In the present study, composites incorporating NiO-Co₃O₄ (NC) and CuO-NiO-Co₃O₄ (CNC) as active electrode materials were produced through the hydrothermal method and their performance was investigated systematically. The composition, formation, and nanocomposite structure of the fabricated material were characterized by XRD, FTIR, and UV–Vis. The FE-SEM analysis revealed the presence of rod and spherical mixed morphologies. The prepared NC and CNC samples were utilized as supercapacitor electrodes, demonstrating specific capacitances of 262 Fg⁻¹ at a current density of 1 Ag⁻¹. Interestingly, the CNC composite displayed a notable long-term cyclic stability 84.9%, which was observed even after 5000 charge–discharge cycles. The exceptional electrochemical properties observed can be accredited to the harmonious effects of copper oxide addition, the hollow structure, and various metal oxides. This approach holds promise for the development of supercapacitor electrodes. These findings collectively indicate that the hydrothermally synthesized NC and CNC nanocomposites exhibit potential as high-performance electrodes for supercapacitor applications.

The present study focused on the mushroom Ganoderma, which has been used in Eastern countries for centuries as a food and medicinal source. Specifically, the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma applanatum from the Kerala Forest Research Institute in Thirussur, Kerala, India, were analyzed for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The methanolic extracts of G. applanatum were used to examine secondary metabolites and proximate profiles, revealing the presence of various phytochemicals such as terpenoids, phenolics, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. Further analysis revealed the presence of significant amounts of calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and manganese. The compounds were characterized using chromatographic analysis, FTIR, and GC-MS, which revealed potential therapeutic compounds with C-H and C-O bonds in the amide group, β-glycosides, and C-C/C-O vibrations of phenolic substances. Mushroom extract at a concentration of 100 µg mL⁻¹ exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. This study suggests that G. applanatum has a rich biochemical composition and pharmacological potential, making it a promising candidate for drug development and traditional medicine, and contributes valuable insights into its diverse therapeutic applications.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are photoluminescent nanomaterials (<10 nm) with excellent hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and low cytotoxicity, making them attractive for biological applications. However, their use in aquaculture nutrition has remained largely unexplored. This study investigated the effects of dietary CQDs on zebrafish (Danio rerio), a model organism with approximately 70% genetic homology with humans. CQDs were synthesized hydrothermally from unripe Citrus limon and characterized by UV–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, UV–vis transillumination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Zebrafish were fed diets containing varying CQD concentrations, and growth performance, condition factor (K), hematological parameters, enzymatic activity, and tissue morphology were assessed. Feeds supplemented with 2 mL CQDs produced significant improvements in growth and biochemical indicators without adverse effects. Hematological and enzymatic profiles remained within normal ranges, and histological examination revealed no morphological abnormalities, indicating the absence of toxicity. These findings suggest that citrus-derived CQDs can enhance zebrafish growth and maintain physiological health, thereby supporting their potential as safe functional feed additives in aquaculture. This approach may open new opportunities for the application of CQDs in sustainable fish farming and the broader food industry.