{"title":"Enhanced Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Activity of Green Synthesized CuO/ZnO Nanocomposites Using Lagerstroemia Speciosa Flower Extract","authors":"Priyansh Pandey, Yogesh Kumar Shukla, Ashok Kumar Srivastava, Janardan Prasad Pandey, Prem Kumar Singh, Jitendra Kumar","doi":"10.1007/s10876-026-03048-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10876-026-03048-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Nowadays, water pollution is becoming a serious concern for the environment owing to the discharge of chemical pollutants, mainly consisting of different kinds of dyes from various industries. The present investigation discusses the plant-mediated synthesis of CuO/ZnO (CuZn10 and CuZn20 for 10% and 20% of CuO stoichiometry, respectively) bimetallic nanocomposites employing <i>Lagerstroemia Speciosa</i> flower extract and its application as a photocatalyst. The structural and optical characteristics, chemical composition, functional groups, and morphology of the synthesized CuO/ZnO bimetallic nanoparticles were investigated using XRD, UV-visible spectroscopy, EDS, SEM, FTIR, and BET techniques. The maximum absorption peaks were observed at 359 nm for CuZn20 and at 364 nm for CuZn10. The band gaps were estimated to be 2.92 eV and 2.82 eV, respectively. The comparative photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the two binary composites was evaluated for the materials. In 90 min of exposure to sunlight, the CuZn20 bimetallic nanoparticles showed better catalytic efficiency than the CuZn10 bimetallic nanoparticles against Methylene Blue (MB). Additionally, the synthesized nanocomposites showed excellent antibacterial activity against <i>L. monocytogenes</i> and <i>S. typhi</i>.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture><span>The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.</span></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":618,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cluster Science","volume":"37 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148237214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Integrating LAMP-coupled Modification SPCE with SiNWs/PtNPs in an Electrochemical DNA Biosensor for Real-time Monitoring of Porcine DNA Amplification","authors":"Norzila Kusnin, Nor Azah Yusof, Jaafar Abdullah, Suriana Sabri, Shuhaimi Mustafa, Shinobu Sato, Shigeori Takenaka, Azizul Isha","doi":"10.1007/s10876-026-03041-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10876-026-03041-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study presents a novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for the rapid and sensitive detection of porcine DNA, addressing critical needs in food safety and compliance with halal and kosher dietary laws. The key innovation lies in the design of highly specific primers targeting Sus scrofa mitochondrial DNA, ensuring accurate identification with minimal cross-reactivity. The LAMP technique was selected for its rapid amplification, isothermal operation, and simplified equipment requirements, making it suitable for on-site applications and reducing overall costs. Optimization of reaction conditions enabled reliable DNA amplification at 63°C within 60 minutes. The progress of the amplification was monitored in real time by measuring turbidity, while successful DNA synthesis was further confirmed by gel electrophoresis. For sensitive detection and quantification, an electrochemical DNA biosensor was integrated into the workflow. This biosensor utilizes a silicon nanowire–platinum nanoparticle–modified screen-printed carbon electrode and ferrocenylnaphthalene diimide as a dsDNA intercalator, enabling precise, real-time monitoring of the LAMP reaction. The optimized assay achieved a detection limit of 175.2 ng/μL, demonstrating high sensitivity for low-level porcine DNA detection. Specificity was validated across various meat sources and processed foods, with no false positives observed. The biosensor-based method also successfully detected porcine DNA in mixed meat samples, highlighting its strong potential for practical use in food authenticity testing and regulatory compliance.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture><span>The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.</span></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":618,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cluster Science","volume":"37 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10876-026-03041-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148237213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohammed Fouad Ferhat, Ridha Messai, Youcef Redjeb, Nourelhouda Bounedjar, N. A. Al-Taisan, Insha Nahvi, Shima Sadaf, Mir Waqas Alam
{"title":"Non-Thermal Plasma Enhanced Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Aspirin in Water Using ZnO Nanoparticles","authors":"Mohammed Fouad Ferhat, Ridha Messai, Youcef Redjeb, Nourelhouda Bounedjar, N. A. Al-Taisan, Insha Nahvi, Shima Sadaf, Mir Waqas Alam","doi":"10.1007/s10876-026-03049-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10876-026-03049-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The presence of pharmaceutical contaminants such as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) in aquatic systems poses significant risks to environmental and human health. Here, we report a synergistic treatment approach combining ZnO nanoparticle photocatalysis with non-thermal plasma (NTP) activation to achieve rapid and efficient aspirin degradation in water. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via the GAD plasma method and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, UV–Vis, and PL spectroscopy, confirming their hexagonal wurtzite structure, nanoscale morphology, and high optical activity. Photocatalytic experiments under UV irradiation achieved substantial aspirin removal, which was further enhanced when coupled with gliding arc discharge plasma treatment, reaching over 99% degradation and significant total organic carbon (TOC) reduction. The combined process exploits reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated at the plasma liquid interface, promoting accelerated electron hole separation and radical-driven oxidation at the nano-geo interface. This work demonstrates a green, highly efficient hybrid advanced oxidation process for pharmaceutical pollutant mitigation, contributing to sustainable water remediation strategies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":618,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cluster Science","volume":"37 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148237298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Okba Zemali, Hamdi Ali Mohammed, Salah Eddine Laouini, Chaima Salmi, Kamel Khennoufa, Maamra Mebarka, Djaafar Zemali, Abderrhmane Bouafia, Johar Amin Ahmed Abdullah, Mahmood M. S. Abdullah, Talha Bin Emran
{"title":"Retraction Note: Citric Acid-Assisted Biosynthesis of MgO/MgO2 Nanocomposites: Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Brilliant Cresyl Blue, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity Supported by Computational Simulations","authors":"Okba Zemali, Hamdi Ali Mohammed, Salah Eddine Laouini, Chaima Salmi, Kamel Khennoufa, Maamra Mebarka, Djaafar Zemali, Abderrhmane Bouafia, Johar Amin Ahmed Abdullah, Mahmood M. S. Abdullah, Talha Bin Emran","doi":"10.1007/s10876-026-03047-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10876-026-03047-6","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":618,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cluster Science","volume":"37 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148172143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ali Abdalameer Jaythoom AL-Abedi, Sana Basim Mohammed, Maryam Mohammed Jebur, Walid Theib Mohammad, Abduladheem AL-Attabi, Ghadah Ali Al-Oudah, Alabbas Abdulkareem Majeed
{"title":"Bio-Inspired Cadmium-Doped Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles and Evaluation of their Photocatalysis and Cytotoxicity Effects","authors":"Ali Abdalameer Jaythoom AL-Abedi, Sana Basim Mohammed, Maryam Mohammed Jebur, Walid Theib Mohammad, Abduladheem AL-Attabi, Ghadah Ali Al-Oudah, Alabbas Abdulkareem Majeed","doi":"10.1007/s10876-026-03043-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10876-026-03043-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Leaf extract of <i>Salvadora persica</i> L. was used for the green synthesis of pure and cadmium-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles (Cd-CeO₂-NPs). The nanoparticles were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and UV-Visible spectroscopy. XRD, UV-Vis, and EDX analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of cadmium into the CeO₂ lattice. FESEM revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles were spherical with a size range of 10–20 nm ± 2 nm. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under UV-A light. The results showed photodegradation efficiencies of 71.49% ± 1.50% and 87.47% ± 1.80% for pure CeO₂-NPs and Cd-CeO₂-NPs, respectively (<i>n</i> = 3). Cytotoxicity assessment against MCF-7 breast cancer cells indicated that CeO₂-NPs exhibited a greater inhibitory effect than Cd-CeO₂-NPs.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":618,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cluster Science","volume":"37 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148173270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zeinab M. Hassan, Amany S. Abdelhamid, Ghada M. Abd El-Hafez, Mohamed E. Goher, Haitham M. El-Bery, Hani Nasser Abdelhamid
{"title":"MOF-Derived ZnSe&CoSe2@N-Doped Carbon/g-C3N4 for Efficient Photodegradation of Organic Dyes","authors":"Zeinab M. Hassan, Amany S. Abdelhamid, Ghada M. Abd El-Hafez, Mohamed E. Goher, Haitham M. El-Bery, Hani Nasser Abdelhamid","doi":"10.1007/s10876-026-03040-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10876-026-03040-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A highly efficient heterostructured photocatalyst was synthesized using a dual metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived method, succeeded by carbonization, selenization, and hydrothermal hybridization with g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>, referred to as ZnSe&CoSe<sub>2</sub>@N-doped carbon/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>. The structural, optical, textural, morphological, and electrochemical properties were examined using XRD, FT-IR, DRS, surface area analysis, TEM/HR-TEM, SEM images, EDX mapping, photoluminescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and Mott–Schottky analysis. The optimized 3 wt% ZnSe&CoSe<sub>2</sub>@N-doped C/g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> composite exhibited superior photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB), in contrast to g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> and ZnSe&CoSe<sub>2</sub>@N-doped C. The heightened activity is attributed to effective heterojunction creation, enhanced charge transfer, less electron-hole recombination, and improved light absorption. Radical-trapping experiments indicated that hydroxyl radicals were the reactive species involved in dye degradation, whereas electrochemical assessments validated improved charge separation and interfacial carrier mobility. The addition of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> enhanced the degradation efficiency to over 97% and reduced the degradation time (< 20 min) by facilitating the generation of •OH radicals.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":618,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cluster Science","volume":"37 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148173271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lokanadhan Gunti, Naveen Kumar Kalagatur, Anusuya Nagaraj, Pranab Kumar Mahata, Regina Sharmila Dass
{"title":"Phytochemical-guided Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles from Punica granatum Peel for Control of Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin B₁: Mechanistic and Safety Insights","authors":"Lokanadhan Gunti, Naveen Kumar Kalagatur, Anusuya Nagaraj, Pranab Kumar Mahata, Regina Sharmila Dass","doi":"10.1007/s10876-026-03037-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10876-026-03037-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study reports the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using <i>Punica granatum</i> fruit peel extract and evaluates their antifungal and antimycotoxin potential against <i>Aspergillus flavus</i>. UV–visible spectroscopy confirmed the formation of SeNPs, with an absorption peak at 358 nm, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of hydroxyl, amide, phenolic, and carbonyl groups in nanoparticle reduction and stabilization. The SeNPs were predominantly spherical, with sizes of 33–68 nm, and had a negative zeta potential (− 27 mV), indicating good colloidal stability. SeNPs exhibited potent antifungal activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 22.39 ± 0.80 µg/mL and a minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 46.92 ± 2.65 µg/mL. Complete inhibition of mycelial growth and aflatoxin B₁ production occurred at 50 µg/mL. Mechanistic studies revealed concentration-dependent inhibition of spore germination, with complete suppression at 30 µg/mL, accompanied by excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Elevated ROS levels caused significant ergosterol depletion, loss of membrane integrity, and intracellular leakage of DNA and proteins. Cytocompatibility studies showed preferential toxicity toward cancer cells over normal cells, with a selectivity index (SI) of ~ 1.55. Zebrafish embryo biocompatibility assessment revealed a No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) of 70 µg/mL, with mild developmental effects at the Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC) of 80 µg/mL. <i>P. granatum</i> peel extract-derived SeNPs demonstrate strong antifungal and antimycotoxin activities, mediated through ROS-induced oxidative stress, membrane disruption, and ergosterol depletion, while maintaining acceptable safety, indicating potential use in food safety and mycotoxin control.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":618,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cluster Science","volume":"37 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148009499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dinh Trung Do, Quoc Vinh Tran, Ngoc Tuyen Nguyen, Le Thi My Hiep, Ngoc Bao Tri Pham, Thu Trang Ta, Quy Hieu Doan, Tran Duong Vu, Thi Thu Thao Bui, Le Thai Duy, Vinh Quang Dang, Cong Khanh Tran
{"title":"Structural Effect and Antimicrobial Performance of AgCu Bimetallic Nanoparticles against the Marine Microbial Community","authors":"Dinh Trung Do, Quoc Vinh Tran, Ngoc Tuyen Nguyen, Le Thi My Hiep, Ngoc Bao Tri Pham, Thu Trang Ta, Quy Hieu Doan, Tran Duong Vu, Thi Thu Thao Bui, Le Thai Duy, Vinh Quang Dang, Cong Khanh Tran","doi":"10.1007/s10876-026-03042-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10876-026-03042-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Many recent studies address marine biofouling, a costly issue caused by organism accumulation on marine structures, and the need for effective antifouling coatings with reduced ecological impact. Copper-based antifouling paints dominate the market due to broad-spectrum bioactivity but pose environmental risks from copper ion leaching, leading to stricter regulations. Copper-based nanomaterials, especially bimetallic silver-copper (AgCu) nanoparticles supported on silica (SiO<sub>2</sub>), offer promising alternatives due to enhanced antimicrobial performance and controlled ion release. This study investigates how the sub-microstructure of AgCu nanoparticles affects their antimicrobial activity. Two types of AgCu/SiO<sub>2</sub> nanocomposites (NC) with distinct sub-microstructures—homophase (alloyed) and heterophase (multiphase)—were prepared via a modified polyol method using different solvents. Tests on marine microbial communities showed that the heterophase NC exhibits stronger antibacterial activity at a lower concentration (250 µg mL<sup>− 1</sup>) than the homophase NC (500 µg⋅mL<sup>− 1</sup>), attributed to higher metal ion release and increased reactive oxygen species generation. The heterophase NC also exhibited more stable silver ion release, while copper ion behavior was complex and environmentally dependent. This work highlights the sub-microstructure’s impact on antibacterial efficacy and environmental behavior, promoting targeted design of antifouling coatings balancing performance and ecological safety in marine applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":618,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cluster Science","volume":"37 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148009421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development and Characterization of Dexamethasone-loaded Spanlastics for Ocular Delivery in the Treatment of Uveitis","authors":"Halla Munir Kayani, Sehrish Ali, Aqeedat Javed, Abeer Tariq, Muhammad Usman, Syeda Komal Fatima, Amna Khan Adil, Nida Javaid, Ismail Badshah, Naqeeb Ullah, Ahmad Khan","doi":"10.1007/s10876-026-03038-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10876-026-03038-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The current study aimed to improve the ocular delivery of dexamethasone (DEX) for the treatment of Uveitis. The dexamethasone spanlastics (DEX-SP) were prepared by the thin film hydration method and optimized using the Box Behnken Design. The optimized nanoparticles exhibited an optimum particle size (PS) of 171.9 ± 1.17 nm, zeta potential (ZP) of -33.40 ± 0.91 mV, and percentage entrapment efficiency (%EE) of 80.23 ± 3.75%. Physicochemical characterizations, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), exhibited favourable properties. The in vitro release of DEX-SP unveiled a sustained release profile with approximately 2.3 times slower release rate than marketed dexamethasone (DEX-M), along with a favorable <i>ex vivo</i> permeation of 498.53 ± 32.68 µg/cm<sup>2</sup> over 24 h. Furthermore, an endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) model was used to assess the formulation’s in vivo anti-inflammatory effectiveness, which revealed that DEX-SP significantly ameliorated endotoxin-induced inflammation. These results were supported by Hogan’s score, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which demonstrated that the DEX-SP reduced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels substantially (<i>p</i> < <i>0.001</i> vs. the negative group). The study indicated that adding DEX to spanlastics promises to improve ocular permeability, absorption, and anti-inflammatory effectiveness while providing a potentially safer and more potent substitute for existing treatment alternatives.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture><span>The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.</span></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":618,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cluster Science","volume":"37 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148008702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}