Search Results (14,302)

A series of six silver(I) complexes, namely bromo(1-benzyl-3-cinnamyl-benzimidazol-2-ylidene)silver (I) (1a), bromo[1-(4-methylbenzyl)-3-cinnamyl-benzimidazol-2-yliden]silver(I) (1b), bromo[1-(3-methoxylbenzyl)-3-cinnamyl-benzimidazol-2-yliden]silver(I) (1c), bromo[1-(3,5-dimethoxy-benzyl)-3-cinnamyl-benzimidazol-2-ylidene]silver(I) (1d), bromo[1-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)-3-cinnamyl-benzimidazol-2-ylidene]silver(I) (1e) and bromo[1-(pyren-1-ylmethyl)-3-cinnamyl-benzimidazol-2-yliden]silver(I) (1f), were synthetized and characterized by microanalyses and mass spectrometry and characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic techniques. The in vitro effects of silver(I) complexes on trophozoites of two Acanthamoeba isolates obtained from patients with keratitis were investigated. The parasites were exposed to concentrations of 10, 100 and 1000 µM for 24, 48 and 72 h. The complexes exhibited potent, dose- and time-dependent activity. Complete inhibition was observed within 24 h at a concentration of 1000 µM. At a concentration of 100 µM, complexes 1c–e exhibited reduced viability to less than 10% within 48 to 72 h. At a concentration of 10 µM, partial inhibition was observed. Preliminary morphological changes included the loss of acanthopodia, rounding, and detachment. These effects were not observed in the presence of the pre-ligands or commercially available silver compounds. Furthermore, molecular docking was utilized to analyze the molecules against Acanthamoeba castellanii CYP51, A. castellanii profilin IA, IB, and II. The highest recorded interactions were identified as −9.85 and −11.26 kcal/mol for 1e and 1f, respectively, when evaluated against the A. castellanii CYP51 structure. Full article

The lodging of wheat has a significant impact on its yield, and its resistance is intricately associated with the mechanical strength of its stem. The majority of existing studies on this issue have been conducted at the macroscale, and the quantitative relationship between cellular structural characteristics and the mechanical strength of the wheat stem remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate this relationship in two wheat cultivars: ‘Zhoumai 36’ and ‘Angong 38’. Samples were collected from the second basal internode of stems at three growth stages: anthesis, grain filling, and maturity. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were utilized to examine cellular morphology, measure cell wall thickness, and analyze microfibril angles and crystallite sizes within the cell walls. Tensile tests were conducted to determine the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the stem samples. The relationship between cellular structural characteristics and stem mechanical strength was systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that during the developmental transition from anthesis to maturity, the elastic modulus of the stems in the two wheat varieties exhibited divergent trends: a decrease from 1.60 ± 0.08 GPa to 1.25 ± 0.04 GPa (mean ± SEM) in ‘Zhoumai 36’and an increase from 1.15 ± 0.07 GPa to 1.48 ± 0.18 GPa (mean ± SEM) in ‘Angong 38’ These differences were accompanied by variations in water content between the two varieties. Furthermore, it was observed that the thickness of the S2 layer (the middle layers of the secondary cell wall) in both sclerenchyma and vessel cells showed a positive correlation with stem elastic modulus. Conversely, the microfibril angle of the S2 layer displayed a negative correlation with elastic modulus. Cellulose crystallite size varied across the growth stages, ranging from 1.22 ± 0.10 nm to 1.83 ± 0.30 nm (mean ± SEM) in ‘Zhoumai 36’ and from 1.42 ± 0.11 nm to 1.85 ± 0.23 nm (mean ± SEM) in ‘Angong 38’, respectively, and this parameter also exhibited a positive correlation with elastic modulus. This study clarified the variation trends of stem elastic modulus in wheat cultivars ‘Zhoumai 36’ and ‘Angong 38’ from anthesis to maturity and revealed, through experimental determination and correlation analysis, the microscale quantitative relationships between the stem cellular structural characteristics (S2 layer thickness, S2 layer microfibril angle, and cellulose crystallite size) and mechanical strength (characterized by elastic modulus) in the two cultivars. Full article

Candida infections pose a significant health threat, and conventional antifungal drugs like nystatin are limited due to poor solubility, skin permeability, and frequent dosage requirements. Nystatin effectively targets Candida species by disrupting cell membranes, but formulation issues hinder clinical use. Lipid-based vesicular carriers, or novasomes, provide controlled, prolonged drug release and enhanced skin penetration. This study focuses on developing nystatin-loaded novasomal gels as an advanced drug delivery system to enhance therapeutic efficacy, bioavailability, and patient compliance. The formulation was prepared using a modified ethanol injection technique, combining stearic acid, oleic acid, Span 60, cholesterol, and Carbopol to produce a stable transdermal gel. Comprehensive in vitro characterization using FTIR, SEM, XRD, and thermal analysis confirmed the chemical compatibility, morphological uniformity, and physical stability of the nystatin-loaded novasomal gel. Entrapment efficiency differed significantly among the formulations (p < 0.05), with F7 achieving the highest value (80%). All formulations maintained pH levels within the skin-friendly range of 5.5 to 7.0. Viscosity measurements, ranging from 3900 ± 110 to 4510 ± 105 cP, confirmed their appropriate consistency for dermal use. Rheological analysis showed a dominant elastic response, as indicated by storage modulus values consistently higher than the loss modulus. Particle size ranged from 4143 to 9570 nm, while PDI values remained below 0.3, reflecting uniform particle distribution. Zeta potential values were strongly negative, supporting physical stability. XRD studies indicated reduced crystallinity of nystatin within the formulations, while FTIR confirmed drug-excipient compatibility. SEM images showed spherical particles within the micrometer range. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained drug release over 12 h, with F6 releasing the highest amount. The novasomal gel formulations-maintained stability for 30 days, with no notable alterations in pH, viscosity, or entrapment efficiency. Antifungal evaluation showed a larger inhibition zone (23 ± 2 mm) compared with the plain drug solution (15 ± 1.6 mm), while the MIC value was reduced (4.57 µg/mL), indicating greater potency. Skin irritation assessment in rats revealed only minor, temporary erythema, and the calculated Primary Irritation Index (0.22) confirmed a non-irritant profile. These findings suggest that the developed novasomal gel offers a promising approach for enhancing the treatment of fungal infections by enabling prolonged drug release, minimizing dosing frequency, and improving patient compliance. Full article

Parenteral nutrition is an integral part of the nutritional support of critically ill neonates, infants, and children in the intensive care units (ICUs) and at home. Therefore, the adequacy and the effectiveness of parenteral nutrition, PN, support are among the major concerns of doctors and pharmacists. The aim of this study is the physicochemical and stability evaluation of nanoemulsions, which are used for parenteral nutrition. These nanoemulsions are for intravenous (IV) administration of lipids, amino acids, glucose, electrolytes, trace elements as well as vitamins. Light scattering techniques are used for the identification of the hydrodynamic diameter (D_h), size polydispersity index (PDI), and the ζ-potential of the prepared nanoemulsions. Stability assessment is performed in different conditions, mimicking those of the hospital. The stability studies involve shelf-life measurement of these NEs over 10 days in two storage conditions (25 °C and 4 °C) using dynamic light scattering. According to the US Pharmacopeia, the droplet size should be under the upper limit of 500 nm (0.5 μm). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used for the shape of the droplets of the nanoemulsion emulsion for parenteral nutrition for the first time. The results showed that the droplet size was around 300 nm, with a homogeneous population and negative ζ-potential. The morphology was vesicular and spherical, typical for NE droplet shape. The results from all the characterization techniques show that the formulations meet the high-quality standards of nanoemulsions for neonates, infants and children. Full article

Gossypol, a polyphenolic naphthalene derivative and yellow polyphenolic pigment found in cotton seed glands, presents notable environmental, animal, and human health hazards. To screen for yeast strains capable of utilizing gossypol and to investigate their removal efficiency and mechanisms. Yeast strains capable of utilizing gossypol as the exclusive carbon source were isolated from cotton field soil. The identification of these strains involved assessment of colony morphology, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and phylogenetic analysis utilizing 26S rDNA gene sequences. Safety evaluations included hemolytic and antibiotic susceptibility tests. The growth responses of the selected strains to varying temperatures and pH levels were determined. Using cotton meal as the solid fermentation substrate, the effects of single factors on gossypol removal by the strains were determined. The intracellular and extracellular localization as well as the nature of the gossypol-removing active components in the strains were characterized, followed by an investigation into the molecular mechanism of gossypol removal using LC-MS analysis. A total of 17 gossypol-utilizing strains were isolated from cotton field soil samples, with strain ZYS-3 demonstrating superior removal capability. Strain ZYS-3 was identified as Meyerozyma guilliermondii, exhibiting no hemolytic activity and susceptibility to nine commonly used antifungal agents. The optimal growth parameters for this strain were determined to be a temperature of 30 °C and a pH of 5.0. In solid-state fermentation using cotton meal at 30 °C with initial fermentation conditions (10% corn flour added as an external carbon source, 40% moisture content, and 6% inoculum concentration) for 3 days, strain ZYS-3 achieved a gossypol removal rate of 73.57%. Subsequent optimization of the fermentation process, including the addition of 10% corn flour as an external carbon source, adjustment of moisture content to 55%, and inoculum concentration to 10%, resulted in an increased gossypol removal rate of 89.77% after 3 days of fermentation, representing a 16.2% enhancement over the initial conditions. Assessment of gossypol removal activity revealed that strain ZYS-3 predominantly removes gossypol through the secretion of extracellular enzymes targeting specific active groups (phenolic hydroxyl groups and aldehyde groups) within the gossypol molecule. These enzymes facilitate oxidation and elimination reactions, leading to the opening of the naphthalene ring and subsequent removal of gossypol. Full article

Background/Objectives: Virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines based on human papillomavirus (HPV) L1 proteins have high efficacy for preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-associated diseases. The production yields of commercial HPV VLPs remain suboptimal. We aimed to improve HPV VLP production efficiency using a hyper-expression vector system for the expression of L1 proteins of four major HPV serotypes—HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18. Methods: HPV L1 proteins were expressed in Trichoplusia ni (Hi5) insect cells via a hyper-expression baculovirus vector system. Following cell lysis using a microfluidizer, VLPs were purified through a two-step chromatographic process. Particle morphology was characterized using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Immunogenicity was evaluated using a murine model; mice received three intramuscular injections of the purified quadrivalent VLPs. The resulting IgG and neutralizing antibody responses were compared with those elicited by the commercial quadrivalent vaccine, Gardasil. Results: The L1 proteins from HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 were successfully expressed at high levels in Hi5 cells, forming uniformly sized VLPs with hydrodynamic diameters of 50–60 nm. The average production yield of the quadrivalent VLPs exceeded 40 mg/L, an improvement over conventional yields. The candidate VLPs elicited strong HPV-specific IgG and neutralizing antibody responses in mice, comparable to those induced by Gardasil. Conclusions: The hyper-expression baculovirus vector system enables high-yield production of HPV L1 VLPs with desirable structural and immunogenic properties. This approach holds promise for the cost-effective and scalable manufacturing of next-generation HPV VLP vaccines, facilitating broader global access to HPV immunization. Full article

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. It is characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity, meaning that although these tumors may appear morphologically similar, they often exhibit distinct clinical outcomes. By associating specific molecular fingerprints with different clinical behaviors, high-throughput omics technologies (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics) have significantly advanced our understanding of GBM, particularly of its extensive heterogeneity, by proposing a molecular classification for the implementation of precision medicine. However, due to the vast volume and complexity of data, the integrative analysis of omics data demands substantial computational power for processing, analyzing and interpreting GBM-related data. Artificial intelligence (AI), which mainly includes machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) computational approaches, now presents a unique opportunity to infer valuable biological insights from omics data and enhance the clinical management of GBM. In this review, we explored the potential of integrating multi-omics, imaging radiomics and clinical data with AI to uncover different aspects of GBM (molecular profiling, prognosis, and treatment) and improve its clinical management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is the most widely used intracoronary physiological index to guide coronary revascularization but does not allow for a precise assessment of plaque morphology. The combined use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) can detect angiographically non-obstructive lesions with high lipid content and large plaque burden, which are associated with an increased risk of future adverse cardiac events. The aim of this study is to perform an integrated assessment of angiographically intermediate coronary lesions using both FFR and IVUS-NIRS, in order to evaluate the distribution of plaque vulnerability features—assessed by IVUS-NIRS—in functionally significant and non-significant lesions. Methods: This was a double-center, observational, prospective study including patients undergoing coronary angiography for both stable coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome, provided they had at least one angiographically borderline (40–70%) stenosis. The index lesion was evaluated with both FFR and IVUS-NIRS; revascularization decisions were guided by the FFR result. The following features were considered markers of plaque vulnerability: minimal lumen area (MLA) < 4.0 mm², plaque burden (PB) > 70%, and maximum lipid core burden index within any 4 mm segment (maxLCBI4mm) > 325. High-risk plaques were defined by the simultaneous presence of all three criteria. Results: A total of 57 patients were enrolled (mean age: 66 years; 18% women), and 57 lesions were assessed using both FFR and IVUS-NIRS. Acute coronary syndrome was the admission diagnosis in 72% of patients. Twenty-five lesions with FFR < 0.80 were classified as Group A, while the remaining thirty-two lesions with FFR > 0.80 were labeled as Group B. The percentage of lesions with MLA < 4 mm² and plaque burden > 70% was 72% and 67%, respectively, with no significant differences between Groups A and B. On NIRS analysis, 23% of lesions had a maxLCBI4mm > 325, again with no significant difference between the two groups. High-risk plaques—defined by the concurrent presence of MLA < 4 mm², plaque burden > 70%, and maxLCBI4mm > 325—were identified in 18% of patients. The prevalence of high-risk plaques did not differ significantly between Groups A and B (12% vs. 22%, p = 0.33). Conclusions: Plaque vulnerability criteria are equally distributed between functionally significant and non-significant coronary lesions, and the prevalence of high-risk plaques (defined by the simultaneous presence of MLA < 4 mm², PB > 70%, and maxLCBI4mm > 325) does not differ significantly between the two groups. Notably, 22% of FFR-negative lesions managed conservatively are characterized by the presence of high-risk plaques. Further studies are needed to determine whether these lesions warrant interventional treatment or a more intensive pharmacological approach. (ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT02985112). Full article

The parturition season of grazing Tibetan ewes spans from October to March, a period that exacerbates the adverse impacts of nutrient-deficient herbage on milk yield, body condition, and postpartum recovery. To alleviate the weight loss of ewes during the cold seasons, we provided concentrate supplements at four levels (dry matter (DM) basis), 260 g (C1), 440 g (C2), 520 g (C3), and 610 g (C4), alongside a basal diet of grazed pasture. A total of 96 multiparous Tibetan ewes (third parity, body weight: 45.17 ± 3.69 kg (body weight (BW) were enrolled within 12–18 h postpartum and randomly allocated to four dietary groups (n = 24 ewes per group). We measured growth performance, ruminal histomorphology, fermentation parameters, and digestive enzymes. A multi-omics technique (16S rRNA gene sequencing and RNA-seq) was employed to investigate the mechanisms underlying alterations in ruminal function. The results showed that increasing the concentrate level decreased body weight loss and increased average dry matter intake (p < 0.05). Rumen morphology was significantly altered: papilla width and muscle layer thickness were greatest in the C4 group, whereas submucosal thickness was highest in the C1 group (p < 0.05). Cellulase activity was lowest in the C1 group (p < 0.05). Papilla width of lactating Tibetan ewes in the C4 group was higher (p < 0.05) than that in the C1 and C3 groups. Concentrate supplementation altered ruminal microbiota composition and diversity. Each group exhibited a distinct microbial signature: the C1 group was characterized by Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Candidatus_Omnitrophus, Paenibacillus, and unclassified_Oligoflexaceae; the C2 group was enriched in Papillibacter, Anaerovibrio, V9D2013_group, and unclassified_Peptococcaceae; the C3 group was characterized by unclassified_Bacteroidales_RF16_group; and the C4 group was characterized by Ruminococcus, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Mitsuokella (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes (TRPA1, EPHB1, GATA3, C4, ABCG2, THBS4, and TNFRSF11B) that are predominantly involved in immune regulation, signal transduction, and nutrient digestion. The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that Anaerovibrio was negatively correlated with propionate (r = −0.565, p < 0.05). However, it was positively correlated with the ratio of acetate and propionate (r = 0.579, p < 0.05). Moreover, Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group was negatively correlated with cellulase (r = −0.699, p < 0.05) and α-amylase (r = −0.514, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the increasing concentrate supplementation alleviates body weight loss in lactating Tibetan sheep by orchestrating improvements in rumen histomorphology, digestive function, altering bacteria composition, and ruminal immune and modulating host epithelial gene expression. Full article

The ‘Akizuki’ pear has become increasingly popular in China in recent years. However, the ‘Akizuki’ pear often suffers from severe rot diseases during the postharvest storage period. Those during storage have not been thoroughly elucidated In this study, fungal pathogens causing postharvest decay of ‘Akizuki’ pear were identified through multi-gene phylogenetic analysis, followed by assessment of the antifungal efficacy of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) at varying concentrations. A total of 18 strains were isolated and identified as pathogens by Koch postulates. The isolated pathogens were taxonomically identified by combining morphological characterization of hyphae/spores with multi-gene phylogeny (ITS, β-tub, tef1). The results revealed that isolates A1-A11 were identified as Alternaria alternata, D1-D3 as Diaporthe eres, P1 as Penicillium citrinum, and P2-P4 as Penicillium expansum. The strain with the strongest pathogenicity in each genus was selected as the representative strain for subsequent control experiments. ClO₂ significantly inhibited the development of the D. eres, A. alternata, and P. expansum by suppressing mycelial growth and disrupting cell membrane structure of pathogens, in which the EC50 values were 35.56 mg/L, 24.71 mg/L, and 41.98 mg/L, respectively, showing comparable antifungal activity to conventional fungicides. This has clarified the occurrence and control of postharvest decay diseases of ‘Akizuki’ pear fruit and provided more options for the practical applications in postharvest disease control of pear fruits. Full article

Background/Objectives: The bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is a rare anatomical variation characterized by a division of the mandibular condyle into two distinct heads. Although frequently identified through radiographic studies or in dry skulls, its etiology remains unclear, and few studies have examined its internal bone structure. This study aimed to perform a detailed morphologic and microarchitectural analysis of a right unilateral bifid mandibular condyle using micro-CT and to contrast the findings with the relevant morphological and clinical literature. Case Presentation: A human mandible from an anatomical collection was analyzed. The mandible was scanned using a Bruker 1273 micro-CT system, and a 3D reconstruction was performed. Morphometric analysis was carried out on both the bifid right and normal left condyles, evaluating cortical and trabecular components separately. Parameters included bone volume, absolute bone volume, bone surface, trabecular thickness, separation, and number. The right condyle was divided into medial and lateral heads with independent necks, displaying asymmetry in size and shape. Micro-CT revealed reduced cortical volume and greater trabecular separation in the BMC, suggesting lower bone density compared to the left condyle. Conclusions: This case reveals significant differences in bone architecture between the BMC and the contralateral condyle, indicating a potentially reduced biomechanical capacity on the affected side. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating microstructural evaluation in anatomical and clinical assessments of BMCs and provide novel insights that may inform diagnosis, treatment planning, and understanding of temporomandibular joint disorders. Full article

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a highly concerning pathogen in hospital settings, responsible for severe infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. Its remarkable genetic plasticity facilitates the rapid acquisition of antibiotic resistance, significantly complicating treatment and increasing mortality rates. As multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections continue to rise, phage therapy emerges as a viable alternative. Methods: This study reports the isolation and characterization of Acinetobacter phage vB_AbaM_A72 from stagnant water in Jalisco, Mexico. Results: Transmission electron microscopy revealed a myovirus-like morphology with an icosahedral head (91.32 ± 0.12 nm) and a contractile tail (123.77 ± 0.19 nm). The phage exhibited high environmental resilience, tolerating temperatures up to 60 °C and pH ranging from 5 to 11. Notably, A72 demonstrated a narrow host range but effectively inhibited the growth of an MDR A. baumannii strain for at least 12 h across different multiplicities of infection. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed the absence of virulence, antibiotic resistance, or lysogeny-associated genes. Comparative genomic analysis identified A72 as the first member of a newly described Obolenskvirus species, sharing only 76.4% similarity with its closest relatives. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of fully characterizing novel bacteriophages to expand therapeutic libraries and reinforce the feasibility of phage therapy as a promising approach against MDR A. baumannii infections. Full article

Akaganeite is the most destructive corrosion product in a rust layer, and it accelerates the corrosion rate of steel in certain atmospheres. Until now, considerable controversy has existed regarding the conditions required for its formation and its mechanism of formation. In this work, the formation of akaganeite in the specific corrosion process, which was atmospheric corrosion induced by NaCl deliquescence, was investigated through simulated experiments in a laboratory setting. Stereoscopic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to characterize the morphologies of the corrosion products, which could illuminate the morphological features of the electrolyte induced by the NaCl particles. The constituents of rust in a single droplet were analyzed by micro-Raman spectroscopy, and the components of the corrosion phases on a macroscopic scale were analyzed by XRD. The results indicate that the deliquescence of NaCl particles caused droplets to form around them, and atmospheric corrosion occurred in each droplet independently. Akaganeite can form during atmospheric corrosion induced by NaCl particles in the early stage within 12 h. The initial corrosion products, lepidocrocite and magnetite, increase the amount of akaganeite formed. The amount of salt deposited also plays an essential role in the formation of akaganeite on a macroscopic scale. Full article

Multiwire polystyrene (PS) produced by the electrospinning technique was physically characterized in terms of morphology and by optical properties of transmittance and absorbance in the IR and UV-Visible regions. A comparison was presented with the properties of bulk PS and multiwire PS containing graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles (NPs). The polymer is hydrophobic, and this surface property is enhanced when it has a multiwire morphology, and even more when GO NPs are embedded in it. The wetting angles reach up to about 144°. PS is an optimum dielectric polymer, and its permittivity was measured as a function of frequency. Some possible applications of the produced multiwire PS are presented and discussed. Full article

In this work, pCh-MWCNTs@Ag-TiO₂/S and pCh-MWCNTs@Ag-TiO₂ nanocomposites were synthesized through a combined phosphorylation and cross-linked polymerization method. The materials were thoroughly characterized using several analytical techniques, including SEM/EDS, FTIR, TGA, and BET analysis. SEM images revealed that the pCh-MWCNTs@Ag-TiO₂/S nanocomposite displayed a smooth, flake-like morphology with spherical, dark greenish particles. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of Si, S, P, and Ag as prominent elements, with Ti, C, and O showing the most intense peaks. The TGA curves indicated significant weight loss between 250–610 °C for pCh-MWCNTs@Ag-TiO₂ and 210–630 °C for pCh-MWCNTs@Ag-TiO₂/S, corresponding to the decomposition of organic components. FTIR spectra validated the existence of functional groups such as hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), and carbonyl (-C=O) on the surface of the nanocomposites. Following characterization, the materials were evaluated for their capacity to adsorb Hg²⁺ at parts-per-billion (ppb) concentrations in contaminated water. Batch adsorption experiments identified optimal conditions for mercury removal. For pCh-MWCNTs@Ag-TiO₂, the best performance was observed at pH 4, with an adsorbent dose of 4.0 mg, initial mercury concentration of 16 ppb, and a contact time of 90 min. For pCh-MWCNTs@Ag-TiO₂/S, optimal conditions were at pH 6, a dosage of 3.5 mg, the same initial concentration, and a contact time of 100 min. Each parameter was optimized to determine the most effective conditions for Hg²⁺ removal. The nanocomposites showed high efficiency, achieving more than 95% mercury removal under these conditions. Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order model, while the equilibrium data aligned best with the Langmuir isotherm, suggesting monolayer adsorption behavior. Overall, this research highlights the effectiveness of sulfur-modified chitosan-based nanocomposites as eco-friendly and efficient adsorbents for the removal of mercury from aqueous systems, offering a promising solution for water purification and environmental protection. Full article