Dr. Homi Bhabha State University (HBSU) is a state university located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It was established in 2019 as a cluster university, combining four colleges formerly under the University of Mumbai — Elphinstone College, Sydenham College, Secondary Training College and The Institute of Science, the latter being the main college..
Multidrug-resistant Enterobacter hormaechei is being increasingly reported in urinary tract infections (UTIs), where its ability to form quorum-regulated, curli-rich biofilms contributes to antibiotic tolerance and persistence. Targeting both quorum sensing (QS) and amyloid-mediated biofilm stability may provide an alternative strategy to conventional antibiotics. In this study, we developed a Berberine-functionalized biogenic silver nanoparticle (AgNPs synthesized using Mussaenda philippica leaf extract) to enhance phytochemical delivery and antibiofilm efficacy. Physicochemical characterization confirmed successful association between Berberine (BBR) and M. philippica mediated AgNPs (Mp-AgNP@BBR), with a hydrodynamic size of 217 nm, polydispersity index of 0.230, and a stable zeta potential of − 33.2 mV. At sub-MIC Mp-AgNP@BBR nanocomplex inhibited biofilm formation by 80.57%, compared to 60.37% for BBR and 67.78% for Mp-AgNPs alone. Treatment also reduced total extracellular polymeric substances, decreasing protein content from 549 to 159 µg/mL and carbohydrate content from 659 to 196 µg/mL, indicating substantial matrix disruption. QS activity, assessed via AHL quantification, showed a reduction in OD₅₂₀ from 0.83 (control) to 0.33 following nanocomplex treatment, without affecting bacterial growth. Cell surface hydrophobicity decreased from 60% to 23.34%, suggesting impaired adhesion. Curli amyloid production was strongly suppressed, as confirmed by Congo Red binding and Thioflavin T fluorescence assays. Molecular docking analysis further supported stable interactions between BBR–Ag8 complex and curli protein subunits CsgA and CsgB, indicating potential structural interference. Overall, this study demonstrates that nano-enabled BBR delivery effectively disrupts quorum-regulated curli biofilms in UTI-associated, MDR E. hormaechei , providing a promising strategy to combat biofilm-mediated persistence.
Global transition to renewable energy (RE) sources is imperative for achieving long-term sustainability and mitigating the adverse effects of fossil fuel dependence. This study critically examines strategies for efficient utilization of RE sources, with particular emphasis on the electrochemical splitting of water for hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) production. Key challenges associated with conventional energy systems are outlined, followed by an overview of diverse RE sources, including their benefits and limitations. A central focus is placed on electrochemical processes, namely, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) which are integral to water splitting. Practical applications of H2 and O2 in sustainable energy systems are discussed to underscore their real-world relevance. Furthermore, this work identifies existing gaps in the literature and positions the current research within broader scientific discourse. By providing a comprehensive review and targeted insights into the roles of NiO, CuO, and transition metal–based composites, this study lays a robust foundation for advancing cost-effective and efficient water splitting technologies. Current challenges, including cost, scalability, and long-term stability, are systematically discussed, and key research gaps are identified. By consolidating mechanistic insights and performance trends, this review offers targeted guidance for the development of cost-effective and high-efficiency water splitting catalysts. Unlike existing reviews that broadly summarize transition metal oxide electrocatalysts, this review provides a comparative and failure-oriented analysis of NiO- and CuO-based systems, highlighting when they outperform competing catalysts, when they fail, and why these behaviors emerge under different electrolysis conditions.
In recent decades, global plastic consumption has increased significantly and is expected to continue rising in the future. However, despite the large volume of plastic produced worldwide, only about 9
Titanium-doped tungsten trioxide (Ti–WO3) thin films were successfully fabricated on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates using a simple and scalable anodic electrodeposition technique. The effect of Ti incorporation on the structural, optical, electrochromic, and photo-electrochromic properties of WO3 was systematically investigated. XRD analysis confirmed the amorphous nature of all Ti–WO3 films, attributed to Ti4+ substitution and rapid thermal annealing, while FTIR and XPS analyses verified the successful incorporation of Ti and the presence of oxygen vacancies. Electrochemical studies revealed enhanced ion diffusion, reduced charge-transfer resistance, and improved switching kinetics with Ti doping. Notably, the optimized Ti–WO3 (TW2) film exhibited a high coloration efficiency of 117.66 cm2 C−1 under ambient conditions, which further increased to 144.23 cm2 C−1 under UV–Vis–IR illumination, demonstrating strong photo-electrochromic synergy. Rapid coloration (0.85 s) and bleaching (1.18 s) response times, along with excellent cycling stability ( 87
Anatase/brookite mixed-phase titanium dioxide (TiO2) quantum dots (QD) were synthesized via a solvothermal route by varying isopropyl alcohol (IPA) concentrations (50-100 %) for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and wastewater treatment. XRD, Raman, and HR-TEM confirmed mixed phases and polycrystalline nature. The T100 sample (100 % IPA) exhibited uniform nanospheres (2-13 nm), smallest crystallite size, and highest bandgap due to quantum confinement. UV-Vis and photoluminescence analyses showed reduced electron-hole recombination, improving charge transport. Elemental mapping confirmed uniform Ti and O distribution, while Mott-Schottky revealed n-type behaviour with high donor density (2.1 x 10(19) cm(-3)). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated reduced resistances and longer electron lifetime. Consequently, T100 achieved a PCE of 3.01 % in DSSCs and excellent photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (92.57 % in 20 min). These results demonstrate the potential of engineered TiO2 QD for sustainable energy and environmental applications.
