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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 -
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.