The void space of a metal-organic framework (MOF) can, in principle, be chemically programmed to engage selectively with guest molecules through geometric complementarity or specific non-covalent interactions. In this work we have demonstrated that such molecular recognition can be turned on in an otherwise nonselective porous MOF thin film by the deliberate installation of a charge trap chromophore. The chromophore, naphthaleneimide, formed a donor-acceptor complex with the MOF linker 4,4'-anthracene-9,10-diylbis(ethyne-2,1-diyl))dibenzoic acid (AEBA), when positioned at the nanopore surface. This spatial design rendered nanochannels with high sensitivity to the polarity of adsorbed guest molecules. Photoexcitation of this engineered MOF film on a patterned Au-electrode device promoted efficient exciton dissociation, yielding enhanced photocurrents whose magnitude, dark to light switching ratio and rise dynamics depend decisively on the adsorbed molecules. Notably, these distinct electrical signatures disappeared in the unmodified MOF film, underscoring the essential role of charge-trap design. This strategy provides a generalizable route to activate molecular recognition in nonspecific MOF platforms and heralds new opportunities for sensitive, programmable chemical sensing.

Van der Waals MoS2 graphene heterostructures are compelling candidates for high performance electronic and optoelectronic device applications. However, the interlayer charge transfer typically quenches the photoluminescence of monolayer MoS2, limiting the use of these heterostructures in light emitting applications. In this work, we report an anomalous photoluminescence enhancement in n-type monolayer MoS2 by integrating it with monolayer graphene via polystyrene assisted wet transfer process. Photoluminescence spectroscopy reveals a dominant trion to exciton conversion in the heterostructure. Kelvin probe force microscopy shows a 600 meV increase in the work function of MoS2 upon heterostructure formation. This work function shift, together with the higher work function of graphene, signifies electron transfer from MoS2 to graphene. Shifts in the graphene G and 2D Raman modes further corroborate the interlayer charge transfer. Hydroxyl and epoxy functionalization of graphene following heterostructure formation is evidenced by X ray photoelectron spectroscopy. DFT based Bader charge analysis quantifies the role of these functional groups in facilitating interlayer charge transfer. Collectively, our findings establish polystyrene assisted wet transfer as a practical interface engineering strategy for enhancing excitonic emission in MoS2 graphene heterostructures, thereby advancing their potential for scalable optoelectronic devices.

This study reports the green synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxic evaluation of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. ZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized using 3 mL of waste peel extracted from Allium cepa (onion) and designated as O3. Comprehensive characterization has been performed using XRD, UV–Visible, FTIR, FESEM, HRTEM, DLS, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The UV–Visible spectrum exhibited an absorption peak at 345 nm, confirming ZnO nanoparticle formation. XRD analysis shows a wurtzite hexagonal phase, while FESEM images show rod-shaped morphology with an average length of ∼400 nm and a width of ∼140 nm. FTIR spectra indicated the presence of functional groups in coating of the nanoparticles surface. The efficacy of these nanoparticles for anticancer activity has been evaluated using MTT, crystal violet assay, AO/PI dual staining, flow cytometry, intracellular ROS estimation, and p53 immunocytochemistry. The MTT assay shows dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 192.63 μg/mL. Crystal violet staining reveals reduced cell density and loss of adherence in treated group. Intracellular ROS estimation using DHE staining shows significant superoxide generation in nanoparticles-treated cells. Flow cytometry demonstrated prominent G1 phase arrest in treated A549 cells, which correlates with increased nuclear p53 expression observed by immunocytochemistry, supporting activation of the p53-dependent checkpoint pathway known to regulate G1 arrest and apoptosis under oxidative stress conditions. Together, these results provide mechanistic support for the apoptosis-inducing effect of the biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles in A549 lung cancer cells.

Chitosan, the second most abundant natural polysaccharide derived from chitin, has attracted considerable attention owing to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatile chemical functionality. These unique properties make chitosan an exceptional platform for a broad range of biomedical applications, including drug and gene delivery, cell encapsulation, bioimaging, tissue engineering, wound healing, and antimicrobial therapies. In particular, the favorable physicochemical and biological properties of chitosan-based nanosystems have enabled their development as advanced and efficient drug delivery vehicles. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in the synthesis, surface modification, and functionalization strategies employed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy, targeting specificity, and multifunctionality of chitosan-based nanoplatforms for theranostic applications. Particular emphasis is placed on their roles in targeted drug delivery, controlled and sustained drug release, and stimuli-responsive behavior for the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. Furthermore, the integration of diagnostic modalities, including fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and biosensing, highlights the growing potential of chitosan-based nanostructures as next-generation theranostic platforms.

2D transition metal di‐chalcogenide layers with high electrical conductivity and spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) can find huge potential in spintronic devices. With limited success of 2D spin Hall material development, vanadium (V) substitutionally doped monolayer MoS 2 (VMS) demonstrated as a potential spin Hall material having tunable electrical conductivity, SOC strength, and room temperature magnetism. Systematic enhancement in the electrical conductivity is observed with the extent of V doping, where it is enhanced from ≈3 × 10 −1 S m −1 of MoS 2 to ≈10 5 S m −1 upon doping to the level of 9 at.%. Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) based spin‐pumping experiments indicate the spin transport across the junction of permalloy (Py) and VMS. Spin‐torque FMR measurements demonstrate the charge‐to‐spin conversion at the Py/VMS interface suggesting the latter's potential as a spin‐orbit torque layer in 2D spintronic devices.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have gained significant attention for Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia (MFH)-based cancer therapy. However, achieving high heating efficiency under a biologically safe Alternating Magnetic Field (AMF) remains a challenge. This study investigates the synthesis and optimization of SPIONs encapsulated in TPGS-stabilized PLGA nanoparticles (TPS-NPs) using a modified single emulsion solvent evaporation (M-SESE) method. The aim was to achieve efficient magnetic heating under biologically safe AMF conditions while maintaining biocompatibility and colloidal stability, making these magnetic nanoplatforms suitable for MFH-based cancer treatment. TPS-NPs were characterized using various techniques, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetometry, to evaluate their hydrodynamic size (Dh), zeta potential (ζ), encapsulation efficiency, and superparamagnetic properties. Calorimetric MFH studies demonstrated superior heating efficiency, with Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and Intrinsic Loss Power (ILP) values optimized at an AMF of 4.1 GAm−1s−1, remaining within Hergt’s biological safety limit (~5 GAm−1s−1). These findings suggest that SPION-encapsulated TPS-NPs exhibit enhanced heat induction, making them promising candidates for MFH-based cancer therapy. The study highlights their potential as multifunctional nanoplatforms for magnetic hyperthermia therapy, paving the way for clinical translation in oncology for advanced cancer treatment.

Gas permselective membranes are inherently constrained by a trade-off between permeability and selectivity. Overcoming this limitation is key to enabling broader industrial adoption, and advanced porous materials—particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)—have emerged as promising candidates. Yet, to truly rival established separation technologies such as distillation, innovative design strategies remain essential. Traditionally, efforts to surpass the trade-off have focused on tuning porosity, pore architecture, chemical functionality, and macroscopic transport pathways (particle morphology). These modifications are achieved either through bottom-up synthetic approaches or by employing external stimuli such as light, pressure, or electric fields. In this work, we introduce a photo-chargeable membrane that enhances gas permselectivity through precise, molecule-specific interactions—without altering the underlying porous architecture. This is achieved by incorporating a nanoporous MOF, constructed from redox-active organic ligands, as filler in a mixed matrix membrane. Upon photoexcitation, ligand–ligand charge separation induces stable surface charges within the pores, enhancing CO₂/N₂ and CO₂/CH₄ selectivity surpassing the Robeson upper bound.

Two-dimensional semiconductor-transition-metal dichalcogenide (2D-STMD) based semiconductors have emerged as promising materials for future spintronic and optoelectronic applications, including photodetectors and transistors. Transferring high-quality chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown monolayer 2D-STMDs and their alloys to the target substrate is very challenging for fabricating efficient devices. Unfortunately, current post-transfer methods struggle to completely remove unwanted contamination residues during wet-transfer processes, which adversely affects material quality and intrinsic properties. In this work, the effect of ethanol cleaning on the qualitative and quantitative assessment of molecular adsorbates is demonstrated, based on atomic-resolution high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) image analysis supported by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which showcases ultraclean material structures. We estimate the unidentified molecular adsorbates in the proximity of molybdenum (Mo) and chalcogen (S, Se) atomic sites, which are tentatively assigned as 'C2H5OH (EtOH)', 'H2O', and 'O2' related adsorbates. The attribution is based on HAADF-STEM Gaussian line shape fitting of atomic intensity columns and corresponding computed adsorption energy values after ethanol treatment of the MoS2(1-x)Se2x (MSSE) alloy. In line with experimental observations of persistent OH-containing residues on the surface, DFT simulations show that EtOH has better adsorption on both pristine and sulfur-vacancy MSSE monolayers than H2O and O2. Photodetector device measurements revealed a remarkable ∼90% enhancement in photocurrent values for ultraclean samples, significantly boosting the material's photoresponsivity. DFT calculations on the adsorption energy and density of electronic states were also conducted to validate our experimental findings.

MoS2 monolayers (MS) having magnetic impurities as dopants can bring about time-reversal asymmetry and hence room temperature magnetism. Here, we demonstrated the synthesis of Cr substitutionally doped (∼1%) MS (CrMS) along with its vanadium-doped MS counterpart (VMS) and investigated their suitability for valleytronics by studies based on chirality-selective photoluminescence, time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy, and spin Hall effect of light (SHEL). While VMS showed room temperature valley splitting, no such shift was observed in CrMS although with their expected similarity. Density-functional-theory-based electronic structure calculations indicate a Cr-induced flat band below the Fermi level, even at ∼0.5 atom % doping, which masks the splitting in the energies of the K-point valleys. This finding is in tune with the experimental studies while in contrast to the theoretical and experimental data of VMS. Hence, this study establishes band valley tunabilities of MoS2, and SHEL as a powerful tool for valley polarization studies.

Pancreatitis is a prominent and severe type of inflammatory disorder that has grabbed a lot of scientific and clinical interest to prevent its onset. It should be detected early to avoid the development of serious complications, which occur due to long-term damage to the pancreas. The accurate measurement of biomarkers that are released from the pancreas during inflammation is essential for the detection and early treatment of patients with severe acute and chronic pancreatitis, but this is sub-optimally performed in clinically relevant practices, mainly due to the complexity of the procedure and the cost of the treatment. Clinically available tests for the early detection of pancreatitis are often time-consuming. The early detection of pancreatitis also relates to disorders of the exocrine pancreas, such as cystic fibrosis in the hereditary form and cystic fibrosis-like syndrome in the acquired form of pancreatitis, which are genetic disorders with symptoms that can be correlated with the overexpression of specific markers such as creatinine in biological fluids like urine. In this review, we studied how to develop a minimally invasive system using hydrogel-based biosensors, which are highly absorbent and biocompatible polymers that can respond to specific stimuli such as enzymes, pH, temperature, or the presence of biomarkers. These biosensors are helpful for real-time health monitoring and medical diagnostics since they translate biological reactions into quantifiable data. This paper also sheds light on the possible use of Ayurvedic formulations along with hydrogels as a treatment strategy. These analytical devices can be used to enhance the early detection of severe pancreatitis in real time.

Graphene-based ZnO thin-film hybrids (GR-ZnO) have shown interesting properties for electronic and optoelectronic applications, such as enhanced UV photodetection and photocatalysis. The interaction and explicit role of large-area single-layer chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown graphene in the improved photophysical properties in such a kind of GR-ZnO hybrids have not been well-understood in recent reports. In the present work, we fabricated a photosensor made with large-area monolayer CVD GR-ZnO thin-film hybrids, which showed improved UV photodetection with high values of UV sensitivity and responsivity compared to bare ZnO films. The GR-ZnO thin-film hybrid photosensors demonstrated about a 20 time improvement in photoresponsivity (9.87 × 103 A/W) compared to the bare ZnO thin film (4.93 × 102 A/W). We investigated the origin of the high photosensitivity of GR-ZnO, and it is explained based on a comparatively large absorption coefficient, enhancement of the number of photogenerated carriers, and a reduction of the recombination rates of these carriers based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The high mobility of the graphene layer provides an efficient and faster charge transfer pathway for photogenerated carriers at the interface between ZnO and the graphene layers.

Optical imaging is an excellent non-invasive method for viewing visceral organs. Most importantly, it is safer as compared to ionizing radiation-based methods like X-rays. By making use of the properties of photons, this technique generates high-resolution images of cells, molecules, organs, and tissues using visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light. Moreover, optical imaging enables real-time evaluation of soft tissue properties, metabolic alterations, and early disease markers in real time by utilizing a variety of techniques, including fluorescence and bioluminescence. Innovative biocompatible fluorescent probes that may provide disease-specific optical signals are being used to improve diagnostic capabilities in a variety of clinical applications. However, despite these promising advancements, several challenges remain unresolved. The primary obstacle includes the difficulty of developing efficient fluorescent probes, and the tissue autofluorescence, which complicates signal detection. Furthermore, the depth penetration restrictions of several imaging modalities limit their use in imaging of deeper tissues. Additionally, enhancing biocompatibility, boosting fluorescent probe signal-to-noise ratios, and utilizing cutting-edge imaging technologies like machine learning for better image processing should be the main goals of future research. Overcoming these challenges and establishing optical imaging as a fundamental component of modern medical diagnoses and therapeutic treatments would require cooperation between scientists, physicians, and regulatory bodies.

Long-lived hot carriers in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are essential for efficient light–matter interactions, underpinning applications in optoelectronics, photodetection, and quantum technologies. Vanadium doping introduces tunable defect states that significantly modify the electronic structure and carrier dynamics, yet their precise role in electron–hole recombination remains unresolved. Here, we employ mid-infra-red (mid-IR) transient absorption spectroscopy to probe carrier trapping mechanisms in pristine and Vanadium-doped MoS2 monolayers. Under near-resonant excitation of A and B excitons, followed by mid-IR probing at 0.31 and 0.62 eV, we observe distinct non-radiative decay pathways. While pristine MoS2 exhibits fluence-dependent defect state saturation, Vanadium doping introduces additional relaxation channels that suppress this effect, leading to nearly pump fluence- and energy-independent carrier lifetimes. Our results provide direct experimental evidence of doping-mediated suppression of defect state saturation, offering new insight into electron–phonon interactions and defect-assisted recombination in TMDCs. These findings establish mid-IR transient spectroscopy as a powerful tool for quantifying and engineering defect states, paving the way for optimized doping strategies in next-generation TMDC-based optoelectronic devices.

Owing to their great promise of high energy density, the development of safer lithium metal batteries (LMBs) has become the necessity of the hour. Herein, a scalable method based on conventional Celgard membrane (CM) separator modification is adopted to develop high-rate (10 mA cm(-2)) dendrite-free LMBs of extended cyclability (>1000 hours, >1500 cycles with 3 mA cm(-2), the bare fails within 50 cycles) with low over potential losses. The CM modification method entails the deposition of thin coatings of (approximate to 6.6 mu m) graphitic fluorocarbon (FG) via a large area electrophoretic deposition, where it helps for the formation of a stable LiF and carbon rich solid electrolyte interface (SEI) aiding a uniform lithium deposition even in higher fluxes. The FG@CM delivers a high transport number for Li ion (0.74) in comparison to the bare CM (0.31), indicating a facile Li ion transport through the membrane. A mechanistic insight into the role of artificial SEI formation with such membrane modification is provided here with a series of electrochemical as well as spectroscopic in situ/ex situ and postmortem analyses. The simplicity and scalability of the technique make this approach unique among other reported ones towards the advancement of safer LMBs of high energy and power density.

Doping and alloying induce defect states in atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), leading to strong carrier-phonon interactions. The robust excitonic behavior of these layered materials can be modified by injecting a high density of charge carriers. However, comprehending the influence of carrier-phonon and carrier-carrier interactions on the optical properties of 2D materials is crucial for their optoelectronic and photonic applications. Here, transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy is employed to demonstrate the modulation of the transient optical behavior of TMDCs through doping and excitation near Mott density. The TA spectra reveal broadening attributed to carrier-carrier and carrier-phonon interactions, with the broadening being particularly pronounced in vanadium (V) doped TMDCs due to the hybridization of defect and exciton transitions. Analysis of TA kinetics suggests the involvement of various carrier species in the carrier dynamics of TMDCs, with the influence of mid-gap carriers dominating at higher excitation densities. Nonetheless, the presence of strong carrier-phonon coupling in V-doped TMDCs is demonstrated by temperature-dependent Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results reveal that the enhanced coupling between acoustic phonons and carriers can lead to multiphonon emission. The findings of this study hold promise for controlling the optical response of TMDCs in ultrafast optoelectronic applications.

Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) have recently attracted much attention from researchers due to their use in cancer chemotherapy, targeted drug delivery, and diagnosis/MRI imaging. Various studies have demonstrated that different metal oxide NPs show cytotoxic effects by inducing apoptosis in cancerous cells and do not have any toxic impact on normal cells. The mechanism of cytotoxicity is shown through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by (MONPs) in the cancerous cell. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that in some cases metal oxide NPs are used alone and somewhere these NPs are used in combination with other therapies such as photodynamic therapy and with anticancer nanomedicines as drug carriers or drug conjugates. The phenomenon of enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect has been the basis of targeted drug delivery to cancerous tumors. Finally, we also provide a simple and comparative analysis of the major apoptosis pathways proposed to increase beginner understanding of anti-cancer nanomaterials. Herein, we have reviewed the most important antitumor results obtained with different metal oxide nanoparticles such as ZnO, Fe2O3/Fe3O4, CuO/Cu2O, TiO2, CeO2, and HfO2, respectively. These NPs can be applied to treat cancer by either passive or active processes. A passive process uses the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), due to their unique magnetic and physiochemical properties have been used in magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vitro as well as in vivo. Now, the research has reached the stage of clinical trials for the treatment of various types of cancer. ZnO NPs have been used very vastly in cytotoxic as well as in targeted drug delivery. These NPs are also used for loading anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin. Herein, in this review, we have examined current advances in utilizing MONPs and their analogs as cancer therapeutic, diagnostic, and drug-delivery agents.

In the present work, the ultrafast nonlinear optical (NLO) response of some molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), fluorinated graphene (FG), and FG/MoS2 heterostructure thin films was studied using the Z-scan and optical Kerr effect techniques employing femtosecond laser pulses at different excitation wavelengths (i.e., 400, 570, 610, 660, 800, and 1200 nm). The experiments have shown that the NLO response of the MoS2 and MoS2/FG films was significantly enhanced when the films were excited with 400, 610, and 660 nm laser pulses due to resonance effects with the close-lying excitons in these nanostructures. For a better evaluation of the resonant enhancement of the NLO response, measurements were also carried out at off-resonant wavelengths, i.e., at 570, 800, and 1200 nm. The presence of excitons in the MoS2 and MoS2/FG films resulted in strong saturable absorption and self-defocusing, with exceptionally large values of third-order susceptibilities chi(3) ranging from 10-12 to 10-13 esu. In addition, the NLO response of the MoS2/FG heterostructure was found to be stronger than that of the individual MoS2 and FG films, most probably attributed to interlayer carrier transfer. The determined NLO parameters of the studied nanostructures were found to be comparable to, and in some cases exceeded, those of other reported 2D materials known to exhibit a strong NLO response as well. These findings not only advance the fundamental understanding of the contributions of excitons on the NLO response/properties of transition metal dichalcogenide-based ultrathin films but also highlight the importance of excitons for tailoring their NLO response in view of various applications in advanced optoelectronics and photonic devices.

Background Cancer is a significant global health issue, resulting from uncontrolled cell division leading to abnormal cell or tissue growth. Traditional chemotherapeutic techniques have investigated a wide variety of pharmaceutically active molecules despite their poor bioavailability, quick renal clearance, inconsistent distribution, and unavoidable side effects. Green synthesis, unlike chemical methods, prioritizes eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Using natural sources like plant extracts, it minimizes environmental impact, reduces costs, and aligns with sustainability goals. Operating under milder conditions, it consumes less energy compared to traditional approaches. Green synthesis is a highly promising and efficient method for producing nanoparticles due to its versatility and scalability. Main body Nanotechnology is making progress in cancer treatment because of nanoparticles' tiny size, large surface area, adaptability, and functionality, as well as their potential to induce apoptotic pathways and fast penetration or internalization into cancer cells. Biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant or microbe extracts is attracting attention to replace toxic chemicals with phytochemicals that can act as reducing, capping, or stabilizing agents and improve metallic nanoparticles biocompatibility, antitumor, and antioxidant properties. This review focuses on biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles and their anticancer effects on breast, prostate, skin, cervical, colorectal, lung, and liver cancer. Conclusion Biosynthesis of nanoparticles for cancer therapy stands at the forefront of innovative and sustainable approaches. Despite challenges, ongoing research demonstrates the potential of biosynthesis to revolutionize cancer nanomedicine, emphasizing the need for continued exploration and collaboration in this rapidly advancing field. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive understanding of the most recent developments in biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles for the treatment of cancer as well as their potential future applications in medicine.