This study utilized eggshell biomass as a calcium precursor for synthesizing hydroxyapatite (Hap) through a co-precipitation method assisted by a combined microwave-ultrasound (Mu/Us) crystallization process. Different milling techniques (mortar, high-energy mill, and sieving) were employed to prepare the eggshell biomass and identify the most effective calcium precursor. The precursor derived from high-energy milling, followed by sieving and thermal treatment at 750 °C (designated as Sample Hap-H3 750), was selected due to its higher porosity, enhanced crystallinity, and smaller particle size than other synthesized materials. This sample was subsequently used as a carrier for the plant hormone forchlorfenuron (FCF), forming the composite Hap-FCF. Comprehensive characterization was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), specific surface area analysis (BET method), zeta potential (ZP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and bright-field transmission electron microscopy (BFTEM), ensuring reliable and robust data. The in silico evaluation of the phytohormone FCF with two receptors, gibberellin (GA3Ox2) and auxin (IAA7), produced notable results. Docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations demonstrated that the gibberellin receptor was preferentially stimulated, as shown by the higher binding affinity and the receptor’s sustained stability during the MD simulations. These findings underscore the potential applications of this research, emphasizing its significance in materials science and biochemistry. Moreover, the in vitro assessment of Hap-H3 750, Hap-FCF, FCF, and the control (distilled water) on the germination and growth of butterhead lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa) over 30 days revealed that Hap-H3 750 and Hap-FCF promoted plant growth by 275–330% relative to the control. This effect was attributed to the preferential stimulation of the gibberellin receptors responsible for stem and root elongation. These results suggest that HAP nanoparticles could facilitate the controlled delivery of FCF in the agricultural sector, promising to be an effective nanofertilizer.

Plant growth regulation is orchestrated by complex hormonal networks involving gibberellin and auxin signaling pathways. In this study, a comprehensive in silico approach was employed to comparatively evaluate the plant growth regulators (PGRs) forchlorfenuron (CPPU) and strigol (STG) against two key proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana: Gibberellin 3-beta-dioxygenase 2 (GA3Ox2), a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of bioactive gibberellins, and the auxin signaling repressor IAA7. These targets were specifically selected because they represent critical regulatory nodes in two major hormonal pathways controlling plant growth: GA3Ox2 governs the final steps of gibberellin activation, while IAA7 modulates auxin-responsive gene expression through its interaction with Auxin Response Factors. Therefore, their combined analysis enables the evaluation of potential regulatory effects of PGRs on both gibberellin biosynthesis and auxin-mediated transcriptional control. Molecular docking analyses revealed that both ligands exhibited higher binding affinity toward GA3Ox2 than IAA7, with STG showing slightly more favorable binding energies (−7.91 kcal/mol for GA3Ox2 and −5.43 kcal/mol for IAA7) compared to CPPU (−7.18 and −4.79 kcal/mol, respectively). These results suggest a structural preference of both PGRs toward the gibberellin biosynthetic pathway. To further assess complex stability under near-physiological conditions, 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted using the CHARMM36m force field. Despite its slightly lower docking scores, CPPU demonstrated greater conformational stability, lower RMSD fluctuations, and more persistent hydrogen bonding patterns, particularly in complexes with IAA7. In contrast, STG induced more pronounced conformational rearrangements, although it promoted slightly more compact protein conformations in certain systems. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy supported the computational findings by confirming the presence of key functional groups responsible for hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Collectively, the results indicate that although STG exhibits higher initial binding affinity, CPPU forms more dynamically stable complexes with both proteins. These findings suggest that CPPU may represent a more robust candidate for sustained modulation of auxin and gibberellin signaling pathways in plant growth regulation.