Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, ranked as the second most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite the availability of FDA-approved therapies, limitations such as drug resistance and off-target effects highlight the need for novel, multitargeted therapeutic agents. In this study, we aimed to identify and design an in-silico promising multitarget drug for breast cancer by simultaneously targeting three critical proteins: Glucocorticoid Receptor, Estrogen Receptor-alpha (ER-alpha), and Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 (CDK2). FDA-approved drugs corresponding to these targets were initially subjected to multitarget molecular docking to evaluate their binding affinities. Based on this screening, the 15 highest-ranking ligands were selected and underwent molecular enumeration, resulting in the generation of 14,750 novel derivative compounds. The re-docking identified 1-((R)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl) -3-(3-((R)-1-5-methyl-1H-pyrrolo [2,3-b]pyridin-3-yl)ethyl)phenyl) urea (DdpMPyPEPhU) (Patent No. 202024101028.0) as a promising multitarget candidate. The compound exhibited enhanced binding pocket engagement through numerous stabilising interactions, including hydrogen bonds, π-π stacking, and π-cation interactions, with high docking scores (-14.869 to -4.57 kcal/mol) and favourable Molecular Mechanics Generalised Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) energies (-72.32 to -11.97 kcal/mol). Comparative docking and pharmacokinetic analyses with standard drugs Lapatinib and Tamoxifen indicated better drug-like properties and pharmacokinetic advantages for DdpMPyPEPhU. Additional validation using Density Functional Theory (DFT) optimisation, 5 ns WaterMap analysis, and 250 ns molecular dynamics simulations under neutralised conditions confirmed structural stability and strong intermolecular interactions, supported by binding free energy calculations. Overall, our computational findings suggest that DdpMPyPEPhU is a promising therapeutic candidate for breast cancer, providing a rational basis for further experimental evaluation.

In this work, we effectively prepared and characterized new ligand 1a its Cu(II) complexes (2a-2e), Cr(III), Fe(III), and Co(II) complexes (2f-2h). The synthesized quinoline based ligand 1a and its metal complexes (2a-2h) were investigated using FT-IR, UV-Vis., NMR, EPR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Ligand 1a and its metal complexes (2a-2f) were also tested in vitro for antifungal efficacy and Hydrolytic enzyme secretion against Candida strains. Compounds 1a and 2b showed notable activity against C. albicans, with MIC of 250 and 500 μg/mL respectively. Cytotoxicity of test compounds 1a and 2b was carried out by MTT assay. Interaction of compounds 1a and 2b with Ct-DNA was studies using absorption, emission titration, circular dichroism, cyclic voltammetry and viscosity measurements. The binding constant (Kb) for 1a and 2b are -4.79 x 104 and -5.99 x 104 kcal mol-1 and 8.39 x 103 and 10.2 x 103 M-1 respectively. The molecular docking investigation of 1a and 2b with PDB Id: 1BNA validated groove binding mode. The molecular arrangement of active compounds 1a and Cu(II) complex 2b were examined employing DFT studies at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level to optimize geometry and determine vibrational frequencies. The antioxidant capacity of lead 1a and 2b was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and H2O2. The metal complexes 2a-2h were analyzed for catalytic activity and they efficiently facilitated the oxidation of catechol to its corresponding quinone exhibiting turnover numbers following first-order kinetics consistent with Michaelis-Menten enzymatic behavior. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of all the compounds also demonstrated favorable bioavailability.

This paper presents the synthesis, thorough characterizations, and visible and near-infrared (NIR) photophysical properties of two original heteroleptic complexes, [LnIII(fod)3(bzi)] (Ln = Sm (1) and Tb (2); fod = 6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedione and bzi = benzimidazole). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) was performed only on complex 2 owing to its good quality crystals. SC-XRD and NMR results indicated that the complexes are seven-coordinated in the solid and solution states. The TbIII ion, in complex 2, is surrounded by six oxygen atoms of fod ligands and one nitrogen atom from bzi, forming a distorted capped octahedron (C3v) geometry. This geometry was further supported by Sparkle model/PM7 and SHAPE analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves showed that the complexes are stable up to similar to 260-280 degrees C, suggesting their possible application in optoelectronic devices. Upon UV excitation, the complexes exhibited their characteristic emission transitions {SmIII ion; 4G5/2 -> 6Hj=5/2,7/2,9/2 (visible) and 6F1/2, 6H13/2, 6F3/2,5/2,7/2,9/2,11/2 (NIR region) and TbIII ion; 5D4 -> 7Fj=6-2}. The Sm complex exhibited very intense luminescence with high quantum yield (similar to 7.20%), comparable to most luminescent Sm complexes reported in the literature. Photophysical parameters (photoluminescence quantum yields and lifetimes) were recorded and are presented for both complexes in the solution state, solid state, and thin films@3%PMMA. The strong luminescence of the complexes suggests that Hfod and bzi ligands act as efficient sensitizers. The CIE coordinates, obtained from emission spectra, indicated that the complexes emit in the pink (SmIII) and green (TbIII) regions. The band gaps determined lie in the semiconductor region, which suggests the applicability of the complexes as optoelectronic materials. Finally, CCT values were determined, which revealed that the complexes can be used as cold light sources.

To expand the scope of our research and find anticancer drugs with novel structures, heterocyclic derivatives (3a 3n ) were designed and synthesized via Suzuki coupling reaction in the presence of Pd(PPh3)(4) [Tetrakis (triphenylphosphine)-palladium(0)] catalyst with good yields. The synthesized heterocyclic analogs were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques like H-1, C-13 NMR, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of heterocyclic analogs (3a -3n) ) was carried out by MTT assay towards breast cancer cell ( MCF-7 ), and human normal cells ( HepG2 ), analog 3j exhibited excellent activity against an MCF-7 ( IC50 = 5 +/- 1.58 mu M ) and low toxicity against the HepG2 ( IC50 = >80 mu M ). Furthermore, the anticancer activity of lead analog against the MCF-7 cancer cell line was confirmed using flow cytometry. Molecular docking study revealed that the derivative fits well at the active site of the target protein epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase.

Heterocyclic Schiff base derivatives have been synthesized through condensation of dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and various substituted amines in 1:1 molar ratio. Synthesized heterocyclic Schiff base derivatives ( 3a-3h ) were structurally characterized by UV–visible, IR, 1 H and 13 C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and mass spectrometry. Antibacterial property of heterocyclic Schiff base derivatives has been explored against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus using disk diffusion method. Results revealed that Schiff base derivatives 3c, 3f and 3h have significant antibacterial activity against tested bacterial strains. Heterocyclic Schiff base derivatives also explored for DNA binding interactions with calf thymus-DNA (Ct-DNA) by means of absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence measurements, circular dichroism, viscosity measurement and molecular docking study. Heterocyclic Schiff base derivatives 3c, 3f and 3h bind with Ct-DNA through groove mode with binding constant ( K b ) 1.62 × 10 4 , 1.58 × 10 4 M −1 and 2.3 × 10 4 M −1 , respectively. Molecular docking of the target compounds was also carried out against B-DNA dodecamer d(CGCGAATTCGCG) 2. Agarose gel electrophoresis study revealed that after the addition of compounds 3c, 3f and 3h , DNA damage induced by free radical has been inhibited. Antioxidant potential of heterocyclic Schiff base derivatives was also estimated by Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and hydrogen peroxide assay. The experimental results of the spectral properties of the synthesized derivatives 3c, 3f and 3h in solution were interpreted at the molecular level with aid of the DFT and TD-DFT/CAM-B3LYP/6–31 + G(d) computational methods with Becke-3-Lee–Yang–Parr(B3LYP) exchange–correlation functional approach.

The river Ganges largest tributary is river Yamuna and it is the longest tributary in India serving millions of individuals. It is emerging from the glacier known as Yamunotri that has a height of 6,387m that travel through Uttarakhand to Allahabad. The water from river is abstracted as well as in stream used for irrigation, power generation, domestic water supply, industrial use, etc., because of which the after affects are many. In India, an alarming situation exists since quite a long time in river pollution. When river Yamuna enters Delhi, it meets the water quality guidelines with respect to Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) but during its exit the water quality deteriorated. The main reasons of deterioration of the river water are sewage discharge and industrial effluents and mis utilization of fresh water. The dilution capacity of the river also gets reduced due to significant water abstraction. The chief contributor of contamination is National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi followed by Agra and Mathura by either point or non-point sources.In this paper we investigated the ongoing trends in basic water quality guidelines of the River Yamuna which show huge deviation in Delhi segment. Due to the influence of industrialization, urbanization and horticultural advances the Delhi segment gets severely contaminated. Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) was undertaken by the government for the restoration and preservation of the river Yamuna. The DO, BOD in the Delhi segment and eutrophicated segment investigation, the water quality parameter trends in the river Yamuna represent that regardless of the considerable number of endeavors the water quality isn't fit for assigned best utilizations. The outcomes require inventive points of view in the advancement of a refreshed comprehensive preservation technique for the river Yamuna.

This paper reports two new crystallographically characterized Sm complexes, [Sm(fod)3(L)] (L = bath and terpy) and their photophysical (visible and NIR) and temperature sensing properties.

New homoleptic [Ni((c)pebdtc)(2)] (1), [Ni((c)ptpdtc)(2)] (2) and heteroleptic [Ni((c)pebdtc)(NCS)(PPh3] (3), and [Ni ((c)ptpdtc)(NCS)(PPh3] (4) complexes were synthesized and fully characterized by CHNS analysis, FT-IR, electronic, 1H, 13C NMR spectroscopy. In heteroleptic complexes (3, 4), the values of thiocyanide (VC-N) have been moved towards longer wavenumbers and the carbon signals of NCS2 have been moved to downfield in comparison to the homoleptic complexes (1, 2), thus suggests increased strength of thioureide bond because of pi-accepting phosphine. Structure of complex 3 was obtained by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique that showed NiS2PN square planar distorted geometry around nickel atom. In complex 3, supramolecular frameworks are stabilized by pi ... pi non-covalent interactions. The HOMO/LUMO energy values displayed satisfying interchange of a charge that takes place within a molecule. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface analysis has been performed to reveal charge distribution in the complex. Natural bond orbital (NBO) assessment has been done to demonstrate the donor-acceptor interconnections. The calculation of Fukui function was performed by population evaluation. The quantification of intermolecular interactions was obtained by Hirshfeld surface analysis. TG analyses of complexes (1 and 2) showed single step decomposition with the formation of binary NiS material. All the complexes showed significant scavenging activity. The in vitro antifungal potential of complexes (1-4) against three Candida strains (C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis) by taking Fluconazole (FLC) as a reference drug, showed that 3 exhibit significant activity with MIC around 500 mu g/ml against all strains. The hypochromism effect suggested that complexes 2 and 4 interacted with the Ct-DNA through an intercalative binding mode, which was further validated by molecular docking studies.

Pyrazoline derivatives (3a-3e) and (4a-4e) were designed and synthesized through chalcones (2a-2e) cyclization with NH2NH2/HCOOH and NH2CSNHNH2/CH3COOH, respectively. The molecular structures were elucidated by using various techniques such as UV-visible, FT-IR, H-1, C-13 NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The purity of all synthesized compounds was checked by the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Single X-ray crystallography was confirmed the molecular structure of analogs (2d, 3e and 4e). Anticancer activity of the all derivatives was screened against human cancer cell MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines by MTT assay. The results of anticancer activity of novel analogs 2b, 3b and 3e exhibited promising activity against MCF-7 but low toxic against the HepG2 normal cell line. By using a flow cytometry-based technique, the anticancer effectiveness of potent compounds against the MCF-7 cancer cell line was further validated. DNA binding interactions of the novel analogs 3b and 3e were carried out with calf thymus DNA (Ct-DNA) using absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism and cyclic voltammetry. In silico molecular modelling of pyrazoline derivatives were also studied using Schrodinger-Maestro v2021-2 against tyrosine kinase receptor with PDB ID: 1M17 to explore their best hits. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical was used to measure the antioxidant capacity of active pyrazoline derivatives. Using Swiss ADMET software, the ADMET characteristics of pyrazoline derivatives were also investigated. [GRAPHICS] .

Abstract 1,3,4-Oxadiazole-based heterocyclic analogs (3a–3m) were synthesized via cyclization of Schiff bases with substituted aldehydes in the presence of bromine and acetic acid. The structural clarification of synthesized molecules was carried out with various spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, UV–visible spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (LCMS). The TD-DFT studies were also confirmed the structure of drug molecules. In vitro antifungal activity was performed against C. Albicans, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis and analogs 3g, 3i, and 3m showed potent MIC at 200 µg/ml and excellent ZOI measurements of 17-21 nm. The cell viability on human hepatoma cells (Huh7) for lead molecules 3g, 3i, and 3m was found to be 99.5%, 92.3%, and 86.9% at 20 μM, 10 μM, and 20 μM respectively. The antioxidant activity of the lead molecules 3g, 3i, and 3m were estimated and exhibited great IC50 values of 0.104 ± 0.021, 0.145 ± 0.05, and 0.165 ± 0.018 μg/mL with DPPH and 0.107 ± 0.04, 0.191 ± 0.12, and 0.106 ± 0.08 with H2O2 respectively. The DNA binding interaction mode for the lead molecules was also carried out with Ct-DNA using the absorption, emission, CV, CD, and Time resolve fluorescence techniques. The results showed good binding constant (Kb) values 9.1×105, 9.94×105, and 9.32×105 M−1 for 3g, 3i, and 3m respectively. The results were further validated by In-silico molecular docking and pharmacokinetics properties of lead drug molecules were also studied with PDB ID: 1BNA and 5FSA to explore the best hits.

We have designed and synthesized three pyrazole analogs (4, 5a, 5b), pyrazole-based chalcones (6a-6d) and (8a-8h), and N-formyl/acetyl 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazoline analogs (7a-7d), (9a-9d). FT-IR, 1H, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry techniques were used to describe the structures of all the synthesized analogs. The single crystal X-ray method was used to identify the molecular structure of derivatives 4 and 5a. All synthesized analogs were screened by MTT assay on two cancer cell lines, the human lung cancer cell line (A549) and cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Among all compounds, analog 9d demonstrates significant anticancer activity against HeLa (IC50 = 23.6 μM) and A549 (IC50 = 37.59 μM). The non-interactive interaction of active compound (9d) with Calf thymus DNA (Ct-DNA) has been investigated through various methods, such as UV-vis absorption, emission, cyclic voltammetry and circular dichroism. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical has been used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the pyrazoline derivative (9d). The outcomes showed that active analog has significant antioxidant activity. In addition, MD simulation of the EGFR tyrosine kinase protein-ligand complex was performed at a time scale of 100 ns. The MMGBSA data of ligand-protein complex are showed stable interactions up to 100 ns.

We have synthesized the pyrazole-bearing Schiff base derivatives (5a-5e) and (6a-6h) then the structural confirmation was supported by various spectral analyses. The antibacterial activity of all analogs was screened against bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonieae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In comparison to the reference drug ciprofloxacin, the lead analogs 5c and 6c showed potent activity, with MIC values of 64 mu g/mL against E. coli and B. subtilis. Compound 5c showed a moderate effect with a MIC value of 128 mu g/mL against B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa and K. pneumonieae, while compound 6c was against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, the compounds 5c and 6c displayed groove binding mode towards CT-DNA by absorption, emission, competitive fluorescence studies using EtBr, CD and time-resolved fluorescence studies. Thermodynamic parameters of analogs 5c and 6c with CT-DNA were also calculated at 298, 303 and 308K temperatures by UV-visible spectroscopy. The molecular docking studies give the docking score for all compounds with PDB codes: 1BNA and 2XCT. The MD simulation study of analogs 5c and 6c was also carried out. The pharmacokinetic and ADME properties were calculated for all of the synthesized analogs (5a-5e) and (6a-6h).Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

An oxadiazole derivative 2 was prepared by condensation reaction through cyclization of semicarbazone in the presence of bromine; the structural confirmation was supported by 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Its sensing ability towards Ni2+ ion was examined showing a binding constant of 1.04 × 105 compared with other suitable metal cations (Ca2+ , Co2+ , Cr3+ , Ag+ , Pb2+ , Fe3+ , Mg2+ , and K+ ) using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and fluorescence spectroscopic studies. The minimum concentration of Ni2+ ions and limit of detection was found to be 9.4 μM. A job's plot gave the binding stoichiometry ratio of oxadiazole derivative 2 vs Ni2+ ions as 2:1. Furthermore, the intercalative binding mode of oxadiazole derivative 2 with calf thymus DNA was supported by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and fluorescent light, viscosity, cyclic voltammetry, time-resolved fluorescence, and circular dichroism measurements. The molecular docking result gave the binding score for oxadiazole derivative 2 as -6.5 kcal/mol, which further confirmed the intercalative interaction. In addition, the antifungal activity of oxadiazole derivative 2 was also screened against several fungal strains (C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis) by broth dilution and disc diffusion methods. In antioxidant studies, the oxadiazole derivative 2 showed potential scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and H2 O2 free radicals.

The thalidomide-DNA interactions have been investigated in detail by numerous biophysical techniques such as UV-vis, dye displacement assay, viscosity, cyclic voltammetry, circular dichroism, molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulation, FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. CD spectroscopy, thermal denaturation and viscosity measurement explained that thalidomide is groove binder. Molecular docking analysis highlighted that thalidomide binds trough minor groove of calf thymus DNA which also confirmed from dye displacement experiment. To our knowledge, this is the first instance thalidomide was shown to binds with calf thymus DNA. Molecular dynamic simulation indicated that the thalidomide-DNA system was stabilized by electrostatic attraction as the main interaction and mode of binding is minor groove. Our study provides a better understanding to the DNA-thalidomide binding affinity and it mechanism. Overall, all these in formations can be used for further understanding the pharmacological effects of thalidomide.

Green chemistry is the significant field of research as it offers simple, cost-effective, easy, biocompatible and eco-friendly methods for the synthesis of nanomaterials. With the development of nanotechnology, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has become important areas of research due to their various applications in industrial, pharmacological and medicinal fields as they exhibited good antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticoagulant, thrombolytic, cytotoxic and photocatalytic properties due to their chemical stability and good biocompatibility. The size, shape, concentration, agglomeration and some other factors of AgNPs depend on the methods used for the synthesis of nanomaterials. Various methods have been used by the researchers in the last few years for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using various microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, algae, different parts of plants, agricultural wastes, arthropods and metabolites of arthropods. The use of microorganisms and plants for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles is very eco-friendly, time-saving and inexpensive methods. In this review, we have discussed the various synthetic methods for the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using microorganisms and plants. Also, the review explores the recent developments in antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of silver nanoparticles reported by the researchers during the last decade.

New functionalized homoleptic and heteroleptic zinc(II) and cadmium(II) dithiocarbamate complexes of formulae [Zn(cpebdtc)2] (1), [Zn(cpebdtc)2(py)] (2), [Cd(cpebdtc)2] (3), [Cd(cpebdtc)2(2,2'-bipy)] (4) (where, cpebdtc = N-cyclopropyl-N-2-ethoxybenzyldithiocarbamate; py = pyridine and 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) were synthesized and then characterized by CHNS analysis, IR, UV-Vis., 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures confirmed by X-ray crystallography revealed that complexes 1 and 2 adopt distorted tetrahedral and pentagonal geometry with ZnS4 and ZnS4N chromospheres respectively. Supramolecular networks are being sustained by C-H...pi and C-C intermolecular interactions. Anti-leishmanial activity evaluation revealed the promising anti-promastigote activity of complexes 1 and 2 with IC50 values 4.6 +/- 0.41 and 3.37 +/- 0.28 mu g mL-1 respectively. The DNA binding study confirmed that complexes 1 and 2 bind effectively with Ct-DNA through groove binding/electrostatic interaction as suggested by hyperchromism and it was further validated by molecular docking. All the complexes showed potential antioxidant activity. TG analyses showed one step for 1, 3 and two step decomposition for 2, 4 complexes with the formation of binary ZnS (1, 2) and CdS (3, 4) materials. Complex 1 was utilized as a single source precursor to prepare ZnS nanoparticles. Single phase (rhombohedral) of ZnS nanomaterial was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. TEM micrograph revealed spherical shape of ZnS nanoparticles with dimensions in the nanoscale (50-80 nm).

Escherichia coli is a harmful Gram-negative bacterium commonly found in the gut of warm-blooded organisms and affects millions of people annually worldwide. In this study, we have synthesized a ZnO–CuO nanocomposite (NC) by a co-precipitation method and characterized the as-synthesized NC using FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and FESEM techniques. To fabricate the immunosensor, the ZnO–CuO NC composite was screen-printed on gold-plated electrodes followed by physisorption of the anti-LPS E. coli antibody. The biosensor was optimized for higher specificity and sensitivity. The immunosensor exhibited a high sensitivity (11.04 μA CFU mL–1) with a low detection limit of 2 CFU mL–1 with a redox couple. The improved performance of the immunosensor is attributed to the synergistic effect of the NC and the antilipopolysaccharide antibody against E. coli. The selectivity studies were also carried out with Staphylococcus aureus to assess the specificity of the immunosensor. Testing in milk samples was done by spiking the milk samples with different concentrations of E. coli to check the potential of this immunosensor. We further checked the affinity between ZnO–CuO NC with E. coli LPS and the anti-LPS antibody using molecular docking studies. Atomic charge computation and interaction analyses were performed to support our hypothesis. Our results discern that there is a strong correlation between molecular docking studies and electrochemical characterization. The interaction analysis further displays the strong affinity between the antibody–LPS complex when immobilized with a nanoparticle composite (ZnO–CuO).

This study determined the performance of upgraded sewage treatment plant (STP) based on an anaerobic-aerobic system consisting Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor, Final Polishing Unit (FPU) and Down-flow Hanging Sponge (DHS) system, treating municipal wastewater located at Dhandhupura, Agra, Uttar Pradesh (India). The performance evaluation of STP were based on the removal efficiency of parameters like Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS). The results exhibits improved BOD, COD, TSS and VSS removal efficiency for UASB-DHS system (92.01%, 82.26%, 91.02%, 92.88%) as compared to UASB-FPU (81.67%, 74.35%, 83.72%, 83.41%) respectively. In addition, this study compares the UASB-DHS system with other post-treatment methods based on their treatment cost and removal efficiency. The technology ranking analysis showed that the UASB-DHS system scored the highest desirability value of 6.77 followed by MBR and ASP technology having a score of 5.17 and 5.11 respectively. The results demonstrated that the UASB-DHS system outperformed the existing UASB-FPU system and met the Indian standards for effluent discharge i.e. BOD less than 30 mg/l. Therefore, the treated sewage can be considered for cultivation, irrigation purpose and safely discharged into water bodies. Moreover, the cost analysis indicates that the UASB-DHS system requires less energy in operation, low expenses in sludge handling and comparatively small area required for post-treatment operation. Hence, this work proposed an economical and efficient approach for the treatment of municipal wastewater particularly for developing countries. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.