Results in Chemistry最新文献

{"title":"Influence of NaNbO3 morphology and particle size on hydrogen production via heterogeneous photocatalysis","authors":"Fabrício Vieira de Andrade ,&nbsp;Giovanna Machado ,&nbsp;Leonardo José Lins Maciel ,&nbsp;Guilherme Oliveira Siqueira ,&nbsp;Matheus Araújo Pereira ,&nbsp;Felipe L.N. Sousa ,&nbsp;Victor de Alvarenga Oliveira","doi":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102731","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102731","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sodium niobate (NaNbO₃) was synthesized via microwave-assisted hydrothermal and Pechini polymer precursor resulting in materials with different particle sizes and morphologies. Both synthesized materials were evaluated as photocatalysts for hydrogen production from water under simulated solar irradiation, using glycerol as a hole scavenger. The results demonstrated a strong correlation between photocatalytic performance and material morphology, with the Pechini-derived NaNbO₃ exhibiting significantly higher hydrogen evolution rates. This superior performance was attributed to its nanostructured morphology, which provides a larger specific surface area and an increased number of active sites for photocatalytic reaction. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring synthesis routes to optimize the structural and textural properties of NaNbO₃ for efficient hydrogen generation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":420,"journal":{"name":"Results in Chemistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 102731"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145155396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing n+ poly-Si layer doping and plasma treatments for enhanced electrical and thickness uniformity in n-type c-Si wafers","authors":"Hasnain Yousuf ,&nbsp;Muhammad Quddamah Khokhar ,&nbsp;Alamgeer ,&nbsp;Mengmeng Chu ,&nbsp;Rafi ur Rahman ,&nbsp;Maha Nur Aida ,&nbsp;Donghyun Oh ,&nbsp;Youngkuk Kim ,&nbsp;Junsin Yi","doi":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102726","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102726","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates n⁺ polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) layers, focusing on doping concentration and post-deposition treatments, to understand their electrical and structural properties on n-type crystalline silicon wafers. To address challenges in conductivity and film uniformity, the PH₃/SiH₄ gas ratio (1.2–4.0) was varied during PECVD deposition, followed by high-temperature annealing and selective NH₃ plasma exposure. Amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) was first deposited (on ultrathin SiO_x for optical-uniformity mapping) and subsequently crystallized into n⁺ poly-Si by annealing at 900 °C. Post-treatments (HF dip, NH₃ plasma) were then applied. Increasing dopant ratio raised carrier concentration (<em>n</em>) from 1.4 × 10²⁰ to 3.16 × 10²⁰ cm⁻³ while decreasing resistivity (<em>ρ</em>) and sheet resistance (<em>R</em>_<em>s</em>). Zone-dependent variations were evident across the 8-zone PECVD: Zone 4 generally exhibited lower <em>R</em>_<em>s</em> and higher <em>μ</em>, whereas Zone 8 lagged. Annealing improved crystallinity and electrical uniformity; NH₃ plasma, used here as a surface treatment on the poly-Si layer (not a full passivating-contact stack), produced a small increase in <em>R</em>_<em>s</em> that indicates the need for further plasma-parameter tuning for uniform electrical outcomes. Raman and ellipsometry confirmed crystallinity (<em>X</em>_<em>c</em>) and thickness distributions consistent with transport trends. This work focuses on layer-level optimization of n⁺ poly-Si; surface passivation quality and contact resistivity (<em>ρ</em>_<em>c</em>) of complete poly-Si/SiO_x stacks are not evaluated and will be addressed in future work. For electrical characterization, Hall parameters (<em>n</em>, <em>μ</em>) were extracted using glass-surrogate structures to avoid substrate conduction, and <em>R</em>_<em>s</em> was measured on wafers by four-point probe. The optimized layers are intended for rear-side electron-selective contacts in conventional n-type TOPCon, where optical penalties are modest; front-side use would require additional thickness minimization and optical re-optimization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":420,"journal":{"name":"Results in Chemistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 102726"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145217053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Benchmarking automated feature engineering in oxidative coupling of methane and the impact of domain knowledge","authors":"Jun Maki ,&nbsp;Hiromasa Kaneko","doi":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102730","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102730","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In materials informatics, feature engineering is an essential process that improves model accuracy and model interpretability. In this study, efficient methods for feature engineering were investigated. Existing libraries (TPOT, autofeat, Feature-engine, and xfeat) that automatically or semi-automatically perform feature engineering were used, and feature creation and selection were performed by these libraries. The libraries are unique, with some focusing on automation and others on high-performance feature selection. The target data was an oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction downloaded from the catalytic reaction database. In addition, feature engineering using domain knowledge was performed, and the results obtained using each library were compared. These libraries showed practical performance, especially in feature selection. However, the domain knowledge-based method was more effective in terms of feature creation. Therefore, in order to efficiently construct models with higher performance, it is effective to combine feature creation using domain knowledge and feature selection using libraries. Adsorption of methane or oxygen on the catalyst surface is an essential factor in the OCM reaction, and the metal elements selected as important features in this study could have contributed to the reaction in the above sense.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":420,"journal":{"name":"Results in Chemistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 102730"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of copper nanocatalyst performance in S-methyl thioformate synthesis from carbon monoxide: Structural and mechanistic insights","authors":"Fatemeh Fallah Eri Sofla ,&nbsp;Leila Mahdavian ,&nbsp;Azam Marjani","doi":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102728","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102728","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>S</em>-methyl thioformate (MTF) holds promise in pharmaceutical applications due to its antimicrobial properties and role in synthesizing therapeutic agents for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. This study employs density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the catalytic synthesis of MTF from carbon monoxide (CO) and methanethiol (CH₃SH) using a Cu₂₀O₂₀ nanocatalyst model. Three reaction pathways were explored based on varying reactant ratios: Path A (1:1 CO:CH₃SH leading to CH₃SCOH), Path B (2:1 CO:CH₃SSH, leading to HCOSCH₃ + COS), and Path C (1:2 CO:CH₃SH, leading to CH₃SCOH + H₂S). Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses reveal Path A as the most favorable, characterized a lower energy barrier (15–20 kcal.mol⁻¹) and enhanced charge transfer (0.26 |e|), leads to efficient MTF formation. Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis of MTF conformations indicates the <em>cis</em> form is more stable, attributed to optimized bond lengths, electron distributions, and hyper conjugative interactions. These findings provide mechanistic insights for optimizing catalytic processes in sulfur chemistry, with implications for developing stable pro-drugs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":420,"journal":{"name":"Results in Chemistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 102728"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antibacterial properties of surface-active synthesized 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium based ionic liquids: experimental, molecular docking and DFT calculations","authors":"Vuyolwethu Tokoyi ,&nbsp;Charlene Pillay ,&nbsp;Madhur Babu Singh ,&nbsp;Bakusele Kabane ,&nbsp;Prashant Singh ,&nbsp;Saheed Sabiu ,&nbsp;Nirmala Deenadayalu","doi":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102711","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102711","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ionic liquids are continuously being synthesized and metathesized with their properties being evaluated, particularly the degradation of these compounds for possible industrial applications. Herein, a series of 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium based ionic liquids were synthesized, characterized and evaluated for antibacterial potencies including degradation using photocatalytic approach. The obtained thermograms from both TGA and DSC illustrated [1-allyl-3-mim] [OTf] as the most thermally stable among the examined ionic liquids with a glass transition phase at 36.6 °C. The acidity levels of the ionic liquids estimated by using Hammett's acidity function revealed H₀ values in the range of 3.9861 to 4.2857. As a result of the commonly known non-biodegradability of ILs, the photocatalytic degradation process was conducted and proven to be ineffective against 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium salicylate [1-allyl-3-mim][SaL] which was still present after 72 h. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated using the microbial susceptibility testing against selected gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using an agar well diffusion method and revealed diverse degrees of susceptibility of the tested organisms, with <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> ATCC BAA 1744 and <em>Escherichia coli</em> ATCC 11775 being the least and most sensitive to all the treatments, respectively. Molecular docking was done by iGEMDOCK software to predict the binding affinities of the ionic liquids and selected bacterial protein targets. This revealed negative binding energies with values of −89.31 kcal/mol for <em>E. coli</em>, −91.83 kcal/mol for <em>P. aeruginosa</em>, −89.91 kcal/mol for <em>S. aureus</em> and − 73.26 kcal/mol for <em>S. pneumoniae</em>. In addition, the electronic properties of the synthesized ionic liquids were calculated using Density Functional Theory (DFT).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":420,"journal":{"name":"Results in Chemistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 102711"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A theoretical investigation on the hydrolysis of gold(III) 1,10-phenanthroline complexes and their interaction with amino acids and DNA purine bases","authors":"Asitbaran Barik,&nbsp;Paritosh Mondal","doi":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102723","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102723","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores the hydrolysis mechanism and biomolecular interaction of gold(III) phenanthroline-based anticancer complexes, such as [Au^III(1,10-phenanthroline)Cl₂][PF₆] (R1), [Au^III(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline)Cl₂][PF₆] (R2), [Au^III(5-chloro-1,10-phenanthroline)Cl₂][PF₆] (R3), and [Au^III(5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline)Cl₂][PF₆] (R4), using the density functional theory (DFT) method incorporating solvation by a conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM). The detailed structural characteristics and thermodynamics for the hydrolysis of all selected gold complexes have been evaluated. Hydrolysis mechanism proceeds via two sequential steps: (i) first chloride substitution to form mono-aquated intermediates and (ii) remaining chloride substitution yielding di-aquated products. Thermodynamics and kinetic analysis suggest that the first hydrolysis step is rate-determining, with higher activation free energies (<em>∆</em>G: P1-I = 21.6 kcal/mol, P2-I = 21.3 kcal/mol, P3-I = 21.7 kcal/mol, and P4-I = 22.0 kcal/mol) compared to the second hydrolysis step (<em>∆</em>G: P1-II = 20.5 kcal/mol, P2-II = 20.1 kcal/mol, P3-II = 20.8 kcal/mol and P4-II = 21.1 kcal/mol). DFT evaluated, rate constant (<em>k</em>) values for the second hydrolysis of R1, R2, R3 and R4 are 2.32 × 10⁻², 4.43× 10⁻², 1.42 × 10⁻², and 8.78 × 10⁻² s ⁻¹, respectively, indicating faster second hydrolysis of the gold complexes. The di-aquated complexes exhibits enhanced electrophilicity, enabling stronger interactions with biomolecules. Binding interaction with DNA bases (adenine and guanine) and amino acids (cysteine and selenocysteine) demonstrates preferential affinity for the N7 site of guanine and selenium in selenocysteine. Kinetic study and activation free energies indicate that these interactions are stabilized by hydrogen bonding in all stationary points i.e. RA(reactant adduct), TS(transition state), and PA(product adduct) obtained during ligand exchange processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":420,"journal":{"name":"Results in Chemistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 102723"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tailoring PVDF membrane antifouling properties via tannic acid blending and chitosan surface coating","authors":"Sri Mulyati ,&nbsp;Cut Meurah Rosnelly ,&nbsp;Medyan Riza ,&nbsp;Syawaliah Muchtar ,&nbsp;Aulia Chintia Ambarita ,&nbsp;Anisa Luthfiana ,&nbsp;Muhammad Prayogie Aulia ,&nbsp;Muhammad Roil Bilad","doi":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102709","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102709","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polyvinylidene Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes are widely applied in water treatment but their inherent hydrophobicity leads to severe organic fouling and microbial contamination. In this study, a dual-modification strategy combining tannic acid and chitosan was employed to enhance the hydrophilicity and biofouling resistance of PVDF membranes. The membranes were fabricated via non-solvent induced phase separation, followed by tannic acid incorporation and chitosan surface coating at different concentrations and immersion times. Comprehensive characterization was performed, including water contact angle, scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, pure water flux, humic acid rejection, flux recovery ratio, and <em>Escherichia coli</em> inactivation. Among the prepared samples, the membrane containing 3 % tannic acid and coated with 1 % chitosan for 30 min (M4) exhibited the best overall performance, achieving a reduced water contact angle of 72.92°, a flux recovery ratio of 121.33 %, humic acid rejection of 98.47 %, and <em>E. coli</em> reduction exceeding 95 %. Elemental analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of hydrophilic and antimicrobial functional groups. These enhancements are attributed to the combined effects of the biopolymer additives, which improved permeability and resistance to fouling. The findings highlight that membrane M5 demonstrated the optimal balance of hydrophilicity, antifouling, and biofouling resistance<strong>.</strong> This research presents a sustainable approach to membrane surface engineering using natural materials, offering a viable alternative for advanced water treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":420,"journal":{"name":"Results in Chemistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 102709"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding of the optical/photocatalytic properties of bismuth oxyiodide with reduced graphene oxide","authors":"Lisdelys González-Rodríguez ,&nbsp;Osvaldo Yañez ,&nbsp;David Contreras ,&nbsp;Yoan Hidalgo-Rosa ,&nbsp;Ximena Zarate ,&nbsp;Mario Saavedra-Torres ,&nbsp;Eduardo Schott ,&nbsp;Carolina Baeza ,&nbsp;Udayabhaskar Rednam ,&nbsp;R.V. Mangalaraja ,&nbsp;Daniel Mondaca","doi":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102706","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102706","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Semiconductor photocatalysis has attracted great interest because it offers a promising approach to solving environmental aquatic pollution. This study comprehends a synthesis via the reflux method for obtaining Bismuth Oxyiodide (BiOI) and BiOI joined at reduced graphene oxide (BiOI/rGO). The materials were studied using different experimental and theoretical techniques including X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms, SEM, TEM, Raman, DRS, and density functional theory calculations (DFT). The results indicated that BiOI/rGO has a crystal structure considerably stable, where interplanar spacing and the lattice parameters experienced only slight changes. Experimental and theoretical results show that electronic interaction between rGO sheet and BiOI reduced the band-gap, but in the case of DFT underestimation of band-gap values. DFT analysis showed the role of the hydroxyl group and epoxy groups in the charge transfer along the interfacial direction of heterostructure BiOI/rGO. The adsorption-photocatalytic ability of BiOI/rGO was 2.5 times higher than the pristine BiOI. This study underscores the importance of material design in enhancing photocatalytic applications, paving the way for further research into similar composites for environmental remediation. The developed material will provide a novel strategy to facilitate the treatment of polluted waters in modern environmental engineering.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":420,"journal":{"name":"Results in Chemistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 102706"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"GC–MS method for routine analysis of camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol in traditional topical products: Addressing compliance and adulteration from Malaysia's National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency","authors":"Muhammad Amirul Amil ,&nbsp;Kok Zheng Gan ,&nbsp;Muhammad Shahariz Mohamad Adzib ,&nbsp;Nur Baizura Bujang ,&nbsp;Ahmad Yusri Mohd Yusop ,&nbsp;Mohd Rohaizad Md Roduan","doi":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102721","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102721","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Topical formulations like liniments, ointments, creams, and patches, commonly used for their therapeutic benefits, often rely on potent active compounds such as camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol. However, ensuring the accurate quantification of these compounds is critical for maintaining product safety, efficacy, and consistency. In this study, a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method was developed and validated to allow for the simultaneous quantification of these compounds, offering a reliable tool for quality control in traditional medicine products. Eugenol was used as the internal standard, and the samples were extracted using a sonication-assisted solvent extraction technique. Separation was achieved using a BP-624 GC capillary column (30 m × 250 μm × 1.4 μm), with acquisition completed within 16 min. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 1 and 3 μg/mL, respectively. Linearity was established for camphor, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol, with r² values of 0.999, 0.998, 0.999, and 0.998, respectively. The method demonstrated accuracy, with recoveries ranging between 96.54 %–103.89 % for camphor, 94.98 %–104.10 % for menthol, 97.53 %–104.02 % for methyl salicylate, and 96.72 %–104.70 % for thymol. Acceptable precision was confirmed, with the percentage of relative standard deviations (%RSD) ranging from 1.88 % to 3.69 %. This method was successfully applied to four distinct product formulations and validated using commercially available traditional products, demonstrating its suitability for routine quality control analysis. Subsequently, it was employed to analyse actual surveillance and complaint samples obtained. The analysis revealed considerable variability in the concentrations of active compounds across different formulations. Notably, three samples exceeded the permissible limits outlined in the Drug Registration Guidance Document (DRGD) established by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), suggesting potential adulteration and non-compliance with regulatory standards. The development and application of this validated method are therefore significant to ensuring product safety, safeguarding consumers, and enforcing adherence to regulatory requirements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":420,"journal":{"name":"Results in Chemistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 102721"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145217052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergistic cytotoxicity of curcumin and plumbagin via reactive oxygen species mediated-apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cervical cancer cell line","authors":"Iftikhar Ahmad ,&nbsp;Torki A. Zughaibi ,&nbsp;Mohammad Hassan Alhashmi ,&nbsp;Turki Abujamel ,&nbsp;Mahmoud Alhosin ,&nbsp;Mohd Shahnawaz Khan ,&nbsp;Ajoy Kumer ,&nbsp;Shams Tabrez","doi":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102720","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rechem.2025.102720","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. This study explored the synergistic anticancer effects of curcumin (Cur) and plumbagin (PL) in a human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). A concentration-dependent decline in cell viability was recorded in response to curcumin and plumbagin singlet treatment with the IC₅₀ value of 7.8 μM and 6 μM, respectively. However, the combination of Cur + PL showed significantly enhanced cytotoxicity compared with the singlet compounds. Moreover, normal human lung fibroblast cell (PCS-201-013) did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity up to the IC₅₀ values of these compounds. The combined treatment led to cell cycle arrest at the G₂/M phase and 40 % induction of apoptosis compared to untreated/solvent controls. The co-treatment (Cur + PL) also demonstrated an increased expression of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and tumor suppression (p53) genes, along with the reduced expression of the anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2). Moreover, the application of plumbagin, curcumin, or combination of both resulted in a notable enhancement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) when compared to the untreated control. These results demonstrated the possible synergistic effect of Cur + PL combination and highlighted their significantly enhanced therapeutic potential, which could be further exploited as a possible candidate for cervical cancer treatment. However, further validation is required in a suitable xenograft model so that this potent combination could be exploited in clinics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":420,"journal":{"name":"Results in Chemistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 102720"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145155454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}