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Crystallographic and computational investigation of a bent-core Schiff base Ni(ii) complex with DNA and protein binding studies
The rational design and synthesis of a three-ring bent-core Schiff base ligand, (E)-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl-3-((4-butoxy-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)-2-methylbenzoate (HL), and its mononuclear Ni(ii) complex, [Ni(L)2] (1), are described. The presence of a polar CF3 group and a flexible butoxy chain imparts amphiphilic character to HL and induces aggregation-induced emission (AIE) behavior. Coordination with NiCl2 yields a square-planar complex, as confirmed by spectroscopic methods, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and topological analysis. Fluorescence and SEM studies substantiate the aggregation propensity of HL. Density functional theory (DFT) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses reveal pronounced ligand-to-metal charge transfer in (1) and a moderate HOMOLUMO gap of 4.00 eV, indicative of kinetic stability and optoelectronic relevance. Complex (1) exhibits strong binding affinity toward duplex DNA and serum proteins (BSA and HSA), evidenced by red-shifted fluorescence enhancement at 475 nm and low detection limits (0.0750.188 M). Molecular docking further supports stable BSA binding (?8.52 kcal mol?1), highlighting the potential of this Ni(ii) system for biomolecular recognition. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026 -
Molecular energy transfer: utilizing biogenically-synthesized ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles from Arachis hypogaea seeds for photoluminescence, adsorption, and photocatalytic applications
The green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical approaches, primarily due to the use of phytochemicals as reducing and stabilizing agents. In the present study, bimetallic ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a green combustion method employing Arachis hypogaea (peanut) seed powder as a natural fuel source. The synthesized ZnMn2O4 NPs were systematically characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, BET, UV-Vis, and PL spectroscopy to elucidate their structural, morphological, and optical properties. Distinct bluish-green fluorescence was observed under short-wave UV irradiation (254 nm), enabling their application in latent fingerprint visualization. The multifunctional performance of the ZnMn2O4 NPs was further demonstrated in environmental applications. The materials exhibited enhanced adsorption (63% 0.2%) and photocatalytic degradation (79% 0.3%) efficiencies against Methylene Blue (MB) dye under UV irradiation, with results statistically significant (p < 0.05). In addition, the NPs effectively reduced toxic Cr(vi) ions in aqueous media, highlighting their potential as efficient detoxification agents. Overall, this work demonstrates a novel, green synthesis route for ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles that uniquely integrates environmental remediation and forensic applications. The dual functionality addressing both pollutant degradation/detoxification and forensic fingerprint visualization positions this study as a rare and innovative contribution to the field of nanotechnology. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Detection of explosive picric acid via ESIPT-inhibited fluorescent chemosensor: theoretical insights, vapour phase detection and flexible indicator design
A fluorescent probe, (E)-2-((benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)methyl)-5-(diethylamino)phenol (BMP), was designed and synthesized using 4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and benzothiazole-2-amine, and subsequently characterized for its selective turn-off response toward picric acid (PA). Upon the gradual addition of PA, significant changes in the absorption and fluorescence spectra were observed, marked by strong fluorescence quenching even in the presence of competing nitroaromatic compounds. BMP exhibited two absorption signals at 350 nm and 433 nm with a prominent emission band at 488 nm, attributed to excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), accompanied by a large Stokes shift of 138 nm. The interaction between PA and the hydroxyl group of BMP effectively suppressed the ESIPT process, leading to the observed spectral variations. The binding interactions were further confirmed through NMR spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The ligand BMP has been utilized as a selective chemosensor for PA with a 2-fold reduction in fluorescence intensity and 19-fold increment in absorption intensity, showing a binding affinity of 2 104 M?1 and strong quenching efficiency toward picric acid, with a SternVolmer constant (Ksv) of 14.059 M?1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.87 ?M. For practical implementation, BMP was successfully employed in a dipstick-based detection format for vapor-phase sensing. Moreover, BMP-embedded polymer films demonstrated excellent potential as solid-state fluorescent sensors, exhibiting visible fluorescence quenching upon exposure to PA. Their rapid, time-dependent emission response under UV light allows for convenient, on-site detection using devices such as smartphones, making them highly promising for real-world applications in explosives detection and environmental monitoring. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025 -
Highly emissive dibenzofuranfluorophores with aggregation-induced emission for bioimaging in HeLa cell lines
Dibenzo[b,d]furans, structural analogs of furan, represent an emerging class of promising molecules whose solid-state emission properties remain largely unexplored. The aim of the present work is to design and synthesize new dibenzo[b,d]furan-based organic fluorophores for bioimaging applications. The synthesis involved a single-step Schiff base reaction of 4-(dibenzo[b,d]furan-4-yl)aniline with two different ortho-hydroxy aldehydes, furnishing DBF1 and DBF2 in high yields. Both fluorophores DBF1 and DBF2 exhibited high fluorescence in their solid and aggregated states. The photophysical properties in solution, solid, and aggregated states were investigated using absorbance and emission spectroscopy. The aggregation process was confirmed by the particle size analysis using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The cytotoxicity of the molecules was investigated against HeLa cell lines by the standard MTT assay. DBF1 and DBF2 demonstrated exceptional photoluminescence with quantum yields reaching up to 17.89% and 2.26% respectively, highlighting their potential as excellent materials for imaging applications. Both DBF1 and DBF2 exhibited significant toxicity towards HeLa cells with IC50 values of 42.08 ?g ml?1 and 39.74 ?g ml?1, respectively, showcasing notable anti-proliferative activity against HeLa cells. Both fluorophores exhibited excellent emission in HeLa cells with mean relative fluorescence intensities of 1.008 0.77 a.u. and 1.44 0.65 a.u. for DBF1 and DBF2, respectively. Thus, this work presents the lesser explored dibenzo[b,d]furan-based organic fluorophores for bioimaging applications with potential inhibitory activity against HeLa cells. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Enhancing the electrochemical performance of rGO-based ternary composite for next generation supercapacitors
This work explores the rational design and synthesis of a high-performance ternary nanocomposite rGO/CeO2/PPy, by incorporating cerium oxide and polypyrrole into the rGO matrix, through a hybrid approach of combining hydrothermal synthesis with in situ oxidative polymerization. Comprehensive structural characterization of the rGO/CeO2/PPy composite confirms the successful integration of components, revealing a hierarchically porous architecture that optimizes both charge transport and ion diffusion kinetics. The ternary composite exhibits exceptional interfacial interactions, including ?-? conjugation between rGO and PPy, coupled with electrostatic stabilization from CeO2, resulting in enhanced mechanical integrity and improved electrolyte accessibility. Electrochemical characterization reveals remarkable performance metrics, with a specific capacitance of 874 F g?1 and outstanding cyclic durability of 94% capacity retention after 5000 charge-discharge cycles at 1 A g?1. The configured rGO/CeO2/PPy//AC system exhibits exceptional energy storage performance, yielding an energy density of 39.6 Wh kg?1 while sustaining a power density of 2859 W kg?1. These outstanding characteristics underscore the material's suitability as a cutting-edge electrode for sophisticated energy storage systems, showcasing the benefits of strategic component integration in hybrid nanocomposite design. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Design and synthesis of bioactive Ru(II) complexes: antibacterial activity, biocompatibility and biomolecular binding
Ruthenium(ii) complexes with N- and S-donor ligands have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics due to their stability, biocompatibility, and ability to interact with biological macromolecules. In this work, a series of four Ru(ii)thiazolidine complexes, [Ru(ii)(L1L4)(p-cymene)Cl]PF6, were synthesized and structurally characterized using spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography. Their interactions with DNA and proteins showed partial groove binding with calf thymus DNA and a static quenching mechanism with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Biological investigations revealed that two of the complexes exhibited strong antioxidant activity and significant antibacterial effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Klebsiella pneumonia (KP). Moreover, hemolysis assays confirmed their favourable biocompatibility. These results highlight Ru(ii)thiazolidine frameworks as promising candidates for antimicrobial drug development. This study not only underscores their therapeutic potential but also advances the role of ruthenium-based coordination chemistry in addressing the persistent challenge of antibiotic resistance. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025 -
A dual-fluorescence approach for turn-on ammonia and turn-off explosive picric acid detection via ESIPT inhibition: experimental, theoretical, and biological studies
A fluorescent naphthalene-anthracene dyad (AMN) was developed as a dual-mode sensor for turn-on detection of ammonia (NH3) and turn-off detection of picric acid (PA). AMN initially emits strong fluorescence at 427 nm due to excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), showing a large 62 nm Stokes shift. Upon PA addition, fluorescence is quenched and red-shifted to 463 nm. Conversely, NH3 induces a red shift to 435 nm. These spectral responses are attributed to ESIPT inhibition via strong hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl group of AMN and the analytes. AMN has been successfully applied in dipstick-based PA detection and as a low-cost food spoilage indicator for NH3. Detection limits are 8.77 ?M for PA and 5.29 ?M for NH3, with a Stern-Volmer constant of 5.62 105 M?1 for picric acid. Additionally, AMN shows ratiometric fluorescence upon interaction with BSA and ct DNA, accompanied by notable absorption changes. These findings, supported by UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR, molecular docking, and DFT studies, underscore the potential of AMN as a multifunctional fluorescent sensor for environmental and biological applications. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Biogenically forged ZnO nanoparticles using Salvia hispanica L. microgreens for their potential antimicrobial activity towards food-borne pathogens
Microgreens have been extensively researched because of their dense nutritional content and high concentration of health-promoting and therapeutic bioactive compounds. Simultaneously, green synthesis of nanoparticles has emerged as a biogenic and sustainable approach for nanomaterial preparation using plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents. In the current study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using phytochemically enriched extracts of chia (Salvia hispanica) microgreens. The synthesis of ZnO NPs was systematically optimized, and the resulting nanomaterials were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, SEM, DLS, and TEM to confirm their structural, morphological, and physicochemical properties. The characterization results confirmed the successful formation of ZnO NPs with a crystalline size of 79.4 nm and a zeta potential of ?42.2 0.29 mV, indicating good stability and uniformity. To further explore the bioactivity, in silico molecular docking was performed to investigate the interactions between chia-derived phytochemicals and key receptors of food-borne pathogens Aeromonas caviae and Staphylococcus pasteuri isolated from chicken meat. Based on these insights, the antimicrobial activity of MG-ZnO NPs (Microgreen-derived zinc oxide nanoparticles) was evaluated. The nanoparticles exhibited notable antibacterial activity, with greater effectiveness against S. pasteuri. MIC values for S. pasteuri and A. caviae were found to be 62.5 ?g mL?1 and 250 ?g mL?1, respectively, while the corresponding MBC values were 125 ?g mL?1 and 500 ?g mL?1. The MBC/MIC ratios confirmed the bactericidal nature of MG-ZnO NPs against both strains. These findings highlight the potential of chia microgreen-derived ZnO nanoparticles as promising antimicrobial agents for combating foodborne pathogens. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Boron-/nitrogen-doped Ti3C2Tx MXene quantum dot-based sensor for determining an acute kidney injury biomarker
In this study, boron/nitrogen-doped Ti3C2Tx MXene quantum dots (BNMQDs) were synthesized via a hydrothermal technique and successfully brush-coated on a carbon fiber paper (CFP)-based electrode to detect creatinine (crt). The prepared MQDs were characterized by employing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to study their physicochemical properties. The electrochemical performance of the modified CFP-based sensors toward crt detection was analyzed by employing cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Ti3C2Tx MQDs were prepared using the hydrothermal method and further doped with B and N using boric acid and p-phenylene diamine, respectively. The morphology of the obtained BNMQDs was quasi-spherical and exhibited uniform size with scattered particle sizes ranging from 5 to 9.5 nanometers. Owing to several surface-active sites, edge effects, and quantum confinement, the synthesized MQDs demonstrated enhanced electrooxidation of crt. Compared to BMQDs and NMQDs, BNMQDs showed superior sensing performance, with a wide linear range of 0.104-135 ?M and an LOD of 34.53 nM. The fabricated electrode also demonstrated high stability, reproducibility, and selectivity for the electrocatalytic oxidation of crt in real samples. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Electrochemical recognition of MMA-A biomarker for vitamin B12 deficiency based on ?-cyclodextrin self-assembled on polyaminothiazole
For the first time, the efficient electroreduction and identification of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was achieved using a carbon fiber paper (CFP) electrode modified with polyaminothiazole-?-cyclodextrin (PAT-?-CD). The recognition capabilities of the ?-CD/PAT/CFP and PAT/CFP electrodes were investigated using cyclic voltammetry, revealing the significant influence of ?-CD on the observed electroanalytical behaviour. Specifically, a PAT-?-CD modified CFP electrode was fabricated by electropolymerizing aminothiazole, serving as a substrate for ?-CD self-assembly through hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl groups of ?-CD and the nitrogen atoms of the polyaminothiazole ring system. This as-prepared electrode exhibited a novel electrochemical method for the identification of MMA. Notably, the final ?-CD/PAT/CFP electrode demonstrated superior electrocatalytic activity towards MMA reduction under optimized conditions compared to bare CFP and other modified electrodes. This modified electrode displayed an extended linear concentration range of 10 nM to 270 nM and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.6 nM. Furthermore, the electrocatalyst demonstrated excellent stability, repeatability, and negligible interference from other species. Finally, the developed ?-CD/PAT/CFP electrode was successfully applied for the quantitative determination of MMA in human urine samples. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
A highly effective curcumin analogue as naked eye colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ ions and its application on test strips and real sample analysis
A thiophene appended curcumin-based colorimetric and fluorescent receptor (TAA) for selective recognition of Hg2+ ions was synthesized and characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR and LC-MS spectroscopic techniques. TAA facilitates detection of Hg2+ by a naked-eye color change from yellow to colorless in visible light, and fluorescence turn-off in UV light (365 nm). The observed fluorescence quenching is due to the chelation-enhanced fluorescence quenching (CHEQ). TAA exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity toward Hg2+ ions, even in the presence of competing cations. The binding constant (Ka) for Hg2+ ions was found to be 3.4 105 M?1, indicating a strong binding affinity. The binding mechanism was elucidated using DFT calculations and supported by LC-MS and FT-IR studies. TAA forms a 1 : 1 complex with Hg2+ ions, as confirmed by Job's plot analysis. Additionally, the colorimetric limit of detection was found to be 0.67 ?M, while the fluorometric limit of detection was found to be 0.24 ?M, which demonstrates the high sensitivity of TAA towards Hg2+. Furthermore, TAA probe exhibited successful detection of Hg2+ ions in real water samples. Also, it can serve as an effective on-site detection tool for mercury ions by a simple test strip method that requires no additional instrumentation. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Betel leaf-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticle-coated silk fibres: a sustainable approach for biomedical applications
Clinical management of surgical site infections remains a challenge in biomedicine, where novel wound dressing materials are tested with a plethora of features. Here we describe a green and sustainable route to prepare biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (BZnONPs) using Piper betle leaf extract, which acts as a green reducing and stabilising agent. These biosynthesised nanoparticles were then used for the functional coating of degummed Bombyx mori silk fibers. Physico-chemical characterisation supports the efficient synthesis of crystalline, nanosized, and colloidal stable BZnONPs. The functionalization of silk fibers with BZnONPs resulted in the enhancement of the mechanical properties, tensile strength, and elasticity. Antibacterial testing proved the capability of the functional fibers against the strain Staphylococcus aureus. The as-synthesised fibers were biocompatible towards normal blood components, normal cells and exhibited slight toxicity toward cancer cells. Enhanced mechanical properties, antimicrobial action, and biocompatibility make BZnONP-coated silk fibers a leading player in various advanced biomedical devices, including sutures, wound dressings, tissue engineering scaffolds, and localised therapeutic platforms. Hence, this green nanotechnology approach opens up an alternative pathway toward the fabrication of multifunctional biomaterials with high translational value. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Lanthanide-based coordination polymers: a fluorometric Frontier in explosive sensing
In the pursuit of public safety, environmental protection, and counter-terrorism, significant advancements have been made in explosive detection techniques. However, challenges such as limited sensitivity, poor selectivity, and high operational costs remain, particularly for trace-level detection. In this study, we present a simple and scalable synthesis of lanthanide-based coordination polymers (Ln-COPs), denoted as Ho(DAB) and Tb(DAB), formed through the coordination of Ho(iii) and Tb(iii) ions, respectively, with the organic linker 3,3?-diaminobenzidine (DAB). Spectroscopic and electron microscopic analyses confirm their two-dimensional planar structure, resulting from the self-assembly of infinitely long polymeric strands. These luminescent Ln-COPs demonstrate exceptional performance as sensors for detecting both nitroaromatic and non-nitroaromatic explosives via fluorescence quenching. Notably, Tb(DAB) exhibits a remarkable limit of detection of 7.7 M for TNP. Furthermore, mechanistic insights into the quenching process are explored. These results underscore the sensitivity and practical applicability of Ln-COPs in advanced explosive detection systems. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025 -
Laccase-immobilized biochar as a unique host matrix for electrochemical detection of gallic acid: a sustainable engineering approach
An electrochemical platform for the detection of organic persistent polyphenolic pollutant, gallic acid (GA), was fabricated using an enzyme-immobilization approach over acid-functionalized biochar (f-BC) modified carbon fiber electrode (CFP) electrode. The f-BC was synthesized from dried pineapple leaves and was characterised using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for analysing the physicochemical characteristics. The SEM image of Lac/f-BC/CFP confirmed the presence of a porous and granulated surface upon laccase immobilization, while the FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of C 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 11111111 00000000 11111111 00000000 00000000 00000000 O stretch and N-H bend, indicating amide bond formation. The acid treatment of biochar introduced -OH and -COOH groups that further aided in the successful immobilization of laccase via covalent bonding. The fabricated electrode could demonstrate a linear response within the concentration range of 0.012-40 ?M and a low detection limit (LOD) of 9 nM with high selectivity. The fabricated electrode also showcased high practical utility as it could attain high recovery percentage during real sample analysis in tap, pond, sewage and industrial effluent samples. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Transforming invasive weeds into energy solutions: water hyacinth-based hybrid electrodes for green supercapacitors
The excessive proliferation of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) poses significant environmental challenges; however, its abundant biomass offers a sustainable solution for energy storage applications. This study presents an eco-friendly approach to fabricating high-performance supercapacitor electrodes using water hyacinth-derived activated carbon (WH), polypyrrole (PPy), and titanium dioxide (TiO2). The WH-TiO2/PPy hybrid electrode was synthesized via hydrothermal treatment and interfacial polymerization, ensuring a resource-efficient and environmentally responsible process. The composite exhibited a high gravimetric capacitance of 610 F g?1 at 0.5 A g?1 in 3 M KOH, with excellent cycling stability (94% retention after 5000 cycles). An asymmetric supercapacitor with WH-TiO2/PPy as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode delivered an energy density of 98 W h kg?1 and a power density of 5606 W kg?1. This work highlights the potential of transforming invasive biomass into cost-effective, high-performance energy storage materials, advancing the principles of green chemistry through waste valorization and sustainable material design. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Turning mango kernel waste into high-energy porous carbon: a sustainable electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors with exceptional stability
This study explores the sustainable production of high-performance supercapacitor electrodes from waste mango kernels, addressing the growing need for eco-friendly energy storage solutions. Porous carbon materials were synthesized via pyrolysis at varying temperatures (700, 800, 900, and 1000 C), designated as MK7, MK8, MK9, and MK10, respectively. The synthesized carbon was obtained via a simple and eco-friendly carbonization, yielding a highly porous structure with a large specific surface area of 1348.9 m2 g?1, for MK9 material as confirmed by BET analysis. Raman spectroscopy revealed a high degree of graphitization with D and G bands, indicating the presence of both disordered and graphitic carbon domains. SEM imaging showed a well-developed, interconnected porous morphology, while XRD patterns confirmed the amorphous nature with partially crystalline domains. The resulting carbon materials were evaluated for their electrochemical performance in supercapacitor applications. Electrochemical characterization revealed that the MK9 sample, pyrolyzed at 900 C, exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 205.8 F g?1, surpassing the performance of the other samples. To optimize device performance, symmetric supercapacitors were fabricated using a CR2032 coin cell configuration with different electrolytes and concentrations. The KOH electrolyte device demonstrated a maximum power density of 5137.86 W kg?1, an energy density of 12.32 W h kg?1, and a specific capacitance of 112.4 F g?1. Furthermore, this device exhibited excellent cycling stability, maintaining its performance over 100 000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles. A practical demonstration showed the ability of the device to power a red LED for approximately 15 minutes. These results highlight the potential of utilizing waste biomass, specifically mango kernels, for sustainable and efficient supercapacitor development. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Onion peel derived carbon nanoparticles incorporated polysulfone membranes: enhanced dye removal from water
The ongoing discharge of hazardous dyes from industrial processes has intensified global water pollution, posing serious threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Addressing this challenge, our study explores the potential of bio-based carbon nanomaterials (CNM), synthesized from onion peel biowaste and designated as ON11, as effective agents in dye removal. These CNMs were incorporated into a mixed matrix membrane (MMM), using polysulfone (PSU) as the membrane substrate, to enhance dye adsorption. The CNM synthesis was achieved through a simple, eco-friendly process. We examined their impact on adsorption efficiency by introducing ON11 nanoparticles at varying concentrations into the PSU membrane (ON11@PSU). This CNM-embedded membrane structure offers a solution to challenges associated with the large-scale application of nanomaterials, particularly by minimizing leaching into water and improving durability. The ON11 and ON11@PSU membranes were characterized using various techniques, including SEM, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, optical profilometer, and FTIR, to confirm their behavior, morphology, and structural integrity. The surface area of ON11 was 423.26 m2 g?1, with BJH average pore diameter of 4.5 nm and BET pore volume of 0.26 cm3 g?1. ON11 nanoparticles were adsorptive in nature, and their utility in membrane adsorption is explored. The influence of parameters, including contact time, dye concentration, membrane thickness, pH, and adsorbent dosage, was systematically evaluated to optimize the dye adsorption efficiency of the ON11@PSU membrane pad. It was observed that the thickness of the 60 ?m membrane (Sa = 2.170 ?m and Sq = 2.75 ?m) showed higher removal efficiency for all the selected dyes than the other thicknesses at the native pH itself. The MMM demonstrated its effectiveness as an adsorbent membrane, achieving maximum removal efficiencies of approximately 98% for MG dye, 92% for RhB dye, and 67% for MB dye. The negative zeta potential of adsorptive membranes enabled the electrostatic attraction of positively charged dyes, enhancing adsorption capacity. The findings contribute to developing sustainable and effective membrane utility as adsorbents, opening avenues for the effective use of agricultural waste products in environmental remediation applications. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Strain-induced wave energy harvesting using atomically thin chromiteen
Developing non-corrosive wave energy harvesters is one of the critical technologies required for sustainable energy harvesting. This work studies the effect of surface defects in atomically thin chromiteen for harvesting energy from water waves. An external strain further enhances the surface charge properties of the chromiteen, resulting in higher electrical output in the fabricated flexible nanogenerator (C-FNG) to harvest wave energy. The peak output voltage of the C-FNG device was ?5 V due to the water wave force. The density functional theory (DFT) results indicate the presence of surface defects in the 2D chromiteen, and the applied strain gradient introduced a redistribution of electron density, possibly due to altered bond lengths in the material. The present work provides an atomistic study of energy harvesting in the marine environment to provide power for deep-sea divers, ships, and any other small electronic sensors or marine Internet of Things in remote areas. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025 -
Mechanistic elucidation of irreversible chemodosimetric sensing of hydrazine through structural, computational, and bioimaging analyses
A fluorescent chemodosimeter, DBA, has been developed for the selective detection of hydrazine via an irreversible reaction pathway that leads to fluorescence enhancement. The crystal structure of the ligand has been successfully determined. The sensing mechanism involves the conversion of a hydrazide derivative into a hydrazone derivative, as confirmed by both 1H NMR and mass spectrometry. Upon interaction of DBA with hydrazine, the probe exhibits a significant decrease in absorbance at 366 nm and 279 nm, along with a three fold enhancement in fluorescence intensity at 423 nm, achieving a detection limit of 0.37 M. The detection mechanism has also been supported by theoretical analysis using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. For practical applications, DBA has been employed in plant-based cell imaging to monitor hydrazine accumulation in Lathyrus sativus L. (grass pea). Overall, DBA is a simple, effective, and promising fluorescent probe for hydrazine detection in diverse fields such as environmental monitoring, food safety, and biological risk assessment. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 2026 -
Nanocellulose from coconut midrib used for antibacterial and electromagnetic interference shielding applications
Midrib of coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a natural source of cellulose, which is renewable and biodegradable. The use of natural cellulose for practical applications exemplifies a sustainable reuse of agricultural waste. This work presents the preparation of nanocellulose from coconut midrib using optimized pretreatment and acid hydrolysis processes. The resulting nanocellulose was characterized through various analyses to confirm the morphology and composition. Nanocellulose thus synthesized was used for preparing cellulose nanopaper. In order to improve the water resistance of the cellulose nanopaper, we used a simple approach of functionalization by impregnating it with chitosan (CS), followed by in situ polymerization of polypyrrole (PPy) in the matrix. The functionalized cellulose nanopaper shows good electrical conductivity and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of 21.92 dB at 10 GHz, which makes it a potential material for EMI shielding applications. In addition, the functionalized cellulose nanopaper exhibits bacterial reductions of 93.47% and 82.79% towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. This work provides a facile and efficient method for the synthesis of nanocellulose from coconut midrib and a useful approach to functionalize cellulose nanopaper. Cellulose nanopapers thus prepared were demonstrated to have applications in EMI shielding and antibacterial coating. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry.