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Purpose: In this study, researchers applied blended learning program to investigate the success of a blended learning program on satisfaction of the psychological needs, and academic achievement of chemistry students of O-Levels, following curriculum prescribed by University of Cambridge. Design/methodology/approach: Research pattern is quantitative aligned with the quasi-experimental and pre-post experimental design which aimed at examining the efficiency of a motivational strategies adopted with the use of blended learning program on psychological needs satisfaction (competence, autonomy, and relatedness) and achievement in chemistry O-Levels Syllabus, at the end of the research program. Findings: Hypothesis testing represented that use of blended learning program has significant and positive impact on academic achievements through the mediation of autonomy. Results also revealed the substantial association of blended learning on other psychological needs (i.e., competence and relatedness); however, the competence and relatedness have no effect on academic achievements in this study. Thus, research concludes that providing an autonomous environment in substitution of the controlled environment promotes learning and produces positive outcomes. Originality/value: Blended learning or use of Learning Management Systems is being commonly used mostly in the tertiary level of studies; however, blended learning with secondary classes especially in the field of chemistry is yet not studied in detail. Similarly, the usefulness of the motivational strategies to learn chemistry is observed with university-level students, but very rare data about encouraging students at the secondary level have been gathered. Therefore, the researcher designed this blended learning program to enhance students' motivation towards achievements in secondary chemistry.

A physical organic chemistry experiment is described for second-year college students. Students performed nucleophilic aromatic substitution (NAS) reactions on 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (TPPF[subscript 20]) using three different nucleophiles. Substitution occurs preferentially at the 4-position ("para") because it is thermodynamically favored, and the 2- and 6- ("ortho") positions are kinetically disfavored because of steric interactions with the porphyrin ring. The activation energy depends heavily on the nucleophile. Open-source software (ImageJ from NIH) was used to quantify relative intensities of spots on a TLC plate obtained from different times and varying temperatures. These data were used to generate Arrhenius plots allowing students to determine relative activation energies for three different primary nucleophiles. The experiment was developed by 5 undergraduates and evaluated by 40 organic chemistry II students and 8 students in a physical chemistry laboratory. Students gained a deeper understanding of the relationships between the NAS mechanism, Arrhenius plots, and activation energy.

A metal-free, effective, and sustainable protocol has been developed to carry out C–N and C–C bond-forming reactions leading to the formation of 5-amino-pyrazole-4-carbonitriles and 1H-pyrazolo [1,2-b] phthalazine-5, 10-dione derivatives via a tandem multicomponent reaction using mesoporous MPC@TMG as a basic heterogeneous organocatalyst. The reactions were performed in aqueous medium at room temperature. The synthesized organocatalyst MPC@TMG was characterized by numerous spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), elemental mapping, and Thermal Gravimetric (TG) analyses. MPC@TMG displayed excellent catalytic potential, high thermochemical stability, and reusability for up to eight catalytic runs and offered the title compounds in excellent yields (>90 %) in a short reaction time (6–15 min). The synthesized compounds were characterized through FTIR, 1H, and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The use of water as a green solvent, the generality of the method, easy catalyst recovery, a simple work-up procedure, and zero involvement of any metal are the key features of the present protocol making it green and sustainable for the synthesis of the desired heterocycles and is supported by the calculations for green metrics parameters.

This study applied a subtractive genomics approach to identify a potential drug target in the Porphyromonas gingivalis strain (ATCC BAA-308/W83). The aim was to characterize the whole proteome and hypothetical proteins (HPs) through structural, functional, and pathway predictions. The proteome was systematically reduced to identify essential proteins (EPs), non-homologous proteins (NHPs), and non-paralogous proteins (NPPs) while excluding those that were similar to the human proteome. Out of 1,836 proteins, the cluster database at high identity with tolerance algorithm identified 36 sequences as paralogous, having 80% identity. The resulting 1,827 proteins were compared to the human proteome using BLASTp (e-value 10−3), resulting in 1,427 NHPs. These were then aligned with the DEG database using BLASTp (e-value of 10−5), identifying 396 NHPs essential for pathogen survival. CELLO predicted the sub-cellular localization, and KEGG Automated Annotation Server identified potential metabolic pathways using a BLASTp similarity search of NHPs and EPs against the infrequently updated KEGG database. A total of 79 HPs essential for P. gingivalis were selected, and their molecular weights were determined. HPs were screened for metabolic pathway prediction, and the 3D structures of the proposed HPs were determined using homology modeling, and validation was performed. Only one HP (putative arginine deiminase) was qualified and found to be involved in the arginine and proline metabolic pathway.

Several studies have explored nitrogen recovery from waste streams, focusing on technologies and approaches like electrochemical processes and membrane separation. However, these approaches need to become economically feasible and reliable. The feasibility of recovery processes is strongly influenced by the concentration of nitrogen, which is an important technical challenge in nitrogen recovery. Biological approaches, such as the cultivation of microalgae as well as constructed wetlands, are in focus for addressing nitrogen concentration steps. These approaches allow the conversion of nitrogen compounds into proteins for various applications. The aim of this study was not to review treatment processes to avoid negative environmental consequences but to highlight technologies that allow the concentration, recovery, and circulation of nitrogen compounds.

Quinoline is a promising class of heterocycles with interesting biological and pharmacological properties including anti-cancer. Variety of quinoline-based derivatives have been synthesized previously and reported for diversed biological properties, which assisted in the development of new drug candidates. The current study describes the synthesis of quinoline-based sulfonic esters 1–42, and their cytotoxicity towards two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7) and a normal human BJ cell line. Compounds 15, 20, and 28 showed the highest cytotoxicity against both breast cancer cell lines. Molecular docking studies predicted the hydrophobic interactions of test compounds with both estrogen α-receptor, and EGF-receptor.

Objective: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) contributes to the atherogenic process. However, direct LDL-C (d-LDL) has rarely been estimated by the gold standard method because it is cumbersome and expensive. We aim to evaluate calculated low density lipoprotein (LDL-c) by various equations with reference to directly measured LDL-C in the Pakistani adult population as a cost-effective alternative. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the validity of seven equations for estimating calculated LDL-C by computing correlation coefficients (r) and Bland Altman plots to assess agreement (mean %) for (d-LDL) and calculated (LDL-c) on all seven equations. Statistical analysis was performed in Stata Statistical Software: Release 17, College Station, TX: StataCorp LLC. Results: We analyzed 247082 direct assays of lipid profiles of adults aged ≥18 years. The mean LDL-C levels computed on Friedewald, de Cordova, Chen, Hattori, Vujovic, Teerakanchana, Sampson equations were 106.8 ± 31.4, 103.7 ± 25.0, 108.6 ± 28.2, 100.1 ± 29.5, 115.2 ± 31.2, 113.1 ± 28.3 and 110.3 ± 30.6 respectively. Friedewald and Hattori equations correlated strongly with direct LDL-C (r = 0.937) for each followed by Sampson (r = 0.935) and Vujovic (r = 0.931). However, the median bias was least for the Friedwald equation (−1.6) compared to the other equations. Conclusion: In contrast to the global literature advocating for the use of newer equations, although the conventional and widely utilized Friedewald equation remains the best alternative for calculated LDL-C estimation in adult Pakistani population.

A novel, silica-based pyrrolidinium ionic liquid immobilised on copper-citric acid metal-organic framework ([PyrrSi][Cl]@Cu-Cit-MOF), has been synthesised through an easy-to-handle procedure and is characterised by several techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermal gravimetric (TG), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses. The present protocol is scalable and compatible with a wide range of aldehydes, producing imidazole derivatives in excellent yields (82–96 %) in very short reaction times (10–18 min). Moreover, the catalyst could be recovered and recycled simply by filtration and is reusable for up to six consecutive runs without any significant changes in its catalytic activity.

This study reports the production of a heterojunction copper oxide-zinc oxide nano-photocatalyst based on lemon leaf extract, which acted as both a stabilizer and a capping and reducing agent. The fabricated photocatalyst had a smooth surface with numerous functional groups, and its energy band gap was measured to be 3.14 eV, which is suitable for photocatalytic applications. Toxic Congo Red dye was used as a model pollutant to investigate the photocatalytic degradation performance of the proposed CuO-ZnO nano-photocatalyst. The photocatalyst exhibited a rapid degradation rate under sunlight irradiation, reducing the concentration of the dye by almost 70 % within 50 min and exhibited pseudo-first-order kinetics. The performance of the photocatalyst was also evaluated based on its quantum yield and figure of merit, which were found to be 6.63 x 10−9 molecules photon−1and 3.31 x 10−4, respectively. In addition, the proposed catalyst displayed good stability for up to 5 cycles. Based on these results, the fabricated CuO-ZnO nano-photocatalyst outperformed previously reported photocatalysts. The mechanisms associated with the dye degradation were also explained by an interfacial charge transfer reaction.

This study concerns with the production and partial characterization of alkaline cellulase from alkaliphilic cellulolytic (AC) fungi isolated fromsoil in Perlis, Malaysia. The best fungi strain was selected on the basis of producing the highest cellulase at high pH conditions. Cellulase from the selected fungi strain was further characterized under saccharification but varies in operating parameters. Finally, the kinetic model describing the growth of the AC fungi strain was studied by employing the logistic model. Among the tested fungi strains, Basidiomycetes strain (BK1) showed high potentiality for the production of maximum alkaline cellulase production at pH 9 after 72 h of incubation at 30°C containing 6 g·L−1 carboxyl methyl cellulose. The saccharification process showed that the enzyme favour high alkaline condition and proves thermotolerant properties, while 15% (v/v) enzyme loading and 1% substrate concentration recorded the highest glucose production at about 1.2–1.3 mg·mL−1. The novelty of the study is to identify and optimize a unique indigenous fungi that emit alkaliphilic cellulase as alternative usage in biotechnology industries due to its capacity to adapt to the extreme conditions of specific industrial processes. There are revolutionary options for use in biotechnological businesses that involve high pH and therefore have substantial biotechnological promise.

Abstract Nitrogen-tungsten co-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (W-N-doped TiO2 NPs) are employed for the photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants. However, the potential impact of these nanoparticles on the central nervous system remains a subject of concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of W-N-doped TiO2 NPs on neurophysiological and biochemical parameters of healthy rat brains, including behavioral monitoring, electroencephalogram analysis, and oxidative stress markers quantification. Intraperitoneal administration of W-N-doped TiO2 NPs to rats revealed abnormal brain electrical activity and an altered sense of balance in the treated rats. The ability of W-N-doped TiO2 NPs to cross the blood–brain barrier and accumulate in the brain leads to oxidative stress damage, supported by the elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrite concentration, and malondialdehyde levels. Additionally, exposure to W-N-doped TiO2 NPs significantly reduced the antioxidant enzyme levels, such as catalase and superoxide dismutase, impacting a significant decrease in dopamine and acetylcholinesterase within the rat neural tissue. Furthermore, the inflammatory biomarker tumor necrosis factor-alpha and 8-hydroxy 2-deoxyguanosine significantly increased in response to W-N-doped TiO2 NPs. The findings revealed the adverse effects of W-N-doped TiO2 NPs on the electrical activity of rat brains and the altered concentration of various neuro-biomarkers, highlighting their potential neurotoxicity.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes many infections worldwide. Multidrug-resistant bacteria are mostly watched in hospital-acquired infections and are linked with high mortality rates. This study aims to find a possible cure for P. aeruginosa by using an additive and synergistic combination of drugs. The Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa were isolated and identified by using clinical and laboratory standards institute protocols and their antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by using disc and well diffusion method. In computational analysis, all of the ligands and proteins were selected and docking was done using PYRX. Hundred samples were taken of isolated Gram-negative bacteria of which 25% were P. aeruginosa. Additive combinations (meropenem [MPM] + tobramycin [TOB] was 100% sensitive and imipenem + TOB was also 100% sensitive) and synergistic combinations (MPM + ciprofloxacin were 90% sensitive and amikacin and imipenem) were 100% sensitive according to CLSI protocol. In computational analysis, TOB gave the highest binding energy of −11.4, whereas MPM shows a binding energy of −9.3. In conclusion, Additive and synergistic combination of drugs showed good antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hence it can be used as a good treatment option for P. aeruginosa.

Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting millions worldwide each year, poses a significant threat due to its potential for progressive joint damage and debilitating pain if left untreated. Topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic treatments offer localized relief with reduced systemic side effects compared to conventional oral therapies, making them a promising option for managing rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the current study endeavored to formulate a microemulsion gel formulation loaded with diclofenac and curcumin for topical administration in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, utilizing Tea tree oil. The ratio of surfactant and cosurfactant was 4:1, assessed by pseudoternary phase diagram on the basis of the maximum emulsification region. The microemulsion underwent optimization using a Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) with constraints of minimum particle size, polydispersity index, and maximum transmittance. The Curcufenac-T microemulsion had a particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and transmittance of 151.82 ± 15.9 nm, 0.287 ± 0.021, and −5.78 ± 0.26 mV, respectively. DSC analyses confirmed the stability and compatibility of diclofenac and curcumin within the formulation. The microemulsion was changed into gel form by incorporating 1% carbopol-934. Skin permeation analysis revealed that the percentage of diclofenac permeated at 0.5 h from Curcufenac-T microemugel and the conventional gel was 12.1% and 3.9%, respectively, while at 12 h, the rates were 82.6% and 34.2%, respectively. In vitro permeability demonstrated significant potential for the effective delivery of diclofenac and curcumin to targeted sites, compared to conventional gel. Therefore, it was deduced that the Tea tree oil integrated diclofenac and curcumin microemulsion gel could enhance the effectiveness of diclofenac and serve as a promising vehicle for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

A simple trivalent silver complex ([Ag(HIO.sub.6).sub.2].sup.5-) and sulfuric acid chemiluminescence (CL) reaction is established for cetirizine dihydrochloride determination in dosage form pharmaceuticals using flow injection technique. The possible CL reaction mechanism and enhancing influence of cetirizine are described based on spectrophotometric, spectrofluorimetric and CL spectra. The optimum experimental variables of the CL reaction were: 1.0 x 10.sup.-4 M silver(III) complex, 5.0 x 10.sup.-3 M H.sub.2SO.sub.4, 1.0 x 10.sup.-3 M KOH, 5.0 mL/min flow rate and 180 [micro]L sample volume. The relative CL intensity was linear in the range of 0.1-20 mg/L (R.sup.2 = 0.9999, n = 7) with a limit of detection of 0.03 mg/L (S/N = 3), relative standard deviation of 1.6-3.4%, and injection frequency of 230/h. The suggested method has been successfully applied to monitor cetirizine concentration in various tablets and verified by the reported HPLC-UV approach that produces a recovery rate of 91.8-106%., Author(s): Muhammad Moazzam [sup.1] , Muhammad Asghar [sup.1] , Mohammad Yaqoob [sup.1] , Samar Ali [sup.1] , Masood Ahmad Siddiqui [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.413062.2, 0000 0000 9152 1776, Department [...]

We present a facile one-step hydrothermal method for the fabrication of free-standing graphene paper using aqueous graphene oxide (GO) dispersion as the starting material. Notably, the method does not require the use of any additives for the reduction and preparation of the graphene paper. The resulting graphene paper exhibits a high degree of reduction, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, revealing a carbon-to-oxygen (C/O) ratio of ∼7. The fabricated graphene paper also demonstrates excellent conductivity, with a measured value of ∼1900 S/m, and sheet resistance of around 100 Ω/sq. Furthermore, the energy storage capability of the graphene paper based electrode is evaluated, which shows a promising specific capacity of 249 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g in 1M H2SO4 as the ionic medium. Additionally, the electrode has also demonstrated remarkable energy density and power density values of 28.68 Wh/Kg and 455 W/Kg, respectively. Overall, the resulting graphene paper exhibits high conductivity and excellent electrochemical performance, making it a promising candidate for various energy storage applications.

Biosurfactants have garnered increased attention lately due to their superiority of their properties over fossil-derived counterparts. While the cost of production remains a significant hurdle to surpass synthetic surfactants, biosurfactants have been anticipated to gain a larger market share in the coming decades. Among these, glycolipids, a type of low-molecular-weight biosurfactant, stand out for their efficacy in reducing surface and interfacial tension, which made them highly sought-after for various surfactant-related applications. Glycolipids are composed of hydrophilic carbohydrate moieties linked to hydrophobic fatty acid chains through ester bonds that mainly include rhamnolipids, trehalose lipids, sophorolipids, and mannosylerythritol lipids. This review highlights the current landscape of glycolipids and covers specific glycolipid productivity and the diverse range of products found in the global market. Applications such as bioremediation, food processing, petroleum refining, biomedical uses, and increasing agriculture output have been discussed. Additionally, the latest advancements in production cost reduction for glycolipid and the challenges of utilizing second-generation feedstocks for sustainable production are also thoroughly examined. Overall, this review proposes a balance between environmental advantages, economic viability, and societal benefits through the optimized integration of secondary feedstocks in biosurfactant production.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexually transmitted infection (SI) gonorrhea is now a global public health challenge due to failure of current treatments. Therefore, it is important to develop new agents against drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea infection.The aim of the present research was to identify active compounds against STI causing bacteria N. gonorrhoeae, and to investigate their modes of action. Alamar blue assay was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity. Compound-induced alterations were investigated by atomic force and scanning electron microscopies. MICs of nitroquinoline derivatives 5 and 8 were 302.8 and 193.23 µM (54.99, and 49.99 µg/mL, respectively), lower than the MIC of the first line of standard drug, ceftriaxone 450.79 µM ± 1.8 (249.99 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity of compounds were also evaluated in blood media. Nitroquinoline derivatives 5 and 8 were found to be more potent than currently used antibiotics, and thus deserve further investigation.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), or “insulin-independent diabetes mellitus,” is a worldwide health concern. Diabetes affects roughly 415 million individuals worldwide, with 193 million undiagnosed cases. The number of people afflicted in the following decades is predicted to double. Although various synthetic medications are currently available to treat/manage T2DM, their side effects compel researchers to seek novel treatment options. Because of their affinity for biological receptors and broad bioactivity, nature has long been a source of innovative medication. V. amygdalina is one of the numerous natural productswith antidiabetic properties. Several studies have shown that the extracts have antidiabetic effects in vitro and in vivo. This review examined the antidiabetic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of phytoconstituents found in V. amygdalina.

In this work, characterization by 1H & 13C together with UV-Vis & IR spectroscopy has been accomplished for p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA). The structural, electronic and vibrational properties of the heading compound were foretold using quantum chemical calculations through DFT. All the calculated data were compared with the experimental and found to be consisting with them. The comparison of computed data with experimental have been shown in terms of RMSD values (in case of IR, 1H and 13C NMR). The B3LYP functional with source set 6-311++G(d,p) was utilized to optimize the geometry of the compound, p-TSA. IR spectrum measurements have been made between 4000 - 400 cm−1. To calculate geometric dimensions, energies & wavenumbers, as well as to assign fundamental vibrations, the vibrational modes with the PED assignments were utilized. In solvents namely, MeOH and DMSO, the spectra of UV-Vis of the caption compound were captured between 200 and 400 nm.TD-DFT computations were used to ascertain the HOMO – LUMO energy gap & electronic transitions, which also replicate the UV-Vis absorption spectra. Hirsfeld Surface Analysis (HF) was also evaluated to determine the crystal structure's interactions. The electrophilic and nucleophilic locations were identified using the MEP. Furthermore, to study the biologic functions of p-TSA and to assess the optimum interactions of ligand – protein and similarity to the energetic ingredient, molecular docking was carried out.

Using X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, 1H, 13C NMR, and UV–Vis spectra as well as theoretical DFT calculations, Ethyl-2-methyl-4-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[4,5]thiazolo-[3,2-a]pyrimidine-3-carboxylate (T[3,2-a]P) has been synthesized and characterized. Physicochemical characteristics have been compared to examine stability. The most stable optimized structure was identified using the B3LYP/6–311++G(d,p) basis set, followed by UV–Vis and NMR analysis. TD-DFT analysis gave more information on how to estimate the electronic transitions in the UV–Vis spectra. In addition to the energy framework calculations, the Hirshfeld surface analyses have been demonstrated and discussed. The calculated band-gap energy of the pyrimidine derivative for various solvents and the estimated maximum wavelength (λ) absorbance were compared to the outcome of experiments. There were additional studies regarding the MEP map, surface area maps, and chemical reactivity. Additionally, topological and Mulliken charge distribution investigations were included. A pyrimidine derivative may be used as a chemotherapeutic and anticancer drug, according to docking experiments that were used to examine the interactions of the ligand (T[3,2-a]P]) with certain protein targets. The current study may lead to the identification of pyrimidine derivative as a possible therapeutic molecule. The practical and theoretical results were remarkably similar in terms of geometric and spectroscopic characteristics.

Objectives: Indian agricultural wastes such as Juglans regia shells get attention frequently because they can be used as adsorbents. This study aimed to prepare magnetically modified iron oxide immobilized biochar adsorbent using Juglans regia shells and investigate its adsorption capacity for Cu2+ and Ni2+ removal from synthetic wastewater contaminated with metals. Methods: As part of the investigation of the properties of the prepared material and its role in the adsorption process, it was characterized with FTIR, FESEM, EDX, XRD, BET, and VSM techniques. A batch adsorption method was examined by varying pH (2–12), adsorbate concentration (10–100 mg/L), contact time (5–240 min), and temperature (288–308 K). Results: A pH of 6 and an initial concentration of 50 mg/L, as well as equilibrium times of 120 and 150 min, resulted in 98.30 % copper removal and 98.10 % nickel removal, respectively. It was found that both Cu2+ and Ni2+ adsorption was governed by Langmuir's isotherm and obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In terms of thermodynamic parameters, it appears that the adsorption of Cu2+ and Ni2+ took place in an endothermic and physical manner. The thermodynamic study determined that the activation energy (KJ/Mol) for Cu was 117.27 and for nickel was 100.24. Using Box-Behnken response surface methodology, the experiments were statistically optimized. Based on the cost estimation study, the prepared adsorbent can be used in metal-contaminated water at a cost-effective rate. Conclusion: Therefore, the prepared magnetic biochar will be useful for the adsorptive removal of Cu2+ and Ni2+ from electroplating wastewater.

Recently, graphene-based nanocomposites are increasingly becoming popular for a variety of biological applications, due to their extraordinary physicochemical properties. Herein, we present an eco-friendly method for the preparation of a novel nanocomposite based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) decorated with tin oxide (SnO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The rGO and binary metal oxides-based nanocomposite (rGO/ZnO/SnO2) with enhanced biocompatibility was prepared by using Mentha longifolia extract as a non-hazardous reducing agent. The rich polyphenolic and flavonoids contents of Mentha longifolia have functioned as potential bio-reductants, which are not only suitable for the synthesis of rGO/ZnO/SnO2, but also effectively stabilized the resulting composite. Initially, to determine the reducing ability of Mentha longifolia, the redox potential and chemical composition of green extract was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), respectively. On the other hand, the structural composition and morphology of the resultant composite was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV–visible spectroscopy (UV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Furthermore, the biological potential of rGO/ZnO/SnO2 is determined by evaluating the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of the resulting composite against various pathogens such as, Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Candida albicans (CA) and Clostridium dificile (CD). Notably, the composite has demonstrated superior antibacterial and antifungal properties when compared to its individual counterparts including rGO, SnO2 and ZnO. Density functional calculations complement the experimental findings, as the periodic boundary conditions reveal high binding energy of −14.8 keV for the rGO/ZnO/SnO2 nanocomposite.

A sulfate-bridged complex [Cu(µ2-SO4)(Im)4] (1) was prepared and structurally characterized, where Im: imidazole. The X-ray structure analysis reveals that 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group C2/c. The octahedral coordination around the metal center is made up of four distinct imine nitrogen atoms in the equatorial plane, and two sulfate oxygen atoms occupying the axial sites. The covalent linkage between metals via the sulfate group, forming infinite 1D zigzag chains, ensures the entanglement of the structure. These chains, in turn, are further assembled into a 2D network through NH⋯O hydrogen bonding. Thermal analyses underline the high thermal stability of our complex, which starts to decompose at 200 °C. The infrared spectrum confirms the results obtained from the crystallographic analysis. Optical studies reveal the presence of a hypsochromic effect noticed in the absorption and photoluminescence spectra. The synthesized compound was found to reduce both oxidative injury and histopathological features, which are associated with skeletal metastases as a result of malignant Walker 256/B breast cancer cells.