Asian Journal of Chemistry, a Multidisciplinary Chemistry Journal is a Peer Reviewed International Journal publishes from India. ISSN: 0975-427X (Online) |ISSN: 0970-7077 (Print) |CODEN: AJCHEW Prof. (Dr.) R. K. AGARWAL Editor-in-Chief Dr. HIMANSHU AGARWAL Executive Editor Dr. Bimal K. Banik Associate Editor
Design, Synthesis, Characterization and Molecular Docking Evaluation of Dual-Imino Benzopyran Analogues as Potential VEGFR2 and EGFR Inhibitors for Breast Cancer Therapy
The side effects associated with currently available chemotherapeutics for breast cancer treatments, intended present study to perform synthesis, characterization and molecular docking of novel benzopyrone analogues (NBPAs) against VEGFR2 (PDB: 6GQO) and EGFR (PDB: 3W32). The study involved the synthesis of some novel benzopyran analogues (NBPAs) by first treating 4-aminoacetophenone with a hydrazide derivative 5 of substituted benzopyrone (1), followed by treatment with different aromatic aldehydes to offer NBPAs (6a-e). NBPAs were characterized using ATR-IR, NMR (1H & 13C) and mass spectrometric analysis. The NBPAs were also subjected to molecular docking studies (using AutoDock 4.2) against VEGFR2 and EGFR. The results of the synthesis experiment and characterization study revealed successful synthesis of NBPAs and their structural elucidation. The docking study results also revealed NBPAs exhibit good binding affinity with 6GQO and 3W32. NBPAs exhibits good binding affinity against the targeted proteins 6GQO and 3W32. Present study concludes that synthesized novel NBPAs to exhibit high anticancer potential; however additional pre-clinical investigations are essential to support their clinical importance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Y. Manogaran, S. Fuloria, S. Karupiah, V. Ravichandran, V. Balakrishnan, N.K. Fuloria https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular Docking, Cell Viability and Biological Activity of New Cresol Analogues against Monilial Vulvovaginitis Triggering Pathogen
High biological potential of existing cresols and azomethine scaffolds considers them as promising leads for antimicrobial therapy, however the development of resistance and side effects limits their application in treatment of monilial vulvovaginitis. In present study, new cresols derivatives (NCDs) were designed, synthesized and characterized using ATR-IR, 1H/13C NMR and direct-mass spectrometry. All the synthesized were initially screened through molecular docking against C. albicans CYP51 (PDB ID: 5TZ1) and S. aureus DNA Gyrase B protein (PDB ID: 4URM). Study involved molecular docking of NCDs against 5TZ1 and 4URM proteins of C. albicans and S. aureus respectively, followed by synthesis of NCDs via imination and Schiff reaction of hydrazide analogue of cresol, in-vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity using disk diffusion method and cytotoxicity evaluation towards HEK-293 cells with the MTT assay. Novel NCDs exhibited high docking score against 5TZ1 and 4URM, high in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity against C. albicans and S. aureus, and minimal cytotoxicity at 7.81 µg/mL. Overall, the study presents chemically validated and biologically promising NBA candidates for future development as peri-implantitis inhibitors. Based on the experimental results, this study concludes successful synthesis of NCDs as antibacterial and antifungal activity with negligible toxicity. This research also proposed that, these NCDs in future needs further evaluation for preclinical and clinical significance in monilial vulvovaginitis treatment.
Copyright (c) 2025 N.K. Fuloria, L. Thangavelu, P. Kishore, S. Faridha, N. Sundaresan, T. Bhuvaneshwari, K. Arthi, S. Fuloria https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis and Evaluation of (2,5-Dimethylthiophen-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine Derivatives as Antidepressants by In silico and In vivo Methods
The present study involves the design, synthesis, in silico evaluation and biological assessment of a new series of (2,5-dimethylthiophen-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine derivatives (4a7-4h7) as potential antidepressant agents. The synthesis followed a two-step route first, (2,5-dimethyl-thiophen-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one derivatives (4a-7) were synthesized via Claisen–Schmidt condensation, followed by cyclization with guanidine to obtain the target pyrimidin-2-amine derivatives (4a7-4h7). The designed molecules were evaluated using Swiss-ADME,Molinspiration, Protox-II and SwissTargetPrediction to predict drug-likeness, ADME properties, toxicity and target profiles. All compounds satisfied Lipinski’s rule of five and showed favourable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. Molecular docking against the serotonin transporter (SERT, PDB ID: 1KUV) revealed that compounds 4e7 (Glide score -7.8) and 4h7 (Glide score -8.0) exhibited the strongest binding affinities, outperforming the reference drug imipramine. Molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS further confirmed the stability of ligand–protein complexes, with compound 4h7 displaying excellent structural stability throughout the simulation. The synthesized derivatives were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopy. Their antidepressant potential was evaluated using the Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST) in mice, where compounds 4e7 and 4h7 significantly reduced immobility time, showing activity comparable to imipramine. Among all tested compounds, compound 4h7 demonstrated the highest level of potency.
Copyright (c) 2025 Palupanuri Naveena, Konda Swathi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative Studies of Chemically and Green Synthesized CoFe2O4, Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4, Li0.5Co0.75Fe2O4 Nanoparticles via Sol-Gel Method for Electrical and Antibacterial Applications
This study investigates the electrical and antibacterial properties of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nickel-doped cobalt ferrite (NixCo1-xFe2O4) and lithium-doped cobalt ferrite (LixCo1-x/2Fe2O4) where x = 0.5 synthesized via sol-gel technique using Allium sativum extract (green route) and citric acid (chemical route). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS and FTIR to analyze their structural and morphological properties. The XRD analysis confirmed that Ni0.5Co0.5Fe2O4, Li0.5Co0.75Fe2O4 and CoFe2O4 compounds are well-crystallized and adopt a cubic spinel structure. The SEM images show distinct morphological changes between the variation of materials synthesis namely, chemically synthesized nanoparticles exhibit well-structured cubic phase, whereas green-synthesized nanoparticles display encapsulated and some irregular morphologies, probably due to the capping effect of the bioactive compound A. sativum extract used as chelating agent. The study on EDS confirmed the presence of all expected constituent elements in their stoichiometric ratios, verifying the successful synthesis of ferrite nanoparticles in the pure form. The analysis of synthesized samples through impedance spectroscopy confirmed that the green synthesis has lower bulk resistance and enhanced electrical conductivity comparative to chemically synthesized compounds. Among all compositions, Ni-doped cobalt ferrite (sol-gel route) exhibited the highest electrical conductivity, while green-synthesized Li0.5Co0.75Fe2O4 showed promising electrochemical behaviour, indicating its potential as an efficient anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, the antibacterial examines against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains confirmed that the green-synthesized nanoparticles demonstrate a significant and greater antimicrobial activity across all compounds. Therefore, this study highlights the benefits of plant-mediated green synthesis as a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional sol-gel techniques for fabricating multifunctional ferrite nanomaterials with improved electrical and antibacterial routine.
Copyright (c) 2025 G. Gowri Shanmugapriya, C. Yogambal, S. Umamaheswari, R. Rajikha, S. Analisa, C. Subramaniyan, V. Sathana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel 5-{[2-Cyano-3-(substituted phenyl)prop-2-enoyl]amino}-2-hydroxy Benzoic Acid
5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), also known as mesalamine is extensively used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis (UC), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer. Hence, the current work aimed at the synthesis of some novel derivatives of 5-ASA involving cyanoacetylation and subsequent Knoevenagel condensation reaction. The compounds were then characterized using physical and spectral data and screened for in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The compounds showed promising in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities among which compound 4e (3,4-OCH3) exhibited superior dual antioxidant activity in DPPH and nitric oxide assays greater than ascorbic acid and 5-ASA. Meanwhile, compound 4l (-Cl) showed the strongest inhibition of protein denaturation and 4m (-F) exhibited highest protection of HRBC membrane. Further, PASS analysis identified 4j (4-CH(CH3)2), 4c (3,4-OH) and 4m (4-F) as promising anti-inflammatory candidates with favourable safety profiles when compared to 5-ASA. Overall, these derivatives showed good to moderate biological activity, suggesting for further evaluation under inflammatory conditions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ch. Soujanya, K. Madhavi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Thermo-Electrical Performance of Ferrite-Doped Chitosan Nanocomposites Modified with Graphene Oxide
The growing demand for renewable, multifunctional materials has spurred interest in nanocomposites for energy, biomedical and environmental uses. In this study, magnetic chitosan (MCS) and magnetic chitosan–graphene oxide (MCS/GO) nanocomposites were synthesized via a simple coprecipitation method. The structural, thermal and electrochemical properties were analyzed using XRD, FESEM-EDAX, TGA and impedance spectroscopy. XRD confirmed nanocrystalline phases (7.6 nm) with uniform magnetite dispersion in the polymer–GO matrix. TGA showed a residual mass of ~88% at 800 ºC for MCS/GO, indicating high thermal stability. Impedance analysis showed easier charge movement through the bulk at higher frequencies; both resistance and reactance decreased with temperature, confirming thermally activated transport. The activation energy (~168 meV) indicates efficient GO-assisted carrier hopping, making MCS/GO nanocomposites promising for energy-efficient sensors, solid-state batteries and thermally stable electronic devices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sanjeeta Rani, Priti Goyal, Laishram Saya, Sunita Hooda, Manisha Verma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis and Antibacterial Evaluation of Novel Cyanoacrylamide Derivatives of 4-Aminosalicylic Acid
In this study, novel 4-[2-cyano-3-(substituted phenyl)acrylamido]-2-hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives were synthesized starting from 4-(2-cyanoacetamido)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid. The latter was obtained through the cyanoacetylation of 4-aminosalicylic acid, leading to the formation of 4-(2-cyanoacetamido)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid as a key intermediate. The Knoevenagel condensation of the active methylene group of 4-(2-cyanoacetamido)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid was done with substituted benzaldehydes in toluene by using piperidine and glacial acetic acid as catalyzing agents. The procedure mentioned above was used to synthesize fifteen final compounds (5a-o). All the synthesized compounds were characterized by physico-chemical and spectral data. The synthesized compounds were tested for in vitro antibacterial activity by the cup-plate technique, using 0.1 mL of test solution at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, against two Gram-positive organisms (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative organisms (Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris). The outcomes of antibacterial activity were then compared to those obtained with the standard drug streptomycin and 4-aminosalicylic acid. Among all, the compounds 5l and 5h exhibited good antibacterial activity when compared with the standard drug.
Copyright (c) 2025 D. Sherisha Bhavani, K. Madhavi, K. Swathi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Eosin Yellow Dye using Fe3O4 Nanoparticles from S. prostrata Leaf Extract and their Cytotoxicity against MCF-7 Cell Line
In this study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPR-Fe3O4 NPs) were successfully synthesized via green route using Suaeda prostrata leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The phytochemicals in the extract facilitated the formation of uniformly distributed, crystalline nanoparticles under eco-friendly conditions. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, SEM-EDX, HRTEM, XPS and VSM techniques confirmed the structural integrity, surface morphology, elemental composition, magnetic properties and functional groups involved in the bioreduction process. The average crystalline size of SPR-Fe3O4 NPs is 21.3 nm, exhibits superparamagnetic nature (14999.92 Oe) and characteristic type IV isotherm with a prominent H3-type hysteresis loop suggests monolayer-multilayer adsorption. The SPR-Fe3O4 NPs exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance in the degradation of eosin yellow (EY) dye under visible light, with degradation efficiency influenced by catalyst dosage (50 mg) and dye concentration (10 mg/L) in 80 min. Kinetic studies indicated a pseudo-first-order reaction mechanism. Notably, the catalyst maintained over 85% degradation efficiency after five consecutive cycles, with minimal structural changes as confirmed by XRD analysis, demonstrating outstanding reusability and stability. These results confirm that SPR-Fe3O4 NPs exhibit concentration-dependent cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells (128.67 mean), making them potentially useful in cancer nanomedicine applications, particularly in targeted therapy or drug delivery systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muripinti Balakrishna, Gopi Mamidi, Sathish Mohan Botsa, G. Pavan Kumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis, Characterization and in silico Evaluations of Novel Chalcone Derivatives Containing Oxindole Ring
In this study, a new series of chalcone derivatives containing an oxindole moiety to evaluate their physico-chemical properties, pharmacokinetic profiles and in silico biological potential. The designed derivatives 3a-d were obtained via a condensation reaction between 5-halo-isatin and substituted acetophenones using sodium ethoxide under moderate reaction conditions. The structures of the synthesized chalcone derivatives were confirmed using 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. The in silico evaluations were performed using established database platforms, including SwissADME and admetLAB 3.0, to assess their absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) properties. All the compounds exhibited favourable drug-likeness, low predicted toxicity and compliance with Lipinski’s rule of five, suggesting their potential as orally active therapeutic agents. Molecular docking studies were also carried out to assess the binding affinities of compounds 3a-d against cancer-related target proteins such as PDGFRα (PDB ID: 9GZH) and VEGFR2 (PDB ID: 4ASD). Compounds 3b and 3d demonstrated the most promising binding energies (–11.973 and –7.726 kcal/mol, respectively), outperforming the reference drug, sunitinib. The docking results revealed key hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, offering insights into the stability of the compounds within the active sites of the target proteins.
Copyright (c) 2025 Atif Husain, Waseem Ahmad Ansari, Abdul Rahman Khan, Mohd Arsh Khan, Malik Nasibullah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Polymers and Functionalized Polymer Catalysts in Organic Synthesis: A Mini Review
Polymeric materials, especially poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based systems, play an essential role in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and tunable surface properties, which improve blood compatibility and reduce biofouling. Beyond biomedical uses, PEG and PEG-supported catalysts have become valuable in organic synthesis because of their hydrophilicity, broad solubility, low toxicity and ease of functionalization, aligning well with green chemistry principles. This review summarizes key PEG-assisted synthetic methodologies for organophosphorus compounds including dialkyl/aryl phosphonates, α-amino phosphonates and α-hydroxy phosphonates as well as PEG-catalyzed routes for diverse heterocyclic frameworks. These include coumarins, acylals, indazole-triones, dihydropyrimidinones, oxadiazoles, thiadiazoles, pyrroles, bis(indolyl)alkanes, bis(pyrazolyl)methanes and xanthenes. PEG-based protocols typically offer mild conditions, shorter reaction times, high yields and simplified purification. Overall, incorporating Brønsted or Lewis acidic moieties into PEG matrices provides efficient, recyclable and environmentally benign catalytic systems that support sustainable organic synthesis and combinatorial chemistry.
Copyright (c) 2025 Babu Pejjai, M. Varalakshmi, P. Sreevani, K. Jamuna, Reddi Mohan Naidu Kalla https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cationic Iron Half-Sandwich Complexes of Aminopyridines: Synthesis and Characterisation
The reaction of [(η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2]+, with the aminopyridine ligands lead to formation of cationic organometallic complexes of the general formula [(η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2L]+ (where L = 2-Apy, 3-Apy, 4-Apy and Apy = aminopyridine). These ligands have the ability to coordinate to a metal center in monodentate fashion via the pyridine ring or amine nitrogen atoms, can form chelate complexes with one metal center or bridge two metal ions. Spectroscopic data (FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR and elemental analysis) collected for the five metal complexes is consistent with monodenate coordination mode through the pyridyl nitrogen in complexes 2, 3 and 4 atoms and amine nitrogen in complexes 1 and 4.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kingsley Michieka https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development and Validation of Sensitive, Specific and Stability-Indicating LC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Metformin and Becalutamide in Human Plasma
Metformin, an oral anti-hyperglycaemic drug belongs to the biguanide class and is traditionally known as an insulin sensitizer which lowers the blood glucose levels by activating AMPK (adenosine monophosphate protein kinase). Metformin has shown anti-neoplastic effects in various tumour models, including prostate, ovarian, breast, colorectal and endometrial cancers, by activating AMPK, which in turn blocks the mTOR/S6 kinase pathway and inhibits insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-mediated cellular proliferation. Bicalutamide, is a non-steroidal anti-androgen class agent, binds to androgen receptors, thus blocking the effects of androgenic hormones such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Previous reports on in vivo and in vitro studies suggests the combination of metformin and biclutamide dramatically decreases prostate cancer cell proliferation more than either drug alone. This work was undertaken to examine the effect of metformin on bicalutamide pharmacokinetic parameters, which may further aid in dose adjustment when administered concurrently to treat prostate cancer. So, for the simultaneous quantitation of metformin and becalutamide in spiked human plasma by LC-MS/MS method was used. The preconcentration of the analyte was done using Protein precipitation using acetonitrile. Separations were done on Agilent 1290 infinity II LC system paired with an Agilent 6470 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with positive and negative ionization modes. The mobile phase comprised 0.1% acetic acid in MilliQ water as solvent A and 100% methanol as solvent B with gradient flow at 0. 6 mL/min. column, column oven and degasser with a Zorbax Eclipse plus C8 column (4.6 × 100 mm, 3.5 µm) was utilized. The retention times for metformin, bicalutamide and the IS (propranolol and tolbutamide) were 3.6 min, 4.7 min, 5.9 min and 6.1 min, respectively. For the samples, subsequent Q1/Q3 transitions: bicalutamide, ESI– m/z 427.2 > 184.5 (10 eV); metformin, ESI+ m/z 130.10 > 60.2 (12 eV); tolbutamide, ESI– m/z 269.09 > 170 (16 eV); and propranolol, ESI+ m/z 260.2 > 183.0 (32 eV). Data acquisition and instrument control were operated with Mass Hunter workstation (version 10.1). The established method was validated by following USFDA bioanalytical guidelines, Linear regression equations for metformin and biclutamide were 0.0822x + 0.00848 and 0.09588 x + 0.02635, respectively, with (1/x) weighting factor, the regression coefficients for metformin and biclutamide are 0.9963 and 0.9971, respectively. Mean extraction recoveries for metformin was 85.04% and for biclutamide was 86.23% all QCs. Solifenacin’s stability in plasma was confirmed through rigorous testing, including bench-top exposure (17 h), injector residence, six freeze-defrost cycles and long-term storage at –20 ± 5 ºC for over 7 days. The compound exhibited consistent integrity under all conditions. The analytical method underwent full validation and met qualification standards, supporting its reliability for routine bioanalysis and pharmacokinetic profiling in biological matrices.
Copyright (c) 2025 Parimala Kolli https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative Studies of Antioxidant Activities of Herbal Formulation of Curcuma longa L. and Cannabis sativa L. Plant Extracts: A Phytochemical Approach
The present study investigates the comparative antioxidant potential of Curcuma longa L. and Cannabis sativa L. extracts, individually and in combination, with the aim of developing novel herbal formulations. Multiple extraction techniques were employed for C. longa, including aqueous, heated, ethanol and Soxhlet methods, while C. sativa extracts were obtained via hydro-distillation of essential oil and cold pressing of hemp seed oil. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, curcuminoids, terpenoids, cannabinoids and fatty acids, which are known contributors to antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Characterization using UV-vis, TLC, HPLC, FTIR and GC-MS validated the presence of key functional groups and bioactive metabolites. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, with ascorbic acid serving as the standard (IC50 = 12.68 µg/mL). Results indicated that C. longa ethanolic extract exhibited strong radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 21.01 µg/mL; 85.2% inhibition at 320 µg/mL), whereas C. sativa hemp seed oil showed weak activity (maximum 10.01% inhibition at 320 mg/mL; IC50 > 320 µg/mL) and essential oil demonstrated moderate potential. Importantly, the combined formulation of C. longa ethanolic extract with C. sativa essential oil displayed significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity (up to 85.2% scavenging at 100 µg/mL with an IC50 of 45.6 µg/mL), suggesting synergistic interactions among phytoconstituents. GC-MS profiling further revealed that C. longa ethanolic extract was rich in dehydrozingerone (35.82%), turmerones (18.29%) and curlone (8.60%), whereas hemp seed oil was dominated by linoleic acid (56.11%), α-linolenic acid (17.02%) and oleic acid (13.64%), reflecting a complementary balance of phenolic antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These findings emphasize the chemical and biological complementarity of turmeric and cannabis, supporting their integration in polyherbal formulations aimed at mitigating oxidative stress. The study highlights the potential of turmeric–cannabis combinations as natural alternatives for antioxidant therapy, providing a basis for further pharmacological and nutraceutical applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sumitra Pandey, A.K. Sarkar, Ritu Chauhan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biogenic Synthesis and Characterization of Ag-Zn-CuO Nanoparticles using Peels of Citrus limetta: Evaluation of Dyes Degradation and Antibacterial Activity
The synthesis of green nanomaterials by sustainable routes is gaining more attention as they hold potential for catalysis, environmental clean-up and biomedical applications. Herein, Ag-Zn-CuO trimetallic nanoparticles were green synthesised using Citrus limetta (mosambi) peel extract as a bioreducing and stabilizing agent. Phytoconstituents such as phenolics, flavonoids and tannins were present in the peels and help to reduce metal ions and shows capping properties. The formation of nanoparticles was reflected by a clear colour change and further established through UV-Vis spectroscopy, which showed typical SPR absorption bands at 388 nm (Ag), 324 nm (Zn) and 284 nm (CuO). Morphological investigation through FE-SEM reflected uniformly dispersed nanoparticles with irregular surface morphology and EDS ensured their trimetallic nature (84.73 wt.% Ag, 3.06 wt.% Zn, 12.21 wt.% Cu). XRD analysis confirmed crystalline structure by diffraction peaks for fcc Ag (111, 113), Zn (101) and CuO (-113) with crystallite size of 16.15 nm on average as calculated from Scherrer’s equation. Zeta potential analysis showed a mean value of -16.6 mV and thus moderate electrostatic repulsion to prevent aggregation and promote colloidal stability. Further catalytic application, in the presence of NaBH4, nanoparticles degraded methyl red dye (78.69%) and Congo red dye (73.82%) in 180 min. Antibacterial activity exhibited strong inhibitory activity against E. coli (20 mm at 24 mg/mL). Biosynthesised Ag-Zn-CuO trimetallic nanoparticles possess effective dye degradation and antibacterial action, indicating their promise for usage in catalysis, environmental decontamination and biomedical applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 MadhuKriti, Arpita Roy, Sarvesh Rustagi, Vaseem Raja, Swetha Raj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis and Characterization of Malonic Acid Crosslinked Chitosan-Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose Mixed Hydrogel and Studies on Its Probable Use as Micro Water Reservoir in Soil
Climate change has impacted the worldwide rainfall pattern resulting in either too little or too much rainfall. This has adversely affected the cultivation of water intensive crops like rice. This calls for judicious irrigation process avoiding wastage of water. Use of hydrogels in soil acting as in situ water reservoirs, releasing water to soil in a slow manner may address the problem of wastage of water and associated leaching of nutrients from soil. The present work describes the synthesis of a mixed hydrogel from two polysaccharides chitosan (chit) and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (NaCMC) in presence of malonic acid (MA) as crosslinking agent. The hydrogel samples were characterized using FTIR, TGA, PXRD and SEM techniques. The swelling studies indicated approximately 1700% swelling at pH 9.2. Swelling index values for the hydrogel was found to increase from acidic to alkaline medium. The water holding capacity was investigated using soil samples collected from five different locations including Kamrup (Metro), Kamrup (Rural), Nagaon, Nalbari and Bajali districts of Assam, India which were classified as sandy soil. The experimental results revealed high water holding capacity for the soil samples in the pH range of 6.0-7.0. Experimental evaluation on water holding also indicated that hydrogel addition to the soil samples significantly increased its water holding capacity compared to the untreated soil samples.
Copyright (c) 2025 MITU DAS, Subham Barkataky, Dilip Kumar Kakati, Bikash Gogoi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sustainable Polymer–Nanoparticle Nanocomposites: A Comparative Review of PMMA, PLA, PVA and Chitosan Systems
The rising demand for eco-friendly, high-performance materials has accelerated interest in polymer–nanoparticle nanocomposites (PNNCs) as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. This review presents an integrated comparison of PNNCs based on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan matrices reinforced with inorganic nanoparticles such as TiO2, ZnO, Ag, hydroxyapatite (HA) and Fe3O4. Nanofiller incorporation typically enhances the tensile strength by 20-60%, thermal stability by 10-25ºC and antimicrobial efficiency up to >99% reduction in bacterial load, depending on matrix–nanoparticle compatibility. For example, PLA–HA nanocomposites show up to 40% improvement in modulus and accelerated bioactivity for orthopaedic applications, whereas PMMA–TiO2 composites maintain optical clarity while providing enhanced UV-shielding and scratch resistance. A sustainability framework is applied to compare biodegradability and recyclability, highlighting PLA and chitosan as circular-economy-aligned matrices, while PMMA and PVA require responsible end-of-life strategies. Emphasis is placed on green synthesis routes, nanoparticle leaching behaviour and life-cycle considerations including environmental exposure risks. Challenges such as achieving stable nanoparticles dispersion, tuning interfacial chemistry and minimizing ecotoxicity are critically evaluated. The novelty of this work lies in bridging functional performance with life-cycle sustainability, directly aligning PNNC design principles with relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Harshit Gouri, Dr Geetika Bhalla, Dr Charu Kumar, Dr Meenu Srivastava , Dr Vinita Narula https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biosynthesis of Rice Starch-Manganese Dioxide (IV) Nanocomposite: Its Characterization and Biological Potential
Manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles were biosynthesized in this study, utilizing rice starch (a natural polymer) to form nanocomposites with useful biological and analytical properties. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, HRTEM, FESEM-EDX and Zeta potential analysis. FTIR confirmed the formation of rice starch-manganese dioxide (rice starch-MnO2) nanocomposites and the presence of functional groups in the synthesis. XRD analysis determined the average crystalline size to be 38.27 nm, while FESEM and HRTEM revealed a spherical structure with irregular morphology. EDX confirmed a presence of manganese content 43.12%, oxygen 29.02% and carbon 27.86%. The anticancer activity against the HepG2 cell line (a human liver cancer cell line) was determined by MTT Assay, with an IC50 value of 76.31 ± 0.092 µg/mL. Antioxidant activity shows appreciable potency in the DPPH scavenging assay. The nanocomposites were thought to be stable under thermal conditions and to have prominent antioxidant and anticancer properties.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bhuwan Chandra, G. LOHIYA, J. KOHLI, A. TAMTA, N.D. KANDPAL https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sulfonated Graphene Oxide Catalyzed Transformation of Pyrazole-Oxazolidine Derivatives and their Antimicrobial Activities
In this work, biologically active novel (E)-5-((1-phenyl-3-(4-R-phenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)oxazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives are synthesized and characterized. Initially, 5-azanyl(4-chlorophenyl)carbamate (3) was obtained from 4-chloroaniline (1) via carbonation with CO2 (2) in liquid ammonia, followed by O-carboxymethylation with sodium 2-chloroacetate to afford sodium 2-(((4-chlorophenyl)carbamoyl)oxy)acetate (4). Subsequently, compound 4 was cyclized to yield 3-(4-chlorophenyl)oxazolidine-2,4-dione (5) using sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) as metal free nanocatalyst. Later, benzohydrazide (6) was condensed with various types of carboxylic acids (7) in presence of glacial acetic acid to obtain (E)-(4-R-phenyl)ethylidene hydrazone (8). It is further treated with POCl3 at 80 ºC for 4 h to obtain substituted pyrazole derivatives (9a-h). Finally, substituted pyrazole derivatives (9a-h) treated with sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) catalyzed product 3-(4-chlorophenyl)oxazolidine-2,4-dione (5) to obtain targeted heterocyclic molecules 10a-h. This protocol demonstrates significant advantages in efficiency, ecological sustainability and catalyst reusability. Furthermore, the synthesized 1,3-oxazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives were evaluated for their antibacterial properties. The findings highlight the catalytic potential of SGO in the synthesis of 1,3-oxazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives as well as in broader applications in green organic transformations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Manuri Brahmayya, V.Muralikrishna Madasu, Deepthi S, A. Harinath, Lakshmi Rekha Buddiga, J Chandra Sekhara Rao, M Padma, Praveen Choppara, D Samsonu, A Venkateswara Rao https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative Analysis of Algerian Juniperus oxycedrus Tar from Two-Regions: Physico-chemical Characterization and Antibacterial Performance in Wastewater Treatment
In this study, the comparative study characterizes the region-specific properties of Juniperus oxycedrus tar (Cade oil or Gatran) from two Algerian provenances (Djelfa and M'sila), evaluating both physico-chemical parameters and antimicrobial potential. Laboratory analyses identified substantial provenance-based differentiation, particularly in rheological behaviour, where M'sila-sourced tar displayed 3.7-fold greater dynamic viscosity (1544 mPa·s) than Djelfa samples (420 mPa·s) under the standardized conditions (31.5 ± 0.4 ºC). Both variants exhibited complete bactericidal activity (100% elimination) against wastewater indicator organisms (total coliforms, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci) at operational concentrations of 0.1 mL/L with 30 min contact time. The observed dissociation between antimicrobial efficacy (which showed no geographic variation) and physico-chemical profiles suggests that while biological activity remains consistent, material properties may dictate specific industrial applications. These results suggests for the potential integration of J. oxycedrus tar as a sustainable disinfectant in water treatment systems, pending further investigation into its environmental persistence and comparative cost-effectiveness relative to the conventional biocides.
Copyright (c) 2025 Naima Hellali, Mustafa Chouireb, Ouahiba Mimouni, Ouahiba Mimouni, Habiba Ben Abderrahmane https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Flavonoids as Multifunctional Phytochemicals: Structural Diversity, Pharmacological Potential and Therapeutic Prospects
Flavonoids, a common class of polyphenolic compounds found in many plants, are known for their diverse biological activities and potential health benefits. They possess broad pharmacological actions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and antiatherosclerotic properties. These effects arise from their ability to neutralize free radicals, modulate inflammatory and signaling pathways, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, enhance insulin sensitivity and protect hepatic tissues. Flavonoids also play a crucial role in preventing and managing various chronic diseases, with ongoing clinical trials exploring their therapeutic potential in cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Their multifunctional nature and natural origin make them promising candidates for the development of novel therapeutics and nutraceuticals aimed at promoting overall health and disease prevention. This review discusses the chemistry, classification, sources, mechanisms of action, absorption, metabolism and therapeutic potential of flavonoids, emphasizing their roles in oxidative stress and inflammation-related disorders. It also highlights some specific flavonoid compounds, their bioactivities and recent advances in enhancing their bioavailability for use as natural therapeutic and nutraceutical agents.
Copyright (c) 2025 Katharigatta Venugopala https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Unveiling the Oxidation Dynamics of Mefenamic Acid by Chloramine-T Using MnO/Ag2O/NiO Nanoparticles
Green synthesis of sol-gel method was employed to synthesise MnO/Ag2O/NiO nanoparticles. The synthesised nanoparticle showed an average crystalline size of 20-45 nm with semi-circular crystal structure. A combination of XRD, SEM, EDX and FTIR techniques provided insights into the material’s size, shape and chemical composition. The data reveals the adverse catalytic property of the nanoparticle. The synthesised MnO/Ag2O/NiO (MAN) nanoparticle was used as a catalyst to study the oxidation of mefenamic acid (MFA) by N-chloro-p-toluensulfonamide (CAT) in low pH solution at 298 K. A detailed analysis of the reaction stoichiometry and oxidation products was performed for both nano-catalyzed and non-nano-catalyzed reactions using LC-MS method. The influence of reaction rate on [CAT] is unimolecular, while the proportional to [MFA] is zero-order, for both nano-catalyzed and non-nano-catalyzed reactions. Influence of hydrogen ion concentration on reaction kinetics differs between the non-nanocatalyzed and nano-catalyzed reactions, with an inverse proportionality to a fractional power observed for the former and a non-integer order dependence observed for the latter. The reaction rate is not appreciably affected due to the accumulation of the resulting compound. A negligible negative correlation between the permittivity constant and reaction rate was found for both cases. The independence of the reaction rate on ionic strength implies that non-ionic species play a crucial role in the rate-limiting step. No evidence of free radical intermediates was found and kinetic studies at different temperatures enabled the calculation of thermodynamic parameters. A plausible mechanism was proposed to explain the observed kinetic parameters and rate laws were formulated for both catalyzed and nano-catalyzed reactions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jayadevappa HP, H S Sonakshi, M K Aripitha, K M Vidyashree https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Design, Synthesis, in silico Analysis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Coumarin Derived Mercaptotriazole Derivatives as MCL-1 Inhibitors
Design and synthesis of new series of 4-amino-5-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazoles connected to coumarin ring and assessed for cytotoxity and the study of docking studies was done against MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Using substituted diols, a series of new coumarin linked 4-amino-5-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazoles derivatives were synthesized from substituted diols. Moreover, the elucidation of the newly synthesized mercaptotriazole derivatives was achieved by spectral data. An MTT assay was employed to evaluate the antineoplastic activity against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and the synthesized compounds demonstrated promising, potent, and innovative inhibitory effects, highlighting their potential for the development of new anticancer therapies. Compounds 8h, 8d, 8e, 8b, 8i, 8j and 8a exhibit high binding energies with target receptor MCL-1 enzyme of the MDA-MB231 cells, where remaining compounds exhibit good binding interactions with target protein. In silico Docking studies verified the uncompetitive inhibition of MCL-1 enzyme.
Copyright (c) 2025 BUELA PRIYANKA G https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Adsorption of Ammonium Ions from Water using Activated Carbon Derived from Garlic Waste
Water contaminated with ammonium (NH4+) is associated with many adverse effects on humans, aquatic organisms and the environment. The removal of NH4+ from aquatic sources is essential to support life. This study used modified garlic basal plate waste to remove NH4+ from polluted water. Garlic waste was carbonized at 450 ºC and chemically activated with NaOH and H3PO4. After activation, the samples were characterized using SEM, EDX, TEM, XRD, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The SEM images showed that the inner surface was exposed and was heterogeneous and, porous with cavities of different sizes and shapes. The elemental constituents of the materials are carbon (C), oxygen (O) and heteroatoms in trace amounts. FTIR analysis showed that the materials have many functional groups, such as –OH (3250 cm–1), –CH (2916 cm–1), –C=C and –NH2 groups (1658 cm–1), –OH (1425 cm–1) and –CO (1000 cm–1). Equilibrium studies indicated that the data fit the nonlinear Freundlich model, suggesting that the uptake represents multilayer adsorption due to different active sites on the adsorbent with unequal energy levels. The Freundlich constant (n) values were between 4.276 and 5.902, indicating that the uptake was favourable. The contact time effect showed three different phases of adsorption: a strong uptake, a steady state of adsorption and a plateau. The data for the contact time corresponded to the pseudo-second order kinetic model. The ΔHº values ranged from (-1.27 to -5.04 KJ/mol), indicating that the uptake was dominated by physical adsorption, but to some extent other mechanisms were partially involved in the uptake. The values of ΔSº and ΔGº were also negative, indicating that the adsorption was spontaneous and only partially random. The optimal conditions for the uptake of NH4+ using a working standard with an initial concentration of 100 mg/L were a solution pH of 10 and a temperature of 298 K. Under these conditions, the adsorption capacities for untreated carbon from garlic basal plate (CGBP), acid activated garlic basal plate (AGBP) and base activated garlic basal plate (BGBP) were 25.09, 37.04 and 40.11 mg/g, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2025 David Shooto, Patience Thabede https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis and Comprehensive Characterisation of Pure SnO2 Nanoparticles: Insights into Photocatalytic Activity and Electrochemical Performance
Tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) were synthesized via a straightforward hydrothermal approach and subsequently annealed at temperatures of 500 ºC, 600 ºC and 700 ºC. Comprehensive characterisation of these nanoparticles was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction (HRTEM-SAED), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD patterns revealed a tetragonal crystal structure, with the average crystallite size increasing from 8 nm to 28 nm as the annealing temperature was raised, a finding that was corroborated by TEM analysis. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Sn–O–Sn bonds, indicated by absorption peaks at 644 cm–1. FESEM analysis showed a predominantly spherical morphology and EDX spectra verified the presence of tin and oxygen. The optical band gap of Sn7 NPs was determined to be 3.43 eV through UV-DRS using the Kubelka–Munk method. XPS analysis provided insights into the electronic structure and confirmed the phase purity and elemental composition of the samples. The SnO2 (Sn7) electrode delivered a specific capacitance of 271 F g–1 at a current density of 0.2 A g–1 and exhibited remarkable cyclic stability, retaining 86.14% of their capacitance after 2000 cycles. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of Sn7 catalyst was assessed under sunlight, revealing a notable 85% degradation of methyl violet dye. These findings highlight the dual functionality of nanosized SnO2, making it a promising material for both energy storage and environmental applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 T. Nesavi, L. Balu, R. EzhilPavai, M. Ajithkumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis of ZnSe Thin Films for Advanced Photodetector Applications: Impact of Deposition Time on Structural, Optical and Photoresponse Properties
The present work investigates the simple and inexpensive chemical route for the fabrication of zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanocrystalline thin film for photosensing application. This study involved the systematic study of optical, structural, surface morphological characteristics as well as electron kinetics of the proposed ZnSe thin films with respect to the deposition time. The comprehensive analysis clearly revealed the formation of polycrystalline ZnSe thin film with enhancing the absorption of light in the visible region with respect to deposition time. Furthermore, the potential of the as-deposited ZnSe nanocrystalline thin film utilized for the photodetection in the visible region of the solar spectrum. The photodetection performance of the device was thoroughly analyzed through J-V characteristics, which clearly demonstrated that the performance of device is significantly influenced by the deposition time during chemical bath deposition. Optical analysis yielded similar results, with optical parameters such as optical conductivity and extinction coefficient exhibiting comparable trends. Remarkably, the device deposited for 3 h showed excellent photodetection performance, achieving detectivity and sensitivity value of 4.72 × 1011 Jones and 9.12, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2025 Narayan M. Narkhede Department of Applied Science and Humanities, R.C. Patel Institute of Technology, Shirpur, Dr. V. S. BAVISKAR R.C. Patel Institute of Technology, Shirpur, Dr. S. R. GOSAVI Material Research Laboratory, C.H.C. Arts, S.G.P. Commerce and B.B.J.P. Science College, Taloda, DEEPASHRI P. AHIRRAO Department of Physics, KBCNMU Jalgaon, Dr. PRAKASH B. AHIRRAO Professor, Department of Physics, S.V.S’s Dadasaheb Rawal College, Dondaicha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Utilization of Bengal Quince Leaf Biomass in Adsorptive Removal of Toxic Methylene Blue Dye: Influence of System Parameters and Kinetic Study
Methylene blue (MB) has been identified as harmful to human health, potentially causing various adverse effects, including gastritis, irritation of the eyes, irritation of the skin, leptomeningeal inflammation, neuronal apoptosis, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Therefore, the treatment of wastewater that contains such dye is crucial due to its detrimental impact. Herein, in a batch setup, Bengal quince leaf powder (BQLP) was assessed for its capacity in removing MB from aqueous medium along with the impacts of some influential factors. The equilibrium data fit well (R2 = 0.9931) with Langmuir isotherm model, confirming the viability of BQLP as an adsorbent. The maximum monolayer adsorption efficacy (qmax) of the bioadsorbent was emerged as 175.44 mg g–1 with a Langmuir isotherm constant of 41.83 L mg–1, highlighting the efficiency of BQLP in dye removal. The kinetics study indicated that the observed data aligns with pseudo-first-order kinetics (R2 = 0.9714) and intraparticle diffusion models (R2 = 0.9797) with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 4.2 × 10–2 min–1. The study demonstrates that BQLP as an effective biosorbent in removing MB dye from the aqueous medium. The enhanced is attributed to stronger electrostatic attractions, hydrogen bonding, n–π interactions and π–π stacking. Overall, the findings of this investigation indicate that BQLP is a promising, facile and eco-friendly adsorbent for wastewater treatment, offering an effective means of mitigating the environmental hazards posed by synthetic dyes such as MB. Future study should focus on evaluating the regeneration efficiency, reusability and scalability of BQLP to support its potential deployment in large-scale industrial wastewater management.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Sharmistha Chakraborty, Mr. Arkojyoti Majumdar, Dr. Basanta K Das, Dr. Mehdi Al Kausor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sustainable Fabrication of Magnetic Biochar from Corncob Waste for Efficient Removal of Indigo Carmine from Textile Effluent
This work aimed to remove indigo carmine from water using an iron oxide–corncob biochar (α-Fe2O3-C) composite synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by SEM, XRD, FTIR and TGA techniques. The composite averaging 20.63 nm, contained carboxylic, hydroxyl, phenolic and alcoholic groups. Adsorption analysis showed higher efficiencies for α-Fe2O3-C than for raw biochar in both aqueous solutions (88.58-96.66% versus 71.94-79.93%) and real effluent (48.01-61.90% versus 31.74-43.66%). The Langmuir model best described adsorption on biochar, while the Freundlich model fitted the best for the magnetic based biochar composite. Maximum capacities (Qmax) were 4.76 mg/g (biochar) and 12.72 mg/g (α-Fe2O3-C). Overall, the composite significantly improved indigo carmine removal and shows potential for treating dye-contaminated industrial effluents.
Copyright (c) 2025 KOFFI PIERRE DIT ADAMA N'GORAN, Naminata Sangare, Kakou Charles Kinimo, N’guessan Louis Berenger Kouassi, Lemeyonouin Aliou Guillaume Pohan, Donourou Diabate, Koffi Marcellin Yao, Albert Trokourey https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cobalt(III), Nickel(II) and Copper(II) Complexes of Schiff Base Ligand 5-Methoxy-2-[(E)-{[2-(thiophen-2-yl)ethyl]imino}methyl]phenol: Synthesis, Characterization, Biological Applications and Docking Studies
Schiff base ligand, 5-methoxy-2-[(E)-{[2-(thiophen-2-yl)ethyl]imino}methyl]phenol (LH) and its cobalt(III), nickel(II) and copper(II) metal complexes viz., Co(L)3, Ni(L)2, Cu(L)2 were synthesized and characterized. The structure of the ligand was established from the X-ray diffraction studies including other conventional techniques viz., FT-IR, UV-visible, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass studies. Complexes of the ligand LH were confirmed through FT-IR, UV-visible and CHN analysis. The ligand (LH) and its metal complexes were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antidiabetic potential, supported by a comprehensive computational molecular docking study. Docking simulations demonstrated strong and favourable binding interactions of the ligand and its complexes with major antimicrobial proteins, DNA gyrase and cytochrome P450 14α-sterol demethylase, as well as antidiabetic targets, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, thereby supporting the experimental findings. The antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method against bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and fungal strains Aspergillus flavus and Pichia anomala. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated through in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. The results indicated that both the ligand and its metal complexes exhibited moderate to good antibacterial and antifungal activities. However, in antidiabetic studies, the Cu(L)2 complex showed negligible inhibitory activity, while the remaining complexes displayed appreciable effects. Among all the tested compounds, the Co(L)3 complex emerged as the most promising antidiabetic agent, exhibiting significant inhibition of both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Overall, the experimental antimicrobial and antidiabetic outcomes showed strong agreement with the molecular docking results, underscoring the reliability of computational predictions in rationalizing the biological behaviour of the synthesized compounds.
Copyright (c) 2025 Latha R, Vijayakumar Giriyapura Revanasiddappa, Suchetan P A, Sreenivasa S, Shivaraja G, Thippeswamy B https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enhanced Electrochemical Detection of Ambroxol Using AgNPs/MWCNT/Nafion/GCE Composite Sensor
The development of the nanocomposite using AgNPs/MWCNT/Nafion/GCE in this study represents a significant advancement in the electrochemical detection of ambroxol, an important therapeutic agent in respiratory medicine. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were green-synthesized using Hyphaene thebaica extract and integrated with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a Nafion matrix to develop a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for ambroxol. SEM, XRD and FTIR confirmed irregular, crystalline AgNPs strongly capped with phytochemicals, while acid-treated MWCNTs exhibited enhanced dispersibility due to surface carboxylation. The AgNPs/MWCNT/Nafion-modified glassy carbon electrode showed markedly improved electrocatalytic activity, enlarged electroactive surface area and irreversible, diffusion-controlled oxidation of ambroxol. The optimal sensing conditions were obtained at pH 4, 6 µL modifier loading and a 4 min accumulation time. The sensor demonstrated a linear range of 0.01-5 × 10-5 M, a detection limit of 6 × 10-6 M, high selectivity and excellent reproducibility (RSD 3.6%). Application to spiked urine samples yielded an average recovery of 100.9%, validating its potential for pharmaceutical and clinical analysis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Riddhi Prakash Trivedi, Prajesh Prajapati https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Adsorption of Methylene Blue Dye: Thermodynamics and Kinetics Studies of Vigna unguiculata L. Seed Shell Activated Carbon
This study reports the efficient adsorption of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions using activated carbon derived from Vigna unguiculata L. seed shells (VUSSAC). The activated carbon was prepared through a sulphuric acid impregnation process, followed by carbonization at 500 ºC. The adsorption efficiency of VUSSAC was evaluated under varying experimental conditions, including adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time and temperature. Optimal dye removal was achieved at pH 10, an adsorbent dosage of 100 mg and a contact time of 120 min. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model indicating that the adsorption rate was controlled by chemical interactions. Adsorption isotherms were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models, with Langmuir isotherm best describing the adsorption, suggesting monolayer adsorption on a surface with uniform adsorption sites. Thermodynamic parameters, including changes in enthalpy (ΔHº), entropy (ΔSº) and Gibbs free energy (ΔGº), indicated that the adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous, with increased temperature enhancing the removal efficiency. Characterization of the adsorbent before and after adsorption was conducted using FT-IR, SEM, BET, XRD and AFM techniques. These analyses revealed the presence of functional groups and changes in the surface morphology of VUSSAC, supporting the efficient dye uptake. The results demonstrate that VUSSAC is a cost-effective, eco-friendly adsorbent with promising potential for the removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr.A.SIVAKUMAR ATHIMOOLAM https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical Composition and Pharmacological Activities of Peperomia pellucida Methanolic Leaf Extract: Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Anticancer Potentials
This study explores the phytochemical composition and biological activities of methanolic leaf extracts of Peperomia pellucida. Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis revealed a wide range of bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols and terpenoids, with the methanolic extract showing the richest profile. Antioxidant activity measured by the DPPH assay demonstrated strong free radical scavenging potential (IC50 = 75.4 µg/mL), comparable to ascorbic acid. The extract also exhibited potent antidiabetic effects through inhibition of α-amylase (IC50 = 60.8 µg/mL) and a-glucosidase (IC50 = 52.8 µg/mL), exceeding the standard drug acarbose. Furthermore, anticancer evaluation on MCF-7 breast cancer cells showed dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, inducing apoptotic features such as cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation and DNA cleavage, confirmed by AO/EB staining and DNA fragmentation assays. Overall, the methanolic extract of P. pellucida demonstrates strong antioxidant, antidiabetic and anticancer potential, supporting its future application in therapeutic development and cancer medicine.
Copyright (c) 2025 SHYBEY MARIAM ABRAHAM, Dr. IWIN C VARKEY https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Polyherbal Extracts as Antibacterial Agents: Phytochemical Profiling, MIC Assessment and in silico Targeting of Resistance Proteins
This research explores the use of polyherbal extracts from Eclipta prostrata, E. alba and Tridax procumbens as a potent antibacterial solution, reflecting their significant role in contemporary medicine. Through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, 45 distinct chemical compounds were identified in the ethanol extract, with the ethyl acetate extract revealing 35 different compounds. The chemical profiles of these compounds revealed substantial structural diversity and several demonstrated noteworthy antibacterial potential. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against various bacterial strains indicated effective antibacterial activity, particularly against E. coli and P. mirabilis, with MICs as low as 6.25 µg/mL. The study emphasized three compounds, including 6-acetyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl) purine, for their potential in drug development, attributed to their chemical properties such as the ability to form hydrogen bonds and favourable solubility and lipophilicity. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of polyherbal formulations, highlighting their value in addressing bacterial infections. The docking study demonstrates that 6-(3-fluorobenzylamino) purine exhibits a strong affinity towards ompC, murA and ESBL proteins through various interactions, indicating its potential as an inhibitory agent against drug-resistant proteins in the Enterobacteriaceae family. The positive docking scores across different proteins and interaction types underscore the compound’s versatility and potential effectiveness in combating antibiotic resistance. Further research could validate these in silico findings and explore the clinical applicability of such compounds in treating drug-resistant infections.
Copyright (c) 2025 SHANMUGAM , RAMKUMAR, PONMURUGAN, MANIVANNAN, JAGADEESAN https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Valorization of Food Waste as an Eco-Friendly Adsorbent for the Removal of Cationic Textile Dye from Aqueous Solutions: Kinetic, Isotherm and Thermodynamic Studies
In this study, Helix aspersa snail shells, a type of food waste and an effective adsorbent, were used to remove methyl violet 2B, a cationic dye commonly found in textile industry wastewater. This adsorbent is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, widely available and highly efficient. The characterization of the material was carried out using several techniques including SEM/EDX, XRD, TGA/DTA and FTIR, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the material’s properties. SEM/EDX analysis showed a heterogeneous morphology of this adsorbent, while XRD confirmed that the main component was CaCO3. After optimizing operational parameters, the highest removal efficiency (93.6%) was achieved at an initial dye concentration of 10 ppm, with particle size less than 0.1 mm, an adsorbent mass of 1.5 g, pH 8, an agitation speed of 700 rpm at a temperature of 20 ºC. The results showed a decrease in removal efficiency with increased ionic strength, with efficiency dropping to 49.5% at NaCl 1 M. The kinetic studies suggested that the adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption isotherms were best described by the Langmuir model, suggesting monolayer adsorption on a surface with identical sites. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the phenomenon was exothermic and spontaneous indicating that it is a physisorption process.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sara MEFTAH, Fatima Zohra BATANA, Salima MERGHACHE, Lila BOUZINA, Mutlu Sönmez ÇELEBI https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Novel Functional Acrylic Copolymers: Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular Docking and Biological Efficacy
In this study, the functional methacrylate monomers 2,4-dichlorophenyl methacrylate (2,4-DMA) and vanillin methacrylate (VMA) were synthesized and subjected to free-radical (co)polymerization at controlled feed ratios to generate a compositionally tunable copolymer series. Monomer-to-polymer conversion and chain microstructure were verified using FT-IR, 1H NMR and HPLC. The disappearance of vinyl proton resonances and the loss of C=C stretching bands, combined with high chromatographic purity (>99%), confirmed efficient propagation and minimal side reactions. Compositional variations in the copolymers were further reflected in systematic shifts in carbonyl and aromatic vibrational domains, consistent with differing contributions of the 2,4-dichlorophenyl and vanillin units to the polymer backbone. Biological evaluation demonstrated a clear composition-dependent antimicrobial response, with 2,4-DMA-rich copolymers exhibiting the highest inhibition against both bacterial and fungal strains. To complement the experimental findings, a molecular docking analysis was also performed against E. coli DNA gyrase (PDB: 1KZN). The selected copolymer fragment displayed a binding affinity of –5.20 kcal/mol, supported by hydrogen bonding with ASN46 and stabilizing π-alkyl, π-sigma, and alkyl interactions with residues such as ALA47, THR165, VAL43 and VAL167, consistent with the observed antibacterial potency. Based on the results, this study establishes 2,4-DMA/VMA copolymers as a structurally adaptable platform with tunable antimicrobial performance enhanced by favorable protein-binding interactions. These materials show promising aspects for antimicrobial coatings, protective films and biologically responsive polymer systems.
Copyright (c) 2025 RAJESH J. PATEL, BINDU C. PATEL; AKASH K. PATEL, RITESH R. CHAUHAN, ZARNA R. PATEL, JATIN D. PATEL, PRITESH M. THAKOR, KEYUR M. PANDYA, CHIRAG R. PATEL https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Annealing Temperature on Structural Variations, Optical and Magnetic Behaviour of CdO/FePO4 Nanophosphors
In present investigation, cadmium oxide-iron phosphate (CdO-FePO4) nanophosphors were prepared by chemical precipitation method. To understand the internal structural, optical, luminescence variations with effect of annealing temperature, the prepared samples are annealed at 200 ºC and 400 ºC for 8 h. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) analysis of the synthesized powder nanophosphors reveals the presence of an amorphous FePO4 phase along with a crystalline cubic CdO phase at a calcination temperature of 200 ºC. Upon increasing the annealing temperature to 400 ºC, the amorphous FePO4 transitions into a hexagonal crystalline phase, while the CdO phase remains unchanged in its cubic structure. The average crystallite size, lattice strain and dislocation density were also calculated to further characterize the material structure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images show a heterostructured morphology consisting of rectangular flakes surrounded by hexagonal spheres. As the annealing temperature increases, the size of the rectangular flakes decreases and the hexagonal spheres develop into a network structure, forming narrow rod-like morphologies that are distributed over the surface. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) confirms the presence of all requisite elements in the prepared nanophosphors. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy indicates vibrational modes corresponding to regular PO4 tetrahedra and metallic Cd-O bonding. With increasing temperature, the energy band gap decreases, it confirms the semiconducting behaviour of the CdO-FePO4 nanocomposites.
Copyright (c) 2025 sreedevi gogula https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Design, Synthesis, Characterization and Molecular Docking Studies of Benzimidazole-2-thione, Benzoxazole-2-thione and Benzothiazole-2-thione Derivatives as Potential HSV and HIV Inhibitors
In this work, the synthesis of 16 novel compounds generated through condensation reactions employing o-phenylenediamine, o-aminophenol and o-aminothiol is carried out. The synthesized products comprised derivatives of benzimidazole-2-thione, benzoxazole-2-thione and benzothiazole-2-thione, obtained in yields ranging from 70% to 90%. Structural elucidation was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. In addition, the study investigated the ADMET properties and dynamic molecular behaviour of the synthesized compounds. Significantly, this work introduces a novel synthetic strategy for generating derivatives of 2-mercapto-benzimidazole, 2-mercaptobenzoxazole and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, providing valuable understanding of their chemical structures and underlying formation pathways. Furthermore, the inhibitor activity of these molecules against HIV and HSV viruses was assessed using a docking method as an alternative to traditional laboratory experiments, enhancing the efficiency of antiviral screening.
Copyright (c) 2025 assiya atif, Soukaina ZAHM , Said JEBBARI , Nabil NOR, Hatim SOUFI, Houssine AIT SIR, Mohamed El housse, Habib El Alaoui El Abdellaoui, Mohammed SALAH https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Groundwater Fluoride Contamination in Balochistan, Pakistan: Health Risk and Regional Variability Analysis using HQ and NPI Indices
Groundwater fluoride contamination in Balochistan, Pakistan, poses significant public health and socio-economic challenges. This study comprehensively assessed groundwater quality across 7 districts, including Quetta, Loralai, Sibi, Kachi Bolan, Sohbatpur, Jafarabad and Naseerabad, through 825 samples collected during 2022 and 2023. Parameters analyzed included fluoride (F–), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and pH. Advanced indices, including hazard quotient (HQ), fluoride concentration (CF), pollution index (PIF) and Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI), were used to evaluate risks for male and female population groups. The highest F– contamination was observed in Sibi (58% unsafe samples), followed by Loralai (20.2%), with contamination severity ranked as Sibi > Loralai > Sohbatpur > Kachi Bolan > Quetta > Jafarabad > Naseerabad. HQ analysis revealed children are significantly more vulnerable, with the highest HQ for children observed in Sohbatpur (mean: 1.128). The CF analysis showed minimal risk for infants (< 1 year) but higher exposure for children (1-8 years), particularly in Sibi (mean: 0.112 mg/L). The NPI findings classified Nasirabad as minimal risk (NPI: 0.859), while Sibi, Sohbatpur, Kachi Bolan and Loralai posed high risks (NPI: 1.33-1.50), whereas EC and TDS variability highlighted groundwater quality differences, with high salinity and TDS concentrations in Sohbatpur and Jafarabad indicating unsuitability for drinking.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ghulam Murtaza Arain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Fe3O4:Ce@NaYF4 Core-Shell Nanocomposites: Hydrothermal Synthesis for Enhanced Magnetic, Photocatalytic and Supercapacitor Applications
A novel Fe3O4:Ce@NaYF4 core-shell nanocomposite was synthesized via a facile hydrothermal approach and comprehensively characterized for supercapacitor applications. Thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) confirmed the thermal stability of the nanocomposite, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) verified its crystalline phase purity. The functional group composition of the nanocomposites was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The formation of well-defined core-shell nanostructures was confirmed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) showed the uniform elemental distribution of core-shell elements. Optical properties analyzed through UV-Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy revealed improved visible-light absorption and reduced charge recombination, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to assess the elemental composition and oxidation states, while vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) measurement exhibited strong superparamagnetic behaviour, demonstrating the core-shell nanocomposites applicability in high-performance magnetic system. Comprehensive electrochemical analyses using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed enhanced supercapacitive performance, marked by high specific capacitance and reduced charge-transfer resistance. The synergistic integration of Fe3O3:Ce@NaYF4 core-shell nanocomposite underscores its potential for environmental remediation, magnetic and energy storage applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 V. Ponni, C. Rakkappan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Quinoline-Thiazolidinone-Isonicotinamide Hybrids as Potent InhA Inhibitors for Antitubercular Therapy
A series of quinoline–thiazolidinone–isonicotinamide hybrids (SK-1 to SK-12) was design, synthesized and characterized for their potential as antitubercular agent. The hybrid compounds were synthesized through a cyclization reaction using thioglycolic acid, affording yields of 63-76% with high stereoselectivity and their structure were confirmed by IR, 1H, 13C NMR, MS and elemental analysis. Molecular docking studies against M. tuberculosis Enoyl-ACP Reductase (InhA) revealed high binding affinities (-9.3 to -7.5 kcal/mol) significantly better than that of isoniazid (-7.5 kcal/mol) primarily mediated by hydrogen bonds with active-site residues such as ASP54, PHE149 and TYR158. ADMET prediction indicated drug-likeness, effective gastrointestinal absorption, low blood–brain barrier permeability and reduced risk of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. In vitro antitubercular assay was performed by Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA) and Low Oxygen Recovery Assay (LORA) methods, results showed that derivatives SK-3, SK-5 and SK-6 exhibited significant antitubercular activity as compared to isoniazid.
Copyright (c) 2025 Niranjan Kaushik, SATENDRA KUMAR https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Green Chemistry-Driven Synthesis and Chemical Profiling of Bimetallic Nanoparticles for Anticancer Applications: A Review
Nanotechnology has revolutionized cancer treatment by enabling targeted drug delivery, early detection and personalized therapies. Cancer treatments now include surgery, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and the emerging approach of nanotherapy. This new treatment regimen has fewer side effects than other available methods. Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles is playing a key role as a valuable alternative to chemical and physical routes, providing environmentally friendly products through eco-friendly, low-cost and biocompatible methods. Metal nanoparticles produced via green chemistry using biological sources reduce the risk of side effects and improve the metal’s effectiveness against cancer cells. Green nanoparticles have demonstrated significant potential in inducing cytotoxic effects against a range of cancer cell lines in scientific studies. Because of their synergistic properties, biosynthesized bimetallic nanoparticles incorporating two different metallic elements have emerged as an effective treatment for cancer, outperforming monometallic nanoparticles in terms of biomedical efficacy due to their synergistic properties. Due to the initiation of multiple molecular mechanisms, including apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy, these nanoparticles can penetrate cancer cells and induce their death. Three-dimensional cell culture models, such as spheroids, are used since they can effectively mimic the key characteristics of solid tumors found in humans, for example, their structural organization, cell layering structure, hypoxia and nutrient gradients. Current review highlights the recent advances of the bimetallic nanoparticles synthesized by green chemistry approach with special emphasis on the involvement of phytochemicals in their reduction, stabilization, functionalization processes and cancer killing potential, with a special mention of its efficacy on 3D tumor spheroids model. Similarities and differences with classic synthesis methods are emphasized, showing that the green routes are faster, less energy-consuming and result in less toxic byproducts, which are eco-friendly and bio-medically important. The mechanisms of nanoparticle formation are reviewed here for a better scientific understanding. It goes further by discussing the scalability and applicability of green synthesis with a focus on anticancer potential. In summary, the application of phyto-components for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles holds great promise for the treatment of cancer.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nancy Garg, Varsha Mishra, Ritu Chauhan, Adesh K. Saini, Damandeep Kaur, Seema Ramniwas, Hardeep Singh Tuli, Reena V. Saini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Carboxamide-Based Probe for Highly Selective Detection of Copper Ions: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Analysis, Theoretical Investigations and Catalytic Activity
A carboxamide based fluorescent probe N2,N6-bis(5-(p-tolyl)thiazol-2-yl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide was synthesized by the condensation reaction between pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic and amino derivative of thiazole and characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy and LC-MS spectral studies. Absorption and fluorescence titrations were used to study the fluorescent. The probe exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity towards Cu2+ ions over a spectrum of metal ions (Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Hg2+, Cr3+, Al3+, Fe2+, Sn2+ and Pb2+). Using Job’s plot measurements, the binding stoichiometry mode of the probe with the Cu2+ ion was estimated to be 2:1. The Benesi-Hildebrand equation yielded a stability constant value of 8.252 × 107 M–2 for the fluorescent probe. It was found that the fluorescent probe’s limit of detection (LOD) for the Cu2+ ion was 0.0242 µM. DFT analyses have also been performed to support the sensing technique. The Cu(II) complex's catalytic activity was assessed using the one-pot azide–alkyne cycloaddition click reaction in water without the use of any supplementary agents.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sanket Kumar Chakravarti, Vibha Sharma, Abhay Nanda Srivastva, Som Shankar Dubey, Netra Pal Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling Mediated Synthesis and Spectral Characterization of Novel Chalcones Derived from Substituted Phenothiazines
A new series of chalcone-functionalized 10H-phenothiazine derivatives (3a-h and 4a-h) was synthesized and characterized to explore their potential in medicinal chemistry. The compounds 3a-h and 4a-h were synthesized through Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling, subsequently acylated with appropriate cinnamic acid derivatives to afford the desired products. Spectral characterization using FTIR, 1H NMR, mass spectrometry and HPLC confirmed the successful synthesis of all the derivatives. FTIR revealed the characteristic C=O and C=C stretches, while 1H NMR indicated trans-olefinic protons (J = 15.6 Hz), confirming the E-configuration of the chalcone moiety. HRMS data aligned with theoretical molecular weights and HPLC showed excellent purity ranging from 94.2% to 99.3%. Notably, electron-withdrawing substituents such as Cl and CF3 influenced melting points and yields, suggesting significant structural impact on physico-chemical properties. These findings not only validate the synthetic strategy but also offer a structurally diverse framework for future bioactivity studies, particularly in anticancer or CNS-related drug development.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vishakha Hanumant Bansode, Smita Pawar, Amol Kale https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis of Phosphoric Acid Ester-based Flame Retardants and their Application via Sol-Gel Process to Enhance Flame Retardancy of Cotton Fabric
In order to enhance the flame retardancy of cotton fabric and expand it use in regions with strict fire safety regulations, the phosphoric acid esters-based organic compounds such as diphosphoric acid ethyleneglycol ester (diPEG), triphosphoric acid glycerol ester (triPGE), and tetraphosphoric acid pentaerythritol ester (tetraPPE) were synthesized and characterized by 1H-NMR, 31P-NMR and HRMS. The cotton fabric was treated with these compounds and aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) a sol-gel precursor by using sol-gel process. FTIR spectrum of treated fabric shows additional peaks at 1240 (P=O), 1044 (Si-O-Si) and 794 cm-1 (Si-O), which shows the presence of flame retardant coating on fabric. Thermogravimetric analysis was employed to conduct the change in path of thermal degradation of treated cotton fabric. The behavior of flame retardancy was assessed through auto flammability and limiting oxygen index examinations. The treated cotton fabric exhibits outstanding flame retardant properties during combustion and are extinguished promptly once the ignition is eliminated. The limiting oxygen index value of the cotton fabric after treatment with tetraPPE/APTES flame retardant reached 38.3%, which is sufficiently above the flame retardant value of about 27%. Morphological structures of fabric were also investigated using FESEM.
Copyright (c) 2025 J.B. Dahiya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tailoring of Copper(II) Oxide-Cellulose Nanocomposites for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Thymol Blue
The widespread release of synthetic dyes into aquatic ecosystems poses a serious environmental risk as a result of their toxicity, persistence and resistance to biodegradation. In this study, cellulose extracted from banana peels was combined with synthesized copper(II) oxide nanoparticles to fabricate CuO-cellulose nanocomposites for visible-light-driven degradation of thymol blue (ThB). The cellulose was isolated through sequential alkaline treatment, bleaching and acid hydrolysis, while CuO nanoparticles were prepared via co-precipitation and subsequent calcination. The nanocomposites were obtained by refluxing CuO with dispersed cellulose under alkaline conditions. Structural and compositional analyses through XRD, FTIR, XPS and FE-SEM/EDX confirmed the monoclinic CuO phase, the preservation of cellulose crystallinity and uniform nanoparticle anchoring on the cellulose matrix. UV-Vis DRS and Tauc analysis revealed that incorporation of cellulose effectively narrowed the band gap of CuO, enhancing visible-light absorption and interfacial charge transfer. Photocatalytic performance was assessed using ThB dye under controlled pH and temperature. Among the investigated compositions, the CuO-cellulose (3%) nanocomposite at 0.20 g/L exhibited the highest degradation efficiency, attributed to improved adsorption capacity, suppressed charge recombination and enhanced ROS generation. The results demonstrate the synergistic interaction between CuO and cellulose, offering a low-cost, sustainable and efficient photocatalyst for the removal of organic pollutant under visible light.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hafeezur Rehmaan, Jaspal Singh, Payal Devi, Nawal Kishor, Nitish Kumar, Payal Sharma, Anjali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Application of Chitosan-based Zirconia Hybrid Composite Functionalized with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Efficient Removal of Humic Acid from Water Samples
Humic acid (HA) is abundant in soil and aquatic systems and can hinder wastewater treatment by affecting the removal of heavy metals and other contaminants. Herein, this study presents chitosan-zirconia (CTS-ZrO2) composites doped with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) for HA adsorption. The composites were characterized using TGA, BET, EDX, XRD, FTIR and SEM. Batch experiments assessed the effects of pH (2-8), adsorbent dosage (1-5 g L-1), initial HA concentration (10-50 mg L-1), contact time (5-240 min), temperature (25-40 ºC), ionic strength, reusability and binary systems. The CT-ZrO2-f-MWCNTs composite exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 32.89 mg g-1 at pH 3, dosage of 2 g L-1, initial HA concentration of 10 mg L-1 and 25 ºC, achieving 99.04% removal within 30 min. The adsorbent remained effective after five cycles and isotherm studies indicated that adsorption followed the Langmuir Type II model, suggesting multilayer adsorption.
Copyright (c) 2025 Thabo, Conny, Lutendo Macevele https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Current Status and Key Challenges of Water Quality in the Olifants and Orange-Vaal River Systems, South Africa
This comprehensive review assesses the water quality in South Africa, with a specific focus on the Olifants and Orange-Vaal River systems. Both rivers serve as vital water sources for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes but face significant pollution challenges. This review integrates findings from recent peer-reviewed studies to characterize the dominant sources of contamination, evaluate their impacts on aquatic ecosystem integrity and assess associated risks to human health. It further outlines a suite of targeted, evidence-based recommendations to enhance water quality management within the Olifants and Orange-Vaal River catchments. These recommendations include implementing integrated and adaptive water resources management frameworks, expanding advanced monitoring, modelling and early-warning systems, strengthening regulatory enforcement, enhancing public environmental literacy, and improving coordination among government, industry and civil society. Collectively, the findings highlight the pressing need for coordinated, long-term interventions to protect South Africa’s freshwater systems under intensifying anthropogenic pressures and projected climate-change impacts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Landry Sendango Omalanga https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis of BaTiO3/Graphene Oxide/Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanocomposite Film based Nanogenerator for Energy Harvesting Application
Piezoelectric based flexible sensors are very important in the field of the wearable electronics and self-powered sensor applications. Herein, the synthesis of barium titanate nanoparticles (BT NPs) with a diameter are in the range of approximately 70-200 nm via hydrothermal process is reported. The synthesized BT NPs and graphene oxide (GO) are dispersed in PVDF polymer matrix to fabricate the nanocomposite film. Flexible nanogenerator was developed using BT/GO/PVDF nanocomposite film and copper electrodes and packed in the epoxy polymer. Nanogenerator exhibited the output voltage ~11 V and ~0.34 µW power under repeated mechanical tapping. The robustness of developed nanogenerator was studied under 1000 cycle of continuous mechanical tapping.
Copyright (c) 2025 Prashanthi Y, Yadagiri Rao Yasala, Mallesha H, Suresh Chary Kammari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pyrimidine Scaffolds as Versatile Platforms for Therapeutic Potential: A Review
Nitrogen-bearing heterocycles continue to shape modern medicinal chemistry owing to their structural adaptability and capacity to participate in diverse biochemical interactions. Within this class, pyrimidine frameworks have emerged as especially influential, providing a chemically economical core from which varied pharmacological profiles can be engineered. Their modular architecture supports precise functionalization, enabling the design of molecules with activities spanning antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitubercular, antimalarial and neuroactive domains. Recent studies demonstrate that integrating pyrimidine cores with complementary heterocycles particularly thiazole units can substantially enhance target engagement, strengthen metabolic stability and yield more favourable pharmacodynamic profiles. This review summarizes the current progress in the development of pyrimidine-based scaffolds, emphasizing the relationship between structural modification and biological response. The collective findings underscore the continued relevance of pyrimidine chemistry as a driver in the discovery of next-generation therapeutic agents.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Lalit Mohan Nainwal, Dr. Poonam Arora, Ms. Vanshika Bansal, Mr. Priyanshu Poonia, Dr. Shwetakshi Sharma, Ms. Pallavi Barik, Ms. Nidhi Tiwari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Iron(II) Chloride Catalyzed Ligand-Free Double Carbonylation of o-Diiodoarenes with Anilines: A Novel Synthetic Approach to Phthalimide Derivatives
Herein, an iron-catalyzed, ligand-free method for the double carbonylation of ortho-diiodoarenes with anilines in the presence of carbon monoxide is reported. This protocol proceeds efficiently, affording N-substituted phthalimides with excellent selectivity and high yields. The results highlight a novel and sustainable synthetic approach to phthalimide derivatives, underscoring the potential of iron catalysis in heterocycle construction.
Copyright (c) 2025 Markandeya sarma Vangala, Himabindu Gandham, Sridhar Chidara, Venkateswara Rao Battula https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Comparative Study of the Nutraceutical and Photoprotective Properties of Ethanolic Extracts from Peel and Pulp of Mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. TomEJC)
This research investigated the nutraceutical and photoprotective properties of ethanolic extracts obtained from the peel and pulp of Mangifera indica L. ‘TomEJC’ cultivar. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of phenols, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins and coumarins. The mango peel exhibited higher total phenolics (17.69 ± 0.51 mg of GAE per g of dry weight), flavonoid content (13.39 ± 0.43 mg of QE per g of dry weight), antioxidant activity (IC50 = 76.96 ± 5.11 µg/mL) and crude fiber content (15.66 ± 0.28%) compared to the pulp. The peel extract showed a higher sun protection factor (31.10 ± 1.18) compared to the pulp extract (2.00 ± 0.20), indicating strong UV-B absorption. GC/MS analysis identified several volatile compounds with known bioactivities in the peel extract. Findings suggest that TomEJC mango peel possesses superior nutraceutical and photoprotective properties compared to the pulp, highlighting its potential for applications in the herbal nutraceutical and cosmetic-pharmaceutical industries.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chandima Shashikala Kumari Rajapakse, Achila Ranasinghe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0