The build-up of synthetic dyes in the environment and aquatic ecology is a significant environmental issue due to their inability to break down naturally. The overuse of chemical fungicides also poses a threat to the environment due to their accumulation and fostering of fungal resistance. Hence, the study was conducted to detect the antifungal properties and photocatalytic activity of greenly synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) prepared using theHibiscus sabdariffaflower extract. The biogenic IONPs showed the highest photocatalytic activity against rhodamine B dye at a concentration of 4.0 mg/ml. The biogenic IONPs also demonstrated effective antifungal properties againstPenicillium digitatumandAspergillus nigerstrains, with relative inhibition percentages of mycelial growth being higher than those with the metalaxyl + mancozeb fungicide at 800 ppm concentration. The efficient photocatalytic activity of the biogenic IONPs against rhodamine B dye and their effective antifungal properties suggest their potential use as safe substitutes for commercial fungicides.

The resistance of fungal pathogens to traditional antifungal medications presents a significant public health concern, particularly for immunocompromised patients, leading to elevated rates of illness and death. This study aimed to explore the antifungal properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) produced using a natural approach involving the aqueous seed extract of Trigonella foenumgracium (Fenugreek). Additionally, the study assessed the combined effectiveness of these biologically synthesized ZnO NPs with fluconazole against fungal pathogens. The biologically synthesized ZnO NPs were observed to have a hexagonal shape with an average diameter of 27 nm and a surface charge of -18.3 mV. Notably, these nanoparticles exhibited the most potent antifungal activity against Candida tropicalis, with a relative inhibition zone diameter of 18.67±0.56 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration against C. tropicalis was determined to be 100 μg/mL, while the minimum fungicidal concentration was found to be 200 μg/mL. The greatest synergistic effect between the biologically synthesized ZnO NPs and fluconazole was observed against Candida glabrata, followed by Candida parapsilosis. In summary, the study underscores the potential of combining biologically synthesized ZnO NPs with fluconazole to formulate an effective antifungal treatment against drug-resistant fungal pathogens, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of conventional antifungal drugs.

Background: The dissemination of extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains across the human–food interface represents a critical threat to global public health, complicating empirical therapeutic choices and challenging traditional nosocomial restriction paradigms. Objective: This study investigated the prevalence, phenotypic resistome landscapes, and underlying integron-mediated mobilization mechanics of P. aeruginosa across the One Health continuum using an optimized real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) platform. Methods: A total of 116 samples comprising human clinical specimens (n = 61) and retail food matrices (n = 55) were screened. Phenotypic resistance was profiled against 16 antipseudomonal agents, with polymyxin and colistin resistance validated via reference broth microdilution. A novel real-time SYBR Green qPCR assay backed by derivative melting curve analysis was developed to track Class 1 (intI1) and Class 2 (intI2) integrons. Results: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was recovered from 36.2% (n = 42/116) of total samples, exhibiting a homogeneous distribution across clinical (32.8%) and retail food matrices (40.0%, p = 0.445). Antibiogram characterization revealed a critical resistance burden: 100% of isolates fell into extreme epidemiological tiers, with 71.4% (n = 30) exhibiting an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) phenotype and 28.6% (n = 12) reaching absolute pandrug-resistant (PDR) status. Absolute phenotypic resistance (100%) was recorded across both cohorts for meropenem, ceftazidime, aztreonam, tobramycin, polymyxins, and novel combination therapeutics (ceftazidime–avibactam and ceftolozane–tazobactam). Pairwise tracking demonstrated an exceptionally strong positive correlation in resistance distribution patterns between human and food isolates (Spearman’s rho = 0.948, p < 0.001). Analytical validation of the qPCR assay demonstrated tight, reproducible specific derivative melting peaks (T_m) at 83.2 °C for intI1 and 83.8 °C for intI2. Genotypic screening revealed universal conservation of plasmid-borne intI1 (100%), whereas plasmidic intI2 was variably distributed (61.9%). Crucially, intI2 carriage served as a definitive marker for the transition to complete pandrug resistance, being detected in 100% (n = 12/12) of PDR isolates compared to 46.7% (n = 14/30) of XDR strains (p = 0.001), supported by a strong positive correlation with the PDR phenotype (rho = 0.496, p = 0.0008). Conclusions: These findings reveal an overlapping, extreme resistome across the food-clinical interface and identify intI2 as a genetic tipping point for absolute pandrug resistance. The validated real-time assay provides a highly sensitive, proactive molecular surveillance framework capable of mapping high-risk mobile genetic platforms before they manifest as catastrophic empirical treatment failures.

Due to the rising need for affordable healthcare and clean energy, polymer nanocomposites (NCs) are gaining interest for potential next-generation multifunctional applications. Metal chalcogenide-based polymer nanocomposites (MCP-NCs) outperform conventional materials due to their high charge carrier mobility, tunable band gaps from visible to near-infrared, large surface-to-volume ratios for exciton dissociation and mechanical flexibility from polymer matrices. This review discusses quantum confinement effects in nanocrystals, enhanced light-matter interaction and effective interfacial charge transfer enable biomedical (photothermal therapy, biosensing), optoelectronic (photodetectors, LEDs) and energy harvesting (photovoltaics, thermoelectrics) applications. molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), tungsten disulfide (WS₂) and tin diselenide (SnSe₂) metal chalcogenides are extensively investigated for their electrochemical and capacitance properties, whereas polymers like poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS), polyaniline (PANI) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) are highly innovative for their thermal and electrical properties. Polymers with these metals generate scalable, lightweight, platform-neutral NCs. In optoelectronics, MCP-NCs provide sensitive, low-power photodetectorsand they offer scalable, sustainable energy harvesting with thermoelectric generators, supercapacitors, batteries and piezoelectric devices. This paper summarizes the MCP-NC structure, synthesis and possible applications in energy harvesting, optoelectronics and biomedicine. Innovations in synthesis, surface functionalization and device engineering have increased stability, efficiency and eco-safety despite interfacial mismatches and mechanical fragility. Recent advances, market growth trends and future research orientations position MCP-NCs as essential enablers of eco-friendly health, electronics and renewable energy technologies.