbing capability. Furthermore, even after being resynthesized from old used film, the composite film maintained its mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, and adsorbing capabilities. Therefore, we believe that the present work can help in cleaning oil and other pollutants from large water bodies and consequently preserving aquatic life. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
A DSEESIPT-active organic luminogen for turn-on enantioselective recognition of chiral amino alcohols and selective hydrazine sensing
The development of dual-state emissive (DSE) organic luminogens has elevated the ease of recognition of various biological analytes, which demonstrates the multifaceted potential of dual-state emitters. Therefore, in this study, we synthesised a dual-state emissive excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)-based organic luminogen, (E)-4-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyrazol-5-one (ANMB), exhibiting excitation-dependent phototunability with large Stokes shifts of 109 nm and 155 nm in both the solution and solid states, respectively, underscoring its potential as a biosensor. The metal-chelating ability of ANMB was investigated, revealing significant fluorescence quenching upon coordination with Cu2+ ions, leading to 96% reduction in emission intensity. The introduction of biological analytes, such as amino alcohols, enabled fluorescence recovery, where ANMB demonstrated enantioselective recognition: a single emission peak for the S-enantiomer and dual emission peaks for the R-enantiomer. Furthermore, ANMB demonstrated high selectivity for hydrazine detection in both the solution and solid states, with new emission bands observed at 411 nm and 432 nm, respectively, indicating a fluorescence shift from green to blue. Complementarily, ANMB was successfully applied for real-time imaging of hydrazine in food and plant samples, showcasing its practical adaptability. Additionally, in silico molecular docking studies were performed, revealing the potential therapeutic activity of ANMB against diarrheal targets. Overall, this work highlights the multifunctionality and tunability of DSEESIPT-based organic luminogens, positioning ANMB as a promising candidate for the selective recognition of biologically significant analytes in analytical and real-world contexts. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026 -
Bimodal sensor employing a novel approach for simultaneous selective detection of Ni2+ and biomolecules via turn-on fluorescence supported by DFT and molecular docking
A bimodal sensor, (E)-2-(4-(diphenylamino)styryl)-1-methylquinolin-1-ium (DSM), was designed and synthesized for the simultaneous fluorescence turn-on detection of Ni2+ ion and biomolecules such as ct-DNA, BSA, and ovalbumin. Due to its distinct size and steric properties, DSM exhibits different binding modes when interacting with Ni2+ and DNA/proteins. The probe DSM possesses dual functionalities, allowing it to selectively detect Ni2+ at one binding site while interacting with ct-DNA, BSA, and ovalbumin at another. Thus, interactions of DSM with Ni2+ result in fluorescence enhancement at 377 nm and 400 nm, with a detection limit of 1.53 ?M and binding constant of 1.2 106 M?1. Moreover, the binding of DSM with Ni2+ has been demonstrated via UV-vis, mass spectra, Jobs plots and DFT analysis. Conversely, binding of DSM with ct-DNA, ovalbumin and BSA led to an increase in the fluorescence at 425 nm and 435 nm, respectively, with the detection limit at micromolar (ct-DNA) and nanomolar (BSA and ovalbumin) levels. These interactions have been validated through UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence studies, and molecular docking analysis. Thus, this study underscores the potential of DSM as a versatile tool for simultaneous detection of both metal ions and biomolecules with a unique bimodal approach. 2025 RSC. -
Corrosion inhibition of mild steel using eco-friendly porous nanocarbon derived from waste mango kernels: a step towards sustainability
The pervasive corrosion of mild steel in acidic media poses a significant challenge in various industrial applications. While existing synthetic corrosion inhibitors are effective, their high cost and environmental toxicity necessitate the development of more sustainable alternatives. In this study, we present a novel approach to corrosion mitigation employing a porous nanocarbon synthesized from mango kernels, a sustainable source of agricultural waste. The CNS inhibitor was synthesized via pyrolysis at 800 C, yielding a high surface area (1090.2 m2 g?1) as confirmed by BET analysis. FE-SEM revealed a well-developed spherical morphology with an average particle size of 6070 nm. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of CNS was evaluated for mild steel in 1 M HCl using a combination of electrochemical techniques, including open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The CNS derived from waste mango kernels, exhibited excellent inhibition performance, achieving an efficiency of up to 87.1% at 800 ppm. PDP results revealed a mixed-type inhibition mechanism with suppression in both anodic and cathodic reactions. The thermodynamic parameter, adsorption free energy () of about ?20.0 kJ mol?1, indicates a spontaneous process and predominantly physical adsorption. Adsorption behavior was consistent with the Langmuir isotherm model. Surface analyses using SEM, EDS, optical profilometry, and water contact angle measurements corroborated the formation of a protective inhibitor film on the steel surface. These findings highlight the potential of bio-waste-derived materials as a sustainable and environmentally benign corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic environments. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026 -
An investigation on the electrochemical performance of Mn3O4-based aqueous symmetric supercapacitor devices
Manganese (ii, iii) oxide (Mn3O4) is one of the promising materials in the realm of high-performance supercapacitors. The high theoretical specific capacitance, low cost, non-toxicity, environmental compatibility, and natural abundance made it significant in the research field. A low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis method was adopted to prepare Mn3O4 (hausmannite) nanoparticles with a tetragonal spinel structure. The as-prepared nanoparticles were assessed for the structural, elemental, electrical, optical and nitrogen adsorptiondesorption studies through XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, DC conductivity, UV-vis absorption and BET analyses. Morphological studies were done using FESEM and TEM and a mixture of nanorods and nanocubes were observed. The electrochemical performances of the as-prepared Mn3O4 nanoparticles were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a three-electrode system. The present work reports the fabrication of a prototype aqueous symmetric supercapacitor device for the first time. The electrochemical studies were performed in 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolyte on the separator with a potential window of 0 V to 1 V. A specific capacitance of 68 Fg?1 at a current density of 1 Ag?1 was observed from the constant charge/discharge method. It exhibited a cyclic stability of 72% with a coulombic efficiency of 100% after 1000 cycles. This underscores the noteworthy role of manganese oxide nanoparticles as electrode materials in supercapacitors. 2026 The Author(s). Published by the Royal Society of Chemistry -
Rationally engineered PEGylatedl-citrulline functionalized baicalein encapsulated HSA nanopolymer guided by molecular docking for tumor microenvironment responsive and redox modulated colon cancer therapy
Colon cancer remains a major global health burden characterized by uncontrolled proliferation, oxidative stress, and poor responsiveness to conventional therapies, underscoring the need for biocompatible and targeted nanotherapeutic interventions. In this study, a novel pH-responsive human serum albumin-based nanocarrier, HSA-BA@PEG-LC NPs, was designed for the efficient and selective delivery of baicalein (BA) to colon cancer cells. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated strong binding affinities of BA with Hsp90 inhibitors and with human serum albumin (HSA), as well as a notable interaction between l-citrulline (LC) and the cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT-1), highlighting their potential roles in anticancer modulation. The engineered nanoparticles exhibited a uniform spherical morphology (232 nm), low polydispersity index (PDI < 0.3), and high colloidal stability (?27.21 mV). Spectroscopic analyses (FTIR and 1H NMR) confirmed successful encapsulation of BA and PEG-LC surface conjugation, with an encapsulation efficiency of 86.62% and pH-dependent sustained release favoring acidic tumor conditions. In HCT-116 cells, HSA-BA@PEG-LC NPs demonstrated enhanced internalization, strong cytoplasmic accumulation, and pronounced cytotoxicity (IC50 = 5.42 g mL?1), while maintaining safety toward normal lymphocytes. Mechanistically, treatment induced elevated ROS levels, GSH depletion, mitochondrial depolarization, nuclear condensation, cytoskeletal collapse, and G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest. Furthermore, the formulation displayed potent antioxidant activity across DPPH, NO, SOD, and lipid peroxidation assays, with IC50 values approaching ascorbic acid, validating synergistic PEG-LC functionalization and HSA-mediated stabilization as a promising redox-driven nanoplatform for targeted colon cancer therapy. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026 -
Catalytic performance and SERS substrate efficiency of PdNPs@GOQDs
Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots (GOQDs) have received significant attention for diverse applications owing to their unique physical and chemical properties. Herein, yellow luminescent graphene oxide quantum dots are achieved via hydrothermal pathway and are characterized using different analytical methods. GOQDs, noted for their reducing character, are utilized for the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs). PdNPs@GOQDs obtained are explored for their catalytic efficiency and SERS substrate performance. The combined effect of electromagnetic enhancement and chemical enhancement factors make the composite a good SERS substrate, as exemplied using Rhodamine B molecule. PdNPs@GOQDs exhibited catalytic activity that effectively promoted the reduction of several functionalized aromatic nitroarenes. Notably, sensitive groups like nitrile and ester were well-tolerant under the reaction conditions, warranting the potential of the system in synthesising amines of industrial and environmental significance with high selectivity. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026