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Changes in the dynamic profile of beneficial metabolites during Panax ginseng somatic embryogenesis
In this study, we characterized the dynamic changes in the metabolite profiles of Panax ginseng during somatic embryogenesis (SE) to explore their stage-specific functional potential. We quantified phenolic compounds and amino acids using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while bioactive metabolites were identified through LC-MS/MS analysis. During SE, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) significantly increased at the globular-to-torpedo (GT) stage, exhibiting enhanced antioxidant activity. Anti-inflammatory activity and cytoprotective effects peaked during the young plantlet (Yp) stage, driven by the accumulation of terpenoid metabolites, such as ginsenosides Rd and sarcostin. Additionally, at the embryogenic stem cell (ESC) stage, stress-related amino acids such as GABA and proline, along with metabolites like venlafaxine, clebopride, and nemonapride, which possess neuromodulatory properties, were distinctively accumulated. These results reveal the stage-specific metabolites and associated biological characteristics of ginseng SE, demonstrating the potential of ginseng-derived metabolites for pharmacological and nutraceutical applications. 2025 The Authors -
Influence of alkali treatment on physiochemical and morphological properties of palmyra fibers
As a part of sustainable development in construction, natural fibers are used as reinforcement in cement composites. The degradation of these natural fibers in matrix has led to growing interest among researchers to enhance the fiber properties by adopting suitable treatment techniques. This research focuses on examining the influence of alkali treatment on various aspects, including the physical, chemical, crystallinity, mechanical and surface characteristics of palmyra fibers. Herein, the palmyra fibers were immersed in alkaline solution for different duration (30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes) to arrive at optimum treatment period. The investigation utilizes XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDS analysis to gain insights into these properties. The findings indicated that the treatment effectively removed excess amorphous components like extractives, hemicellulose and lignin leading to the increase in crystallinity index and surface roughness. The crystallinity index increased by 11 %, 13 % and 23 % for 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes treatment respectively. The water absorption of palmyra fibers reduced by 13 %, 14 % and 14 % for 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes treatment duration respectively. Additionally, SEM-EDS exhibited best results for 60 min treatment of fibers, with 38 % increase in Oxygen to Carbon ratio of cellulose compared to untreated fibers. Among the different treatment duration, the 60 minutes treatment duration of fibers in 0.5 M sodium hydroxide solution has exhibited considerable enhancement in properties. These enhancements in palmyra fiber properties post-alkali treatment suggests their potential utility in the reinforcement of composites using alkali treated palmyra fibers. 2024 The Authors -
Engineered core-shell nanocomposite fibres incorporating bio-ceramics and bioactive molecules for wound repair
Skin plays a major role in protecting the body from external injuries and contaminants. Despite the self-healing mechanisms of the body, wound healing has several limitations, such as being time-consuming, leading to scar formation, and susceptibility to infections. In this study, a novel coreshell nanofibre membrane was designed to protect wounds and prevent secondary trauma, thereby enhancing the wound healing process. A coreshell nanofibre membrane was prepared using polycaprolactone (PCL) as the core polymer loaded with astaxanthin (ASTX) and bioglass (BG), while the shell was made from polylactic acid (PLA) containing nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) to support faster wound healing. The surface structure, morphology, and hydrophilicity of the fibres were extensively characterised. The analysis revealed uniform, well-organised, interconnected coreshell nanocomposite fibres ideal for cell adhesion and growth. In vitro studies have demonstrated enhanced cell viability and wound closure in mouse L929 fibroblast cells. Immune response studies on test membranes loaded with ASTX, BG, and nHA revealed strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In vivo studies indicated favourable cellular responses and superior wound healing potential of membranes incorporated with ASTX, BG and a higher concentration of nHA. These findings highlight the potential of coreshell nanofibre membranes as an innovative wound dressing for full-thickness skin injuries, showing significant promise for biomedical applications, especially in wound healing treatments. 2025 -
Performance evaluation of multi band disk-shaped terahertz MIMO antenna with hexagon slots on ground for future 6?G and terahertz communication system
In this paper, a four-port wideband MIMO antenna is developed for future 6 G wireless communication systems. The proposed disk-shaped antenna consists of four identical disk-shaped elements arranged uniformly around a circular structure. This uniform arrangement helps maintain geometric balance and minimizes mutual coupling. All the disk patterns are arranged equidistantly around the centrally etched flower-like structure, which ensures the symmetrical geometry of the proposed antenna. These slots are helpful in generating a super-wide bandwidth ranging from 1.81 THz to 4.1513 THz. To further enhance the efficiency of the antenna, hexagonal slots are etched on the ground plane. The hexagonally etched slots on the ground reduce signal reflection losses. The overall dimensions of the four-port MIMO antenna are 800 800 50 m , and it is designed on a silicon substrate with a relative permittivity of 11.9. The proposed antenna achieves a super-wide bandwidth ranging from 0.926 THz to 5.5411 THz and a peak gain of 7 dB. MIMO performance parameters such as diversity gain, Total Active Reflection Coefficient (TARC), Envelope Correlation Coefficient (ECC), and Channel Capacity Loss (CCL) are evaluated, and all lie within acceptable ranges. The disk-shaped antenna demonstrates super-wideband characteristics, high resolution, and a low reflection coefficient. The disk-shaped antenna operates at 1.8175 THz, 2.5911 THz, 3.286 THz, and 4.1513 THz, with reflection coefficients of ?28.02 dB, ?35.723 dB, ?37.11 dB, and ?32.35 dB, respectively. Considering to its compact size, wide bandwidth, and stable radiation characteristics, the proposed disk-shaped antenna is well suited for high-speed THz communication and beyond-6G wireless applications. Copyright 2026. Published by Elsevier GmbH. -
Tuning WO3 film properties for electrochromic applications via annealing and oxygen pressure
The objective of this investigation was to examine the intricate relationship between annealing temperature and oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) in regard to morphological, structural, and electrochemical properties of tungsten trioxide (WO3) films that were produced through sputtering. The films were deposited under two different PaO2 values, specifically 0.3 mTorr and 0.5 mTorr, and then underwent annealing at various temperatures: room temperature, 100, 200, 300, and 400 degrees Celsius. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a temperature-dependent transition from an amorphous to a crystalline phase. Morphological analyses conducted with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated a trend towards a smoother surface as both the annealing temperature and PaO2 rose. At 400 C, the films exhibited a granular surface finish. Significantly, the film fabricated at 0.3 mTorr and subjected to room temperature (RT) annealing showed cracks, indicating inherent stress in the film. Electrochemical evaluations revealed that the WO3 film deposited at 0.5 mTorr and annealed later at 200 C demonstrated enhanced redox performance, better diffusion of ions, and remarkable reversibility. Impressive results were demonstrated in optical studies, attaining 83 % optical modulation, colouration efficiency (CE) up to 30.54 cm/C, and swift switching durations of 1.17 s for colouration and 0.82 s for decolouration. Moreover, cycling tests showed negligible degradation after 100 cycles for the films deposited at 0.5 mTorr PaO2 and treated at 200 C, emphasizing their resilience. This study furnishes a comprehensive knowledge of the consequences of annealing temperature and PaO2 collectively on WO3 films, highlighting the novel strategy of enhancing electrochromic efficacy by modifying temperature and meticulously balancing the PaO2, thus contributing to the progress of energy-efficient smart materials. 2025 -
Migrant minds, shifting selves: Navigating relationships and identity in internal migration
Human migration brings about changes in personal, social, cultural, political, and economic facets of life. This study examined the pre-migratory and post-migratory contexts of emerging adults in India to explore their connection to the existing relationships at migration origin, and upcoming interactions at migration destination. A qualitative method was used to capture the subjective experiences of emerging adults from middle SES, who migrated for education or employment reasons from rural, semi-urban, or urban areas. The migration experiences of these 1829 year-old emerging adults were analyzed through the lens of the social-cognitive model of transference. Semi-structured interviews of 17 internal migrants were conducted to learn about their experience residing away from home. Data analysis revealed schemas concerning significant others interfering with their new relationships at migration destination. Narratives of attachment, support, and conflict shaped their new relationship and self-perception at the migration destination. 2026 Elsevier Ltd. -
Hydrogen-enriched dual-fuel CI engine fueled with Mahua biodiesel and hybrid nano-additives: Integrated experiments, explainable machine learning, and multi-objective optimization
Hydrogen-enriched dual-fuel compression-ignition (CI) engines are a potential pathway towards higher efficiency and lower carbon-intensive emissions. Studies conducted so far have considered hydrogen enrichment, biodiesel fuels, nano-additives, and data-driven optimization as separate entities; hence, there is no integration or comprehensive understanding about them, which leads to an efficiency-nitrogen oxides trade-off. This study presents an integrated experimental-machine learning-explainable artificial intelligence-multi-objective optimization framework for a hydrogen-assisted dual-fuel CI engine fueled with a Mahua biodiesel-diesel (B20) blend and hybrid nano-additives (Al2O3TiO2 and CeO2-MWCNT, 50-100ppm). Experimental results indicated that hydrogen enrichment hybridized with nano-additives improves brake thermal efficiency by 8-14% and reduces brake-specific fuel consumption by 10-18%. HC, CO, and smoke emissions are reduced by up to 35%, 32%, and 45%, respectively. There is a moderate increase in NOx by 12-28%. Machine-learning models achieved high predictive accuracy (R2>0.99). The XGBoost exhibited superior generalization. The SHapley Additive exPlanations analysis found that the dominant factors were engine load, the hydrogen energy share, and the concentration of nano-additives. The XGBoost-Multi-Objective Grey Wolf Optimizer (XGBMOGWO) framework created Pareto-optimal solutions showing a strong and interpretable pathway for advancing trade-offs between efficiency and emissions in dual-fuel engines. 2026 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. -
Tailoring acid-base sites and oxygen vacancies in boron- and sulfur-integrated cobalt oxide for high-performance NaBH4 dehydrogenation
Catalytic hydrolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) offers an effective route for on-demand hydrogen generation. In this study, we develop a sulfur and boron modified cobalt oxide catalyst (S-B-CoxOy), through controlled calcination, for hydrogen production from NaBH4. The catalyst achieves a high hydrogen generation rate of 5,400 mL min?1 g?1, facilitated by synergistic enhancements in crystallinity, defect density, and acid-base site distribution. Sulfur and boron incorporation enhances oxygen vacancies and increases active site density, promoting efficient adsorption and activation of NaBH4 and water. NH3-TPD and CO2-TPD confirm balanced acid-base functionalities crucial for electron transfer and intermediate stabilization. A thermally induced phase transition from Co3O4 to CoO, along with increased surface area, further boosts activity. Kinetic studies reveal a zero-order dependence on NaBH4 concentration, demonstrating that the reaction rate is primarily governed by the catalyst's surface properties. This work highlights the importance of defect engineering and surface tuning for efficient hydrogen generation. 2025 -
Experimental screening of a series of earth-abundant bi-metallic phospho-boride electrocatalysts for overall seawater electrolysis
Seawater electrolysis offers a promising alternative for large-scale hydrogen production, but its industrial viability is hindered by the lack of efficient electrocatalysts. Herein, a series of metals (M = Ni, Fe, W, Mo, V, Cu, and Mn) were experimentally screened to form a bi-metallic catalyst with CoPB, resulting in CoMPB catalysts. Amongst the screened metals, only the inclusion of Mo, W, V, and Fe was found to be beneficial in improving the seawater-splitting reaction rates. Notably, CoMoPB, CoWPB, and CoVPB required minimal HER overpotentials of 56, 105, and 73 mV, respectively, at 10 mA/cm2 in alkaline natural seawater conditions, while CoFePB (291 mV at 10 mA/cm2) outperformed other Co-M-P-B counterparts for OER. The addition of a second metal to CoPB enhances activity, conductivity, and surface reactivity by modulating electron density, optimizing it for seawater splitting. Further, the CoWPB/NFHER || CoFePB/NFOER combination yielded the lowest cell potential of 1.59 V at 100 mA/cm2 and sustained operation for over ?65 h in alkaline natural seawater with ?98 % OER selectivity. The same combination, when integrated into an advanced seawater electrolyzer with zero-gap assembly, required a cell voltage of ?1.94 V to achieve 0.5 A/cm2, demonstrating strong commercial potential. 2025 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC -
Advancing energy production and storage: Polypyrrole/V2O5/MnO2 composite as a high-performance electrocatalyst
The rise in energy needs in our society has enhanced the requirement for energy production and storage studies. The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction and supercapattery studies pave the way for producing and storing energy effectively. There is a lot of ongoing work on synthesizing efficient electrocatalysts for such energy related applications. In this study, polypyrrole/V2O5/MnO2 electrocatalyst is synthesized, and various characterization techniques have been utilized for analyzing the formation of the composite. The N2 adsorption-desorption analysis demonstrates the average surface area of the polymer composite as 136.3 m2/g. The high average surface area value suggests the availability of surface active sites on the synthesized polymer composite for energy production and storage. The polypyrrole/V2O5/MnO2 electrocatalyst shows an overpotential of 192 mV and a specific capacity of 1736.1C/g. The synthesized catalyst is used for fabricating an asymmetric supercapacitor, which demonstrates an energy density of 46.8 Wh/kg and a power density of 714.2 W/kg. Polypyrrole/V2O5/MnO2 electrocatalyst is proven to be a competent material for supplementing the energy requirements of our society. 2025 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC -
Bifunctional CoPBO/Co-MOF composite electrocatalyst for energy-efficient hydrogen evolution by urea-assisted water splitting
Urea oxidation reaction (UOR) offers a lower energy alternative to generate hydrogen from urea-based wastewater while simultaneously contributing to environmental remediation. However, the commercial viability of this process is hindered by the inability of the electrocatalyst to achieve higher current densities for UOR due to the competition with the OER. In this study, a cobalt-MOF-derived CoPBO/Co-MOF composite electrocatalyst was synthesized over Ni foam using a solvothermal method followed by a simple chemical reduction method for UOR. The CoPBO/Co-MOF@NF demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic bifunctional activity with low potentials of +1.32 V and ?0.095 V for UOR and HER, respectively, at 100 mA/cm2 in 1 M KOH +0.33 M urea solution. Under industrial-level alkaline conditions (6 M KOH), the potential requirement for UOR is further decreased to 1.14 V, also achieving a high current density of 1 A/cm2 at only 1.35 V, which is below the thermoneutral voltage for water splitting. Comprehensive electrochemical kinetic analysis revealed that the CoPBO/Co-MOF composite effectively combines the attributes of CoPBO, for strong OH? adsorption and CoOOH formation, with the affinity of Co-MOF for urea adsorption and CO2 desorption, leading to enhanced UOR performance. Furthermore, in a zero-gap electrolyzer configuration, the CoPBO/Co-MOF@NF catalyst demonstrated remarkable efficiency in actual cow urine (with 1 M KOH), requiring only 1.39 V to achieve a current density of 100 mA/cm2 which is 0.5 V lower than in urea-free water splitting. 2025 -
Revealing the synergistic potential of Ti3C2 MXene/Vanadium sulfide composite for enhancing electrochemical water splitting
The development of advanced materials for sustainable energy solutions is more critical than ever, and efficient electrocatalysts are at the forefront of this research. MXene-based materials have garnered significant focus for their electrocatalytic uses due to their high electrical conductivity, hydrophilicity, and tunable surface chemistry. Here, we highlight the innovative work on Ti3C2/V3S4 composites for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The Ti3C2 MXene serves as a conductive matrix, while V3S4, a transition metal sulfide, enhances catalytic activity by providing active sites for HER. Integration of V3S4 into the MXene structure increases the surface area and introduces mesoporous channels that improve electron transfer and electrolyte accessibility. Notably, the composite exhibits an enhancement in surface area (45 m2g-1) and pore diameter (11.6 nm) compared to pristine Ti3C2 MXene. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the Ti3C2/V3S4 composite has superior hydrogen evolution activity with a lower overpotential of 188 mV and excellent stability compared to bare Ti3C2 MXene. As the demand for clean energy grows, these findings represent a significant step towards the formulation of top-performing materials for water splitting, positioning MXene-based hybrids as a promising solution in the field of renewable energy. This work is a testament to how material innovations can drive progress in hydrogen production technologies, paving the way for cleaner, greener energy systems. 2025 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC -
Optimization of rGO-MoO3 nanocomposite electrode to fabricate an aqueous symmetric supercapacitor device with enhanced electrochemical performance
This study presents the first investigation into the effect of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the electrochemical properties of rGO-MoO? nanocomposites, synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The nanocomposites were prepared with varying rGO concentrations, and their structural, morphological, elemental, electrical, optical, and surface characteristics were analyzed. Structural analysis confirmed the presence of an orthorhombic MoO? phase, while the morphological analysis revealed MoO? nanobars anchored onto rGO nanosheets. The electrochemical performance of the nanocomposites was evaluated using a three-electrode configuration. The electrode demonstrating superior performance was selected to fabricate a prototype symmetric device. This device exhibited a specific capacitance of 369 F g?1 at a current density of 1 A g?1 and an energy density of 51 W h kg?1. Moreover, the device demonstrated a stability of 91% over 1000 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of 104%. 2025 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC -
Influence of magnetic field modulation on thermomagnetic convection in a layer of ferrofluid bounded by rigidfree boundaries
With a focus on rigidfree boundaries, the impact of magnetic field modulation on thermomagnetic convection in ferrofluids is studied. The effects of large and small-scale modulations are examined using linear theory. Utilizing the superposition principle and several perturbation modes, small-scale modulation is investigated. The case of large-scale modulation is dealt with the aid of Mathieu equation to shed light on the prevalence of subharmonic motions. Utility of Floquet theory resulted in an infinite linear system from which the critical magnetic Rayleigh number was evaluated in the case of large-scale modulations. Weak non-linear theory is used in arriving at the non-autonomous tri-modal Lorenz system, from which bifurcation and post-convective analyses are done. It was found that magnetic field-modulation has significant, yet varying stabilizing effects on the convection process, and is uniquely determined by the conditions of the medium and magnitude of the modulation. Another important outcome of the study is that magnetic field modulation induces hyperchaos within the tri-modal autonomous system, and occurs for random combinations of modulation parameters. The emergence of chaos for rigidfree boundaries is confirmed to occur between the equivalent rigidrigid and freefree cases. 2025 -
Statistical thermal study of ternary hybrid nanofluid flow in coaxial cylinder: artificial neural network approach
The objective of this study is to examine heat and mass transfer aspects of ternary nanofluid flow in coaxial cylinder under the influence of Arrhenius activation energy, microorganisms concentration and bioconvection Peclet number, which a pivotal rolet in various scientific and engineering applications. The flow of ternary nanofluid is caused due to stretching inner cylinder with stationary outer cylinder. The nonlinear partial equations are derived for the flow model and reduced to non-linear ordinary differential equation by applying suitable similarity transformation. The resultant equations are resolved mathematically using Runge Kutta Fehlberg (RKF45) technique. The obtained numerical results are validated with the published work to check the exactness of the solution methodology and it is noticed that the present outcomes are on par with published work. The physical behaviour of the pertinent parameters is analysed through graphical depiction. The derived quantities like drag force and Sherwood number are studied through tabular column. Additionally, the heat transfer rate is analysed by using backpropagated Levenberg-Marquardt Machine learning algorithm. Further, the correlation between the parameter on the rate of heat transfer is analysed by using Mean square error and regression graphs. The key outcome of this research is that, the temperature upsurges by increasing the solid volume of nanoparticle due to higher thermal conductivity of the nanoparticles. Further, it is perceived from the artificial neural network model that, the correlation between the input parameters and output data are strongly correlated (R = 1). 2025 -
Parametric analysis for thermally magnetized hybrid ternary (TMHT) nanofluid flow on thin film with temperature stratification
The thermophysical examination of flow field claims various applications in both scientific and industrial domains and hence it remains important to inspect especially when both the heat and mass transfer are taken simultaneously. Owning such motivation, the present study offers a response surface optimization for thermal flow field of hybrid ternary water-based aluminium, silicon and Zinc nanofluid over a stretched surface manifested with both temperature stratification and concentration stratification effects. The governing equations are formulated for mathematical model and those PDE's are reduced to ODE's by using appropriate similarity transformations. Those obtained resultant equations are solved numerically by using Runge Kutta Fehlberg fourth fifth-order (RKF 45) technique. The supremacy of essential aspects on the flow field, heat and mass transfer rates were analyzed using graphical representation. Additionally, Response surface Methodology is performed to derived the heat transfer rate as a response function for the input factors for different parameters. From the graph it is noticed that temperature profile drops as the thermal stratification parameter increases. The temperature admits the direct relation with an increase in the solid volume fraction of ternary nanofluids. From RSM it is noticed that adjusted R-squared and R-squared are obtained as 100 % accuracy of the mathematical model. 2025 The Author(s) -
Beyond averages: Mapping unequal learning and the dynamics of educational access in Jammu and Kashmir using Gini Decomposition Analysis
Educational inequality remains a persistent challenge in India, particularly in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, where disparities in access and attainment hinder socioeconomic progress. This study examines shifts in educational inequality over time and explores disparities based on geographic and socioeconomic factors. Using data from two rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4 and NFHS-5), we apply a Gini decomposition framework to distinguish between-group and within-group inequalities and employ a generalized ordered logistic regression model to assess determinants of educational attainment. Our findings indicate an overall increase in average years of schooling and a reduction in the Gini coefficient, yet significant disparities remain across gender, wealth status, and regional divisions. The results highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve access to education for rural populations, women, the Muslim community, and the Kashmir division. Strengthening school infrastructure, expanding e-learning resources, and promoting gender inclusive policies can help bridge these educational gaps and foster equitable progress. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
Government spending and lower secondary education completion in Asia: A cross-national analysis
This paper examines the influence of government expenditure on lower secondary education completion rates across 35 Asian countries, using 2019 data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Despite global commitments to equitable education, regional disparities in funding and outcomes persist. Employing a cross-sectional correlational design, the study identifies a weak, statistically nonsignificant association (r = 0.26, p = 0.122) between government education spending and completion rates. These findings suggest that while funding remains a critical input, its impact may be limited without concurrent investments in education quality, governance, and equity. Key limitations include reliance on single-year data, absence of control variables, and structural inefficiencies across national systems. The study advocates for more nuanced public investment strategies that emphasize targeted interventions, data-driven policymaking, and inclusive financing to align national efforts with Sustainable Development Goals. These insights are relevant for ministries of education, international organizations, and donors seeking to strengthen education systems and promote equitable access across Asia. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
Antibacterial performance of chitosan-modified magnesium fluoride nanoparticles: Synthesis and characterization
The rise of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections threatens human health by reducing the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. This growing challenge highlights the urgent need for advanced nano-based antibacterial materials capable of overcoming resistance and providing broad-spectrum protection. In this study, magnesium fluoride (MgF2) NPs and Chitosan modified MgF2 (MgF2-Cs) were synthesized via a facile wet-chemical route and characterized to evaluate their structural, surface, and antibacterial properties. XRD confirmed the formation of tetragonal MgF2 with crystallite sizes of 29nm for MgF2 and 22nm for MgF?Cs, the reduction attributed to Cs-induced surface modification. FTIR, PL, and XPS analyses verified successful Cs incorporation through the presence of OH, NH?, CN, and OC=O functional groups and the preservation of the MgF2 lattice. DLS further supported increased hydrodynamic size upon polymer coating. PL analysis showed enhanced blue-green emission around 497nm in MgF2Cs, suggesting increased defect density and corresponding ROS-generation ability. Antibacterial activity against Gram-positive: S. aureus, S. pneumoniae and Gram-negative: K. pneumoniae, S. dysenteriae bacteria demonstrated significantly improved inhibition for MgF2Cs, with zone diameters of 1521mm, surpassing MgF2 (1216mm) and Cs (1115mm. The MIC and MBC values for MgF?-Cs against K. pneumoniae were determined to be 0.6mgmL?1 and 0.9mgmL?1, respectively. The enhanced antibacterial performance is attributed to synergistic effects of defect-mediated ROS production and Csbacteria electrostatic interactions. 2026 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. -
Sodium alginate functionalized nickel ferrite nanocomposites: synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and evaluation of antibacterial, anticancer, and biocompatibility properties
The rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the need for effective therapies against breast cancer highlight the demand for multifunctional nanomaterials with high biocompatibility. In this study, Nickel ferrite (NiFe?O?) and sodium alginate functionalized NiFe?O? nanocomposites (NiFe?O?-SA) were synthesized via a green co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction confirmed a cubic spinel structure, and transmission electron microscopy revealed quasi-spherical nanoparticles with sizes of 1525nm and uniform alginate coating. UVVis analysis showed a reduction in band gap from 4.44eV to 3.13eV, while photoluminescence spectra indicated enhanced charge carrier separation. NiFe?O?-SA exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus vulgaris), with membrane disruption confirmed by microscopy. Cytotoxicity studies on MCF-7 breast cancer cells demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition with an IC?? of 11.9?g/mL, and zebrafish embryo assays confirmed excellent biocompatibility for NiFe?O?-SA. These findings highlight NiFe?O?-SA nanocomposites as promising multifunctional nanomaterials for therapeutic and biomedical applications. 2026 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.