Abstract: Background/objectives Search for harmless alternative solutions to protect crops has become urgent and has recently attracted widespread attention from researchers around the world focusing on natural polyphenols, which represent a treasure chest of molecules with potent activities. Due to the low water solubility of polyphenols, microemulsions, were selected as nanovectors. Methods Curcumin and mangiferin solubility in different excipients was evaluated by HPLC. Microemulsion was developed using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. Sizes and polydispersity of microemulsion globules were evaluated by dynamic light scattering. Activity against Fusarium verticillioides was evaluated by a microdilution method. Results Vitamin E acetate was selected as the oily phase, Transcutol P as cosolvent and Tween 80 as surfactant. S_mix was composed of Transcutol P and Tween 80 in a 1:2 gravimetric ratio and combined with vitamin E acetate oil phase at weight ratio 3:1. Microemulsions were loaded with 5 mg/mL of each polyphenol and recovery resulted 99.5% and 99.3% for curcumin and mangiferin respectively. Sizes of the lipid phase was 121.7±29.2 nm and 172.6±19.3 nm, respectively for mangiferin and curcumin microemulsions. Conclusions F. verticillioides was very susceptible to both microemulsions with a very high activity at a dose of 0.9 mg/ml (log-4 reduction), evidencing a possible use of these nanoformulations to protect crops from F. verticillioides.

Abstract: The use of pesticides in agriculture is essential for protecting crops and enhancing yield. However, their widespread application poses significant environmental and health risks. This study focuses on creating novel non-enzymatic electrochemical sen-sors for this purpose. Two nanocomposite-based sensors were developed, one using a bimetallic AuAgS alloy with reduced graphene oxide (AuAgS/rGO) and another using a MnCdO metal oxide with rGO (MnCdO/rGO). These nanomaterials were synthesized and deposited onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrodes. The materials were characterized using techniques such as FESEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, and UV-Vis spec-troscopy. Sensor performance was evaluated using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for the detection of diazinon and ethion. Comprehensive characterization con-firmed the successful synthesis and desired morphological properties of the nano-materials. The AuAgS/rGO-based sensor demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, with detection limits of 6 nM/L for diazinon and 50 nM/L for ethion, and wide linear ranges of 12-500 nM/L and 120-490 nM/L, respectively. The MnCdO/rGO sensor was success-fully applied to detect diazinon in a real-world sample of orange wash, confirming its practical utility. This study underscores the potential of these nanocomposite-based sensors as highly sensitive, selective, and practical tools for the precise monitoring of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in environmental and food safety applications.

Abstract: A deterministic platform for engineering epitaxial strain in CaMnO3 (CMO) thermoelectric thin films is demonstrated using pulsed laser deposition, enabling precise control of the interplay between strain state and oxygen-vacancy formation. High-quality epitaxial CMO films are grown on four different single-crystalline substrates, which impose fully relaxed, partially relaxed, low-tensile, and high-tensile strain states, respectively. Increasing tensile strain induces a monotonic expansion of the unit-cell volume and a systematic rise in oxygen vacancy concentration. Oxygen vacancies increase carrier concentration but decrease mobility due to enhanced scattering. Reducing tensile strain suppresses vacancy scattering and increases both electrical conductivity (σ) and the Seebeck coefficient (S), mitigating the conventional inverse relationship between S and σ. Fully relaxed films exhibit σ approximately four orders of magnitude higher at room temperature than highly tensile-strained films. These relaxed films also show the highest power factor (PF = S2・σ), exceeding strained films by up to six orders of magnitude. Strain-controlled oxygen vacancies thus provide a direct route to optimize charge transport and maximize the thermoelectric performance of CMO thin films.

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely studied in oncological nanomedicine, although concerns persist regarding their toxicity, elimination, and tissue accumulation. The biological properties of AgNPs depend on the synthesis method and the reducing agent used, which can influence cytotoxicity and cellular metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the reducing agent on the cytotoxicity of AgNPs in leukemia (JURKAT) cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). AgNPs were synthesized via chemical reduction using glucose (GLU) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as reducing agents. Nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, DLS, zeta potential, and TEM. Cell viability was assessed through trypan blue exclusion, and cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay. UV-Vis analysis showed distinct surface plasmon resonance profiles, and FTIR confirmed characteristic functional groups on the nanoparticle surface. DLS and zeta potential values indicated colloidal stability, with PVP-AgNPs presenting a more negative surface charge. TEM revealed greater size heterogeneity in GLU-AgNPs. GLU-AgNPs induced lower cytotoxicity and higher cell viability in JURKAT and PBMCs compared to PVP-AgNPs (p < 0.05). Leukemia cells were more susceptible to both nanoparticle types than PBMCs, showing a favorable selectivity index for GLU-AgNPs (SI = 2.44). These findings suggest that biocompatible reducing agents improve AgNP safety.

Abstract:

This work overviews recent (last 3-4 years) advances in sensing based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of plasmonic metal nanoparticles (PMNPs). Starting with a brief background, recent reviews in the field and relevant related areas are summarized. Next, recent progress in PMNP synthesis and post-synthetic transformations is discussed in the context of PMNP sensing utility. Subsequently, preparation of sensing substrates based on PMNPs is examined. Recent developments in colorimetric and LSPR sensing constitute the core of the review material with the focus on implementation of PMNPs and their sensing modalities. Advances in other sensing methods with direct relevance to PMNP implementations are also highlighted in the context. Perspectives on directions of further advances in LSPR sensing with PMNPs and overcoming existing limitations conclude this review.

Abstract: The present study involves the synthesis of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized iron-based trimetallic nanoparticles with different metal addition sequences (Fe/Ag/Zn, Fe/Zn/Ag and Fe/(Zn/Ag)) using the sodium borohydride reduction method. In order to investigate the catalytic reactivity of the nanoparticles, a series of batch experiments were performed using methyl orange dye as a model pollutant. It was found that the Fe/Ag/Zn 5:0.1:5 system showed a maximum catalytic activity compared to the other studied trimetallic systems. About 100% of the methyl orange dye was degraded within 1 min and the second-order rate constant obtained was 0.0744 (mg/L)-1min-1; the rate of reaction was higher than that of the other trimetallic systems. Furthermore, the effects of pH, initial dye concentration and nanoparticle dosage on the degradation of methyl orange were investigated. The results showed that the reactivity of the Fe/Ag/Zn trimetallic nanoparticles was highly dependent on the aforementioned parameters. Higher reactivity was obtained at lower pH, lower initial methyl orange dye concentration and higher nanoparticle dosage. Lastly, liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) was used to elucidate the reaction pathway and identify by-products from methyl orange degradation. The degradation of methyl orange dye using Fe/Ag/Zn trimetallic nanoparticles was rapid; the nanoparticles proved to be effective at degrading methyl orange and can be used to remediate azo-dye wastewater from textile industries.

Abstract: The growing demand for sustainable food packaging has driven the development of active packaging systems using biopolymers like poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and natural antimicro-bials. This study focuses on creating novel nanohybrids by loading carvacrol (CV) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (tCN) onto ZnO nanorods for incorporation into PLA/triethyl cit-rate (TEC) films. The CV@ZnO and tCN@ZnO nanohybrids were synthesized and charac-terized using XRD, FTIR, desorption kinetics, and by assessing their antioxidant and an-tibacterial properties. These nanohybrids were then integrated into PLA/TEC films via ex-trusion. The resulting active films were evaluated for their physicochemical, mechanical, barrier, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The tCN@ZnO nanohybrid exhibited a stronger interaction with the ZnO surface and a slower release rate compared to CV@ZnO. While this strong interaction limited its direct antioxidant activity, it proved highly bene-ficial for the final film's performance. Films containing 10% tCN@ZnO demonstrated the strongest antibacterial efficacy in vitro against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli and functioned as potent mechanical reinforcement fillers. Crucially, in a practical appli-cation, the PLA/TEC/10tCN@ZnO film significantly extended the shelf-life of fresh minced pork during 6 days of refrigerated storage. It effectively suppressed microbial growth (TVC), delayed lipid oxidation (lower TBARS values), and preserved the meat's color and nutritional quality (higher heme iron content) compared to control packaging. The developed tCN@ZnO nanohybrid is confirmed to be a highly effective active agent for creating PLA/TEC-based packaging that can enhance the preservation of perishable foods.

Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a powerful tool for the morphological characteri-zation of multiscale nanomaterials, including two-dimensional (2D) systems such as graphene and molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂). However, conventional SEM imaging often struggles to resolve nanoscale features due to limited contrast and depth sensitivity, espe-cially when dealing with ultrathin layers. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a simple yet effective strategy to overcome these limitations by exploiting grazing-incidence (radent) observation, achieved through a controlled tilting of the sample close to 90°. This approach significantly enhances the emission of secondary electrons from near-surface regions, thereby increasing image contrast and revealing morphological details, such as edges, ripples, defects, and overlapping layers, that remain hidden under standard imag-ing conditions. Optical characterization of the prepared MoS₂ colloids further supports the formation of monolayer and few-layer sheets, validating the structural information ob-tained from SEM. Interestingly, this approach recalls natural strategies observed in living organisms, where grazing-angle vision improved edge perception and surface recognition and therefore it can be considered as bio-inspired. Beyond its application to MoS₂, this biomimetic methodology offers a versatile and broadly applicable solution for improving morphological analysis of 2D nanomaterials and thin films, providing deeper insights into their structural characterization.

Abstract: The influence of the synthesis method on the properties of Zn₁₋ₓFeₓO nanoparticles with different Fe doping levels (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) for Congo Red (CR) adsorption was investigated. Nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel and coprecipitation, and characterized using XRD, SEM, and FTIR. Sol-gel synthesis produced smaller (~13 nm) particles, exhibiting high CR adsorption efficiency (~90%) at 10 ppm and room temperature. In contrast, coprecipitation generated larger (~35 nm) nanostructures, with lower adsorption capacity (~24%). Both the synthesis method and calcination temperature significantly influenced the nanocrystallite size. Fe doping enhanced adsorption in all cases, particularly by maintaining high adsorption percentages at elevated temperatures. Fe³⁺ incorporation into ZnO nanoparticles modifies the crystal structure, possibly creating defects and vacancies that serve as preferential adsorption sites for anionic dyes. Efficient removal of organic dyes such as Congo Red is critical due to their toxicity and environmental persistence in industrial wastewater. These findings suggest that careful selection of synthesis parameters can yield highly effective adsorbents, providing a promising strategy for environmental remediation and sustainable water treatment applications.

Abstract: Background and Objective: Indigo and indirubin are the main active components of the traditional Chinese medicine Qingdai, known for their heat-clearing, detoxifying, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Indirubin has already been applied clinically with proven safety. Both compounds show potential against drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori infection; however, their strong hydrophobicity limits further application. This study aimed to construct food-grade self-assembled nanoparticles using electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between ovalbumin and fucoidan to efficiently encapsulate indigo and indirubin, thereby improving their solubility and evaluating the in vitro anti- Helicobacter pylori activity and underlying mechanisms of the three formulations. Methods: Nanoparticles were prepared and characterized. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the broth microdilution and checkerboard methods. The mechanisms were further investigated through network pharmacology, molecular docking, electron microscopy, urease activity assay, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and untargeted metabolomics analyses. Results: At a carrier concentration of 0.75 mg/mL and a drug loading concentration of 40 μg/mL, the nanoparticles exhibited optimal stability, with an encapsulation efficiency of 68.64% and a loading capacity of 3.66%. Indigo, indirubin, and their nanoparticles showed significant inhibitory and bactericidal effects against both sensitive and drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori strains, with minimum inhibitory concentration ranges of 2.5–5, 5–32, and 2.5–5 μg/mL, respectively. The nanoparticles demonstrated superior efficacy and exhibited synergistic or additive effects when combined with antibiotics. The underlying mechanisms involved disruption of bacterial structures; downregulation of virulence genes related to flagella, adhesion, urease, and VacA; inhibition of urease activity and CagA expression; and interference with key metabolic pathways. Conclusion: Encapsulation of indigo and indirubin by the ovalbumin/fucoidan nanoparticle system significantly enhanced their solubility and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity, providing an experimental basis for developing novel natural therapeutics against Helicobacter pylori infection.

Abstract: Success of indirect restorations highly depends on the adhesive cement used. In the last couple of decades resin cement has evolved greatly and is preferred over other cements. It is important to understand the chemical composition and their interaction with teeth and the restoration in order to improvise and overcome the disadvantages. Here three groups were prepared, RelyX U200 dual-cure resin cement as control group or group 1and 10 vol% nanozirconia and 10 vol% nanodiamond modified cement as group 2 and group 3, respectively. 3-(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate was the coupling agent used. Na-noparticles were added to coupling agent and mixed well on a glass slab, this was then mixed with the base of the commercial resin cement to obtain a homogenous mixture. Upon setting, the samples were crushed in mortar using pestle and made fine powder and incubated at 37⁰C and 100% humidity for 24 hours followed by SEM-EDS (SEM-EDS, Quanta FEG 450 USM) analysis. For FTIR analysis the powder form was made into the KBr pellet in a 1:10 ratio using samples and potassium bromide. The pellet was further analysed for chemical composition.

Abstract: This work presents the synthesis, characterization, and multifunctional properties of bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) nanoparticles prepared by a rapid and eco-friendly microwave-assisted method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of monoclinic scheelite-type BiVO₄ with an average crystallite size of ~19 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed nearly uniform nanoscale morphology, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified the presence of characteristic Bi–O and V–O vibrational modes. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis (BET) indicated a specific surface area of 7.5 m²/g, consistent with a non-porous or weakly porous material. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) determined a band gap of 2.55 eV, confirming visible-light activity. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated through the degradation of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) under visible-light irradiation. Effects of catalyst dosage and the initial concentration of pollutant Acid Orange 7 on photocatalytic degradation efficiency, were explained in details. Catalyst loading and initial dye concentration strongly influenced efficiency, achieving up to 77% removal within 120 minutes and well fitting to pseudo-first-order kinetics. In addition, the BiVO₄ nanoparticles exhibited notable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, attributed to synergistic effects of reactive oxygen species generation and direct surface interactions with bacterial membranes. These findings demonstrate that microwave-synthesized BiVO₄ is a multifunctional material with strong potential for integrated wastewater purification and disinfection applications.

Abstract:

In this investigation the structural, optical and electrophoretic properties of silica coated silver nanoparticles (Ag@SiO₂) are investigated. These nanoparticles were synthesized through a physicochemical process that integrates laser ablation and redox-reactions. Silicon particles were produced by laser ablation of silicon target that was submerged in deionized water. These particles were fragmented through laser irradiation with lower fluence to facilitate their complete oxidation into SiO₂. This procedure improved electron transfer and a higher production efficiency. When irradiated at wavelengths that correspond to their localized surface plasmon resonance, Ag@SiO₂ nanoparticles demonstrated plasmonic effects with potential microbicidal effects. Controlled nanoparticles agglomeration is essential for microbicidal applications; aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) was utilized to modify the surface charge and promote aggregation by neutralizing surface charge and reducing electrostatic repulsion by interaction of aluminum ions with silanol groups of the silica shell. Ag@SiO₂ nanoparticles were assessed for their optical and electrophoretic properties at varying metal salt concentrations, which demonstrated the potential of AlCl₃-enhanced nanoparticles for advanced antimicrobial applications. The potential of these research findings to facilitate the development of nanomaterials with targeted surface properties that exhibit effective biocidal properties is promising.

Abstract: Aerogels represent an extraordinary class of materials characterized by remarkable properties, including an exceptionally high porosity (approximately 99.8%), minimal weight, extraordinarily low density, low thermal conductivity, a diminished dielectric constant, and a reduced refractive index. These attributes arise from their extensive micro-meter-sized pores. In recent years, there has been a notable surge of interest in carbon or carbon nanotube (CNT) based aerogels due to their compelling potential across various applications, encompassing sensors, energy systems, and catalysis, among others. In the context of our ongoing investigation, we have successfully synthesized lightweight aerogels by incorporating copper and carbon nanotubes (Cu-CNT) through electrospinning. Intriguingly, these aerogels exhibit an electrical conductivity of approximately 0.5x103 S/cm, positioning them within the realm of semiconductors. Concurrently, their density measures approximately 1.669 g/c.c (similar to CNTs), underscoring their notably low mass. These semi-conductive aerogels, uniquely characterized by their lightweight nature and expansive surface area (approximately 442 m2/g), manifest considerable potential across a spectrum of applications. This includes catalytic processes, energy storage mechanisms, bio-sensing technologies, thermoelectric systems, and the burgeoning domains of micro and wearable electronics. The distinctive combination of properties within these aerogels augments their suitability for these diverse applications, offering the prospect of innovative and impactful advancements in various scientific and technological arenas.

Abstract: Anthropogenic activity seriously damages the environment. Cadmium, lead and thallium are toxic elements that are especially hazardous for nature. In polluted air, they are pre-sent in the form of microparticles 2-3 μm in size and belong to the PM2.5 fraction. Such par-ticles can be transported over long distances, penetrate into water and dissolve, and then enter the food chain. This poses a severe threat to human and animal health due to the bioaccumulation of metals. Therefore, it is important to study the properties of toxic met-als of this size. In this work, we developed a radiation-chemical method for obtaining mi-croparticles of cadmium, lead and thallium corresponding to the PM2.5 fraction, and stud-ied their properties in aqueous solutions. In the absence of oxygen, the metals do not dis-solve. Over time, they agglomerate and settle. When exposed to air, the particles quickly dissolve in water, usually within a few minutes. This process involves the disappearance of small particles and a decrease in the size of larger ones. The rate of dissolution increas-es in the Pb-Cd-Tl series. Cadmium dissolves approximately 4-5 times faster than lead, and thallium more than 10 times faster. Acidification of water accelerates this process. Studying the properties of microparticles of heavy metals is important for assessing their migration in the environment, health risks, and developing methods for preventing pollution.

Abstract: Diaminetriazine (DT) derivatives typically exhibit excellent liquid crystal properties, attracting numerous researchers interested in enhancing their performance. In this paper, two DT molecules (DT−10 and DT−12) are used to investigate how their backbone length and number of branches in the tail chains influence self-assembled nanostructures using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) at the 1-octanoic acid/graphite interface, compared to our previous report (2TDT−n, n = 10,12,16,18). DT−10 has a short backbone and a trialkoxy chain tail and DT−12 has a long backbone and a bifurcated chain tail. The STM results demonstrate that DT−10 adopts a cross-shaped nanostructure design and the DT heads take a head-to-head fashion connected by a pair of N–H···N hydrogen bindings (HBs). DT−12 assembles into a two-row linear pattern and DT heads take a side by side fashion connected by a pair of N–H···N HBs. After comparing with the results we previously reported, it is demonstrated that changes in the length of the backbone and the number of tail branches can only regulate the nanostructure of DT derivatives, however, the chain length of DT molecules is a key factor determining their assembly structure.

Abstract: Next-generation autonomous laboratories that combine machine learning, robotic synthesis, and in situ characterization is rapidly emerging as one of the key directions in modern materials science. By integrating active and deep learning algorithms with multi-level datasets ranging from quantum mechanical simulations to high-throughput flow-based experiments, these platforms establish closed-loop frameworks that guide complex nanofabrication processes in real time. Such AI-driven systems lower material and energy consumption, enable the precise design of nanostructures with tailored optical, electronic, and mechanical properties, and create research opportunities that were previously difficult to realize. This review provides a comprehensive overview of self-driving laboratories (SDLs), including their architectures, algorithmic strategies, and practical demonstrations such as the optimization of perovskite nanostructures, the development of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, and the synthesis of quantum dots with controlled emission. It also discusses existing methodological limitations, the need for standardized data practices, and challenges related to the integration of in situ techniques, while highlighting the prospects for creating fully digital pipelines for material production, as evidenced by recent autonomous laboratory demonstrations that progressed from initial hypotheses to functional prototypes within remarkably short timeframes.

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are defined as “synthetic solid particles or polymeric matrices, with regular or irregular shape and with size ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm”. They can originate from a variety of sources, such as synthetic textiles, city dust, tires, road markings, marine coatings, personal care products and engineered plastic pellets etc. During the lifetime of larger plastic debris, smaller and smaller pieces tend to form through degradation. Microplastics are challenging to collect and degrade due to its intrinsic chemical stability and small size. Despite being small in size, they are posing a great threat to both human beings and ecosystem. Besides, these tiny particles easily pass through water filtration systems and end up in the ocean and lakes, posing a potential threat to aquatic life. Extensive research has been conducted to find sustainable plastic alternatives or efficient removal approaches; while it remains in the early stage. To effectively mitigate the adverse effect caused by MPs, one of the solutions is through catalytic degradation with reduced time and energy demand and even gearing toward selective formation of useful products as a circular upcycling strategy. The catalytic approaches can be through photo, thermal, biological or electrochemical routes. Catalyst development for MPs degradation and upcycling lately has been actively conducted, however, a systematic and timely summary is lacking. Therefore, in this review, the design and engineering of novel catalysts with improved activity, selectivity, and stability especially for MPs degradation and upcycling are discussed, aiming to provide a thorough and timely reference for current status of MPs degradation catalysts, reaction mechanism, challenges and future opportunities.

Abstract: This study explores an innovative delivery strategy for the management of skin conditions: lipid nanosystems incorporated into a gel matrix. Echinacea purpurea extract, known for its antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, was encapsulated into lipid-based nanosystems and subsequently incorporated into a Carbopol-based gel. The extract, rich in chicoric and caftaric acids, exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC50 = 56.89 µg/mL). The resulting nanosystems showed nanometric size (about 200 nm), high entrapment efficiency (63.10% –75.15%), and excellent short-term stability. Superior biocompatibility of the nanosystems, compared to the free extract, was demonstrated using an MTS assay on L-929 fibroblasts. Moreover, the cytoprotective potential of the lipid carriers was evident, as pre-treatment significantly increased cell viability under H2O2-induced oxidative stress. These findings suggest that lipid-based encapsulation enhances the therapeutic profile of Echinacea purpurea. The optimal lipid formulation was incorporated into a Carbopol-based gel, which demonstrated an appropriate pH (5.15 ± 0.75), favorable textural properties, sustained polyphenol release, and overall good stability. This research highlights the potential of plant-derived bioactives in the development of dermatocosmetic products, aligning with current trends in eco-conscious and sustainable skincare.

Abstract: This study investigates the influence of pectin and copper incorporation on the catalytic properties of Pd/ZnO catalysts in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of 2-hexyn-1-ol and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. A series of monometallic Pd/ZnO catalysts with varying pectin contents (0–8.1 wt%) and bimetallic PdCu-Pec/ZnO catalysts with different Pd to Cu mass ratios (3:1, 1:1, 1:3) were synthesized via sequential adsorption of the polymer and metal ions onto ZnO. The catalysts were characterized using TGA, EDX, IR spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, UV–Vis DRS, and XPS. Characterization confirmed successful modification and changes in surface properties. Pectin modification improved the distribution of Pd nanoparticles (~4 nm) on the ZnO surface, resulting in enhanced catalytic performance of Pd-Pec/ZnO in both hydrogenation and hydrogen evolution reactions compared to unmodified Pd/ZnO. In contrast, copper addition led to a deterioration of catalytic properties in both processes, likely due to the inhibited reduction of Pd caused by Pd–Cu interactions. Among the catalysts studied, Pd-Pec/ZnO with low pectin content (1.8 wt%) exhibited the highest activity in both reactions. The hydrogenation of 2-hexyn-1-ol to cis-2-hexen-1-ol proceeded with high selectivity (96%) at a rate (WC≡C) of 3.3 × 10⁻⁶ mol/s. In the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction, the rate reached 1.11 mmol/h gcat. These findings demonstrate the potential of biopolymer-modified ZnO composites for the design of multifunctional catalysts combining hydrogenation and photocatalytic activity.