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This research provides valuable insights into the application of ZnO nanoparticles in photocatalytic wastewater treatment. Process optimization was carried out by determining the ratio of the surface area to the energy band gap (S/E) in the photocatalysis rate under different sources of light (UV light, visible light, sunlight). The nanoparticles were synthesized using the precipitation technique, and the calcination process was carried out within a temperature range of 400 to 700 °C. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of materials were investigated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance (UV-Vis DRS), Raman spectroscopies, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. The study demonstrates that calcination temperature significantly influences the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles by altering their size, surface properties, shape, and optical behavior. Optimal decomposition efficiencies of Rhodamine B were achieved at 400 °C, with yields of 24%, 92%, and 91% under visible, UV, and sunlight irradiation, respectively. Additionally, the surface area decreased from 12.556 to 8.445 m2/g, the band gap narrowed slightly from 3.153 to 3.125 eV, and crystal growth increased from 0.223 to 0.506 µm as the calcination temperature rose. The photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanoparticles were assessed to determine their efficiency in decomposing Rhodamine B dye under operational parameters, including pollutant concentration (C0), sample amount, pH level, and reaction time. The sample exhibited the best breakdown rates with C0 = 5 mg/L, solid-to-liquid ratio (S/L) = 50 mg/L, pH = 7, and reaction time = 1 h. Additionally, we combined two oxidation processes, namely H2O2 and photocatalytic oxidation processes, which significantly improved the Rhodamine B removal efficiency, where 100% of RhB was degraded after 60 min and 100 µL of H2O2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We synthesized a novel compound library featuring a spirooxindole core structure combined with various heterocycles, including benzofuran, benzothiophene, and thiophene scaffolds. Evaluation using MTT assays against HepG2, 4T1, and MDA‐MB‐231 cells revealed the most potent candidate, spirooxindole hybrid 5c, with an IC50 of 5 ± 0.6 µM against HepG2, inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, inhibition of the wound healing, and induction of ROS. Selected spirooxindole conjugates exhibited significant inhibitory potential against MDM2, with KD values ranging from 0.0531 to 16.8 µM. Notably, the salt of spirooxindole analogue 5q demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity at KD = 53.1 nM. Molecular docking studies revealed excellent accommodation of the designed compounds within the MDM2 receptor. All compounds displayed favorable ADME profiles, suggesting their potential as lead compounds for further optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements are notable in electrically conductive hydrogels emulating human skin functions. However, a significant challenge remains: crafting a single conductive gel that integrates self‐healing, robust mechanical strength, and excellent electrical traits. Our innovation lies in a strong, lightweight, curable gel achieved through multiple coordination bonds between cellulose crystals and acid‐treated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a polymer network. Embedded MWCNTs act as dynamic bridges within a porous structure, giving exceptional mechanical performance. Reversible coordination interactions confer remarkable recovery and reliable mechanical and electrical self‐healing. Additionally, these ionic gels function as adaptable stress sensors, detecting significant movements like finger and joint motions. This work introduces MWCNT‐incorporated nanomaterials with good stretchability, high ion conductivity, remarkable self‐healing nature, and good stress sensitivity. Such proteins hold promise for electronic sensors, wearable devices, and healthcare monitoring, unveiling a path to diverse applications. Our study addresses challenges and unlocks possibilities for materials that can adapt, withstand, and sense in innovative ways. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for effective anti-cancer therapies has led to the exploration of dual inhibition strategies targeting multiple key molecular pathways. In this study, we aimed to design a novel candidate capable of dual inhibition targeting both EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) and PARP-1 (poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1), two crucial proteins implicated in cancer progression and resistance mechanisms. Through molecular hybridization and structure-based drug design approaches, we synthesized a series of compounds based on spirooxindole with triazole scaffolds with the potential for dual EGFR and PARP-1 inhibition. Interestingly, compounds 4a, 4b and 4f showed potent cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with IC 50 values of 3.6, 4.6, and 1.9 μM compared to doxorubicin (IC 50 = 2.78 μM), with poor cytotoxicity against THLE2 cells with IC 50 values higher than 40 μM in a selective way. They exhibited potent EGFR and PARP-1 inhibition with IC 50 values of 74.6, 85.3, and 116.1 nM compared to Erlotinib (IC 50 = 80 nM, 94.7%). Additionally, they exhibited potent PARP-1 inhibition, with IC 50 values of 2.01, 3.6, and 18.4 nM compared to Olaparib (IC 50 = 1.49 nM, 94.5%). Furthermore, compound 4a-treatment induced increased apoptosis by 6.6-fold, as the effective cell death mechanism. Overall, our study underscores the importance of multi-targeted approaches in developing effective anti-cancer agents., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)