High Yield Research Articles

Characterization of Thermotoga maritima Esterase Capable of Hydrolyzing Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) Terephthalate.

The gene-encoding carboxylesterase (TM1022) from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima (T. maritima) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli Top10 and BL21 (DE3). Recombinant TM1022 showed the best activity at pH 8.0 and 85 °C and retained 57% activity after 8 h cultivation at 90 °C. TM1022 exhibited good stability at pH 6.0-9.0, maintaining 53% activity after incubation at pH 10.0 and 37 °C for 6 h. The esterase TM1022 exhibited the optimum thermo-alkali stability and kcat/Km (598.57 ± 19.97 s-1mM-1) for pN-C4. TM1022 hydrolyzed poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) degradation intermediates, such as bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) and mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET). The Km, kcat, and kcat/Km values for BHET were 0.82 ± 0.01 mM, 2.20 ± 0.02 s-1, and 2.67 ± 0.02 mM-1 s-1, respectively; those for MHET were 2.43 ± 0.07 mM, 0.04 ± 0.001 s-1, and 0.02 ± 0.001 mM-1 s-1, respectively. When purified TM1022 was added to the cutinase BhrPETase, hydrolysis of PET from drinking water bottle tops produced pure terephthalic acids (TPA) with 166% higher yield than those obtained after 72 h of incubation with BhrPETase alone as control. The above findings demonstrate that the esterase TM1022 from T. maritima has substantial potential for depolymerizing PET into monomers for reuse.

Ternary Eu3+ crystalline complexes with photoluminescence and triboluminescence for dynamic stress visualization

Investigation of photoluminescence (PL) and fracture-induced triboluminescence (TL) is necessary for the development of both fundamental theories and practical applications in mechanical energy conversion; however, most known PL/TL-emitting materials are confined to inorganic systems. In this study, a novel lanthanide-based crystalline complex (LnCC), Eu(DBM)3DETA was synthesized via the synergistic coordination of Eu3+ with DBM (Dibenzoylmethane) and DETA (Diethylenetriamine) units, leading to the formation of brighter LnCC with bright red emission, high PL quantum yields (57.19 %) and unique TL characteristics. The key to success in obtaining Eu(DBM)3DETA is the utilization of DETA molecule as synergistic ligand, presenting block crystals with higher coordination number of Eu3+ ions via recrystallization. Due to the dense accumulation of cross-linked three-dimensional frameworks through van der Waals interactions, the fracture-induced piezoelectric effect results in charge separation and excitation through the resultant electric field and discharge, triggering a fast TL response of Eu(DBM)3DETA and expanding the possibilities of the quantitative stress sensing. Importantly, amorphous powders can still recover to their original PL and TL emission intensities after recrystallization in cyclic crystal-to-amorphous phase transitions. The unique PL and TL characteristics of Eu(DBM)3DETA provide promising opportunities to display stress visualization differences of electronic signatures under different forces.

Breakthrough in CO2 Electroreduction to Multi-Carbon Products at Ampere-Level Enabled by Active Sites Engineering.

Efficient production of value-added chemicals with high selectivity from CO2 electroreduction at industrial-level current density is highly demanded, yet remains a big challenge. In a recent issue of Angewandte Chemie, Han and colleagues have elegantly increased the Faradaic efficiency (FE) of multi-carbon (C2+) products to over 70% at amperes level (1.4 A cm-2) by engineering the active sites for the key reactions involved in the CO2 electroreduction. In this study, the highly dispersed Pd atoms have two unique functions: active sites for water dissociation and to induce the electron rearrangement of the surrounding Cu atoms to form new active sites for CO conversion, while the Cu far from Pd are the active sites for efficient CO2 conversion to CO, the synergistic functions of these three active sites result in high FE and yields of C2+ products at industrial-level current density. This research is a remarkable step forward in the methodology for developing efficient and durable catalysts for CO2 electroreduction and beyond.

Study on Water and Salt Transport Characteristics of Sunflowers under Different Irrigation Amounts in the Yellow River Irrigation Area

The control of irrigation volume is of significant importance in arid regions of northwest China. Particularly, it has a crucial impact on the salinization of shallow groundwater areas. In 2022 and 2023, field experiments were conducted to test three distinct under-membrane irrigation treatments. These treatments were assigned water quotas of HW (27 mm), MW (22.5 mm), and LW (18 mm). The HYDRUS-2D model was integrated with a field experiment to accurately simulate the dynamic fluctuations of soil water and salt in the sunflower root zone. The model’s performance was assessed and verified using real-field data from 2022 and 2023, and the simulation results closely matched the measured values. This research also used stable hydroxide isotopes to assess the water supply from various soil layers at different time intervals in sunflower plants. The results indicated that the three different levels of irrigation applied under the membrane had a significant impact on soil water content. Specifically, there was a significant difference in soil water content at a depth of 0–40 cm (p < 0.05), while there was little effect on the water content at a depth of 40–60 cm (p > 0.05). After irrigation, the average salt content in the top 0–20 cm of soil decreased by 7.0% compared to the medium and low irrigation levels, and by 10.8% compared to the medium irrigation level. Additionally, the medium irrigation level resulted in a 10.8% decrease in salt content compared to the low irrigation level, and a 4.1% decrease compared to the medium irrigation level. During the same period, the soil salinity levels at depths of 0–20 cm, 20–40 cm, 40–60 cm, and 60–100 cm in the area outside the membrane were measured to be 2.7~4.8 g·kg−1, 2.8~4.0 g·kg−1, 2.7~3.4 g·kg−1, and 1.7~2.6 g·kg−1, respectively. These levels decreased by 13.1~55.5%, 0.7~42.8%, −0.4~16.2%, and −72.7~7.5%, respectively. Following irrigation, the HW treatment mostly absorbed water in the 0–40 cm soil layer, while the MW and LW treatments absorbed water in both the 0–40 cm and 60–80 cm soil levels. The results indicated that the most optimal drip irrigation method beneath the membrane in this location was achieved when the amount of water applied was between 25–30 mm. This method demonstrated a combination of water conservation, high crop yield, and effective salt suppression.

Flexible, photoluminescent 0D Cs4PbX6 (X = Br, Br/I)–PMMA composite films for white LED via water-induced recrystallization

Abstract3D CsPbX3 inorganic perovskite materials have attracted much attention in optoelectronic devices because of their strong absorbance, high photoluminescent quantum yield, tunable band gap, and narrow emission bandwidth. However, their practical usefulness is limited due to their poor stability in ambient conditions. Here, we created photoluminescent 0D Cs4PbX6 (X = Br, Br/I) suspensions in toluene by adding a small amount of water. The photoluminescent 0D Cs4PbX6 perovskite was mixed with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) forming 0D Cs4PbX6/PMMA composite films with higher PL, stability, transparency, and transmittance than that of the 3D CsPbX3/PMMA composite films prepared separately. Moreover, the PL intensity maintains 90% of the initial value after 30 days in water, showing excellent water stability. The flexible white-light LED device prepared by the composite films illustrated good luminescence performance with color rendering index 74.77, chromaticity coordinates (0.32, 0.33), and color temperature 6997 K. Graphical abstract

Breakthrough in CO2 Electroreduction to Multi‐Carbon Products at Ampere‐Level Enabled by Active Sites Engineering

Efficient production of value‐added chemicals with high selectivity from CO2 electroreduction at industrial‐level current density is highly demanded, yet remains a big challenge. In a recent issue of Angewandte Chemie, Han and colleagues have elegantly increased the Faradaic efficiency (FE) of multi‐carbon (C2+) products to over 70% at amperes level (1.4 A cm‐2) by engineering the active sites for the key reactions involved in the CO2 electroreduction. In this study, the highly dispersed Pd atoms have two unique functions: active sites for water dissociation and to induce the electron rearrangement of the surrounding Cu atoms to form new active sites for CO conversion, while the Cu far from Pd are the active sites for efficient CO2 conversion to CO, the synergistic functions of these three active sites result in high FE and yields of C2+ products at industrial‐level current density. This research is a remarkable step forward in the methodology for developing efficient and durable catalysts for CO2 electroreduction and beyond.

Facile Synthesis and Photoluminescent Properties of Asymmetric Perylene Diimides Capable of Tuning Emission Colors in Polymeric Matrices.

We report the facile synthesis of asymmetric perylene diimides (asym-PDIs) using readily available reagents, demonstrating their distinct photoluminescent properties. In CHCl3, asym-PDIs exhibit higher solubility compared to traditional perylene dyes, of which solubilities can be varied by substituent selections. Among them, UV-vis absorption spectra of CPE in CHCl3 solution displayed no aggregate peaks in the ground state, maintaining high photoluminescent quantum yields. Also, CPE can be readily dispersed into poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA (CPE-PMMA), forming thin films without aggregate formation. Importantly, the emission color of CPE-PMMA thin films significantly changes with the addition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These color changes should be strongly correlated with the HOMO level of the added PAHs.

2,3-Epoxyamide-alcohols in Domino Reactions: En Route to Molecular Diversity.

The synthesis of polycyclic γ- and δ-lactams bearing up to four contiguous fully controlled stereocenters is presented. For that purpose, we developed an original approach based on the use of 2,3-epoxyamides in domino reactions by taking advantage of the nucleophilic nitrogen atom and electrophilic epoxide. In reaction with enol ethers bearing gem bis-electrophiles on the double bond as Michael acceptors, four different reaction pathways were observed. They all started with a domino oxa-Michael/aza-Michael/epoxide opening sequence and depending on substrates engaged could be followed either by a lactonization or a hemiketalization/retro-aldol cascade. Thus, four original fully-substituted piperidine- or pyrrolidine-2-one scaffolds were selectively synthesized in good to high yields. Moreover, these polycyclic lactams were obtained in high stereo- and chemo-selectively highlighting the efficiency and molecular diversity offered by this new methodology that should offer various synthetic opportunities in the future.

Exploring the Potential of Biostimulants to Optimize Lettuce Cultivation in Coupled and Decoupled Aquaponics Systems: Growth Performance, Functional Characteristics and Metabolomic Analysis

Zero-discharge and low-input aquaponics systems are a promising alternative to the intensive agricultural and aquacultural production systems currently used, ensuring high environmental sustainability. However, new approaches and management practices are needed to increase their productivity to reach the yields of classic production systems. In this context, the present study investigated for the first time the potential of two biostimulants to improve lettuce performance in aquaponics, whether coupled or decoupled, with hydroponics serving as a control. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess the plant functional (focusing on the photosynthetic process evaluation) and growth responses at the whole-plant level. In addition, the nutritional state of the leaves was determined and metabolomic analysis was performed at the cellular level, the latter also for the first time in aquaponics research. The results demonstrated the limitations that coupled aquaponics poses in relation to lettuce growth, function and metabolism, which were already obvious from the 12th day of the experiment. Indicatively, the plants grown under coupled aquaponics exhibited a notable decrease in the leaf fresh weight, potassium content and nitrogen content, with reductions of 80%, 60%, and 30%, respectively, in comparison to the hydroponics control. However, the combined physiological and metabolomic data indicate that these plants down-regulate processes and metabolism to acclimate to low nutrient levels in lettuce leaves rather than experiencing damage. The application of biostimulants did not significantly optimize the plants’ performance, though one of them appeared to be effective in improving some aspects of the photochemical efficiency. The decoupled and hydroponics systems resulted in similarly high yields and efficiency in terms of plant function, without any marked contribution from the biostimulants. We conclude that the decoupled aquaponics system has been successful in achieving yields comparable to those of hydroponics, with lower chemical inputs. Future studies should focus on examining other biostimulants in this system to further improve its performance while maintaining its environmental benefits within a circular economy framework.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Quaternary α-Aryl Stereocentres in Benzofuran-3(2H)-ones using Decarboxylative Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation.

The Pd-catalysed decarboxylative asymmetric allylic alkylation (DAAA) has been applied to the enantioselective synthesis of sterically hindered benzofuran-3(2H)-one-derived α-aryl-β-keto esters employing the (R,R)-ANDEN phenyl Trost ligand. A range of substrates were synthesised, employing previously developed aryllead triacetate methodology to install various aryl groups. The resulting α-aryl-α-allyl benzofuran-3(2H)-one DAAA products were obtained in moderate to high yields and in enantioselectivities of up to 96% ee, with the best results observed for substrates containing a di-ortho-substitution pattern on the aryl ring as well as naphthyl-containing substrates.

Yield Performance Study of Bina Developed Sesame Varieties under Agro-Ecological Conditions of Mymensingh District in Bangladesh

An investigation was done during the Kharif-I (Summer) season 2022 at Sadar Upazilla of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh to explore the yield and factors affecting the yield of four sesame varieties developed by the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA). Three replications of a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) were used, where Binatil-1, Binatil-2, Binatil-3, and Binatil-4 were the varieties. The experiment's findings showed that Binatil-1 contained the tallest plant (107.00 cm), whereas Binatil-3 contained the shortest plant (79.55 cm). It was noted that Binatil-2 had the greatest number of plant-1 branches (4.95), whereas Binatil-1 had the least amount (2.14). Additionally, Binatil-3 displayed the highest number of plant-1 pods (95.65), whereas Binatil-1 provided the lowest amount (51.27). Binatil-1 had the largest pod (3.56 cm), whereas Binatil-4 had the smallest (2.57 cm). It was noted that Binatil-1 displayed the greatest count of seeds in pod-1 (78.15), while Binatil-4 displayed the least amount (61.12). The highest 1000 seed weight was obtained from Binatil-2 (3.15 g), whereas the lowest 1000 seed weight was recorded in Binatil-1 (2.95 g). The established genotype Binatil-2 had the maximum seed yield (1.42 t ha-1), whereas Binatil-1 had the least (1.27 t ha-1). Among the cultivars, Binatil-3 matured in the fewest days (87), whereas Binatil-2 required the most days (95). At Binatil-2, significant yield performance was found from the Kharif-I (summer) season experiment. A simple correlation was done where branches per plant per thousand seed weight had a significant positive correlation and pod breadth had a negative impact on seed yield for all genotypes. This experiment will be helpful for oil crop breeders and the farming community to choose promising sesame genotypes with high yield potential and future breeding stock. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 9(2): 125–132, 2023 (December)

Detection of tumor-derived cell-free DNA in cerebrospinal fluid using a clinically validated targeted sequencing panel for pediatric brain tumors.

Clinical sequencing of tumor DNA is necessary to render an integrated diagnosis and select therapy for children with primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, but neurosurgical biopsy is not without risk. In this study, we describe cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as sources for "liquid biopsy" in pediatric brain tumors. CSF samples were collected by lumbar puncture, ventriculostomy, or surgery from pediatric patients with CNS tumors. Following extraction, CSF-derived cfDNA was sequenced using UW-OncoPlex™, a clinically validated next-generation sequencing platform. CSF-derived cfDNA results and paired plasma and tumor samples concordance was also evaluated. Seventeen CSF samples were obtained from 15 pediatric patients with primary CNS tumors. Tumor types included medulloblastoma (n = 7), atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (n = 2), diffuse midline glioma with H3 K27 alteration (n = 4), pilocytic astrocytoma (n = 1), and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (n = 1). CSF-derived cfDNA was detected in 9/17 (53%) of samples, and sufficient for sequencing in 8/10 (80%) of extracted samples. All somatic mutations and copy-number variants were also detected in matched tumor tissue, and tumor-derived cfDNA was absent in plasma samples and controls. Tumor-derived cfDNA alterations were detected in the absence of cytological evidence of malignant cells in as little as 200µl of CSF. Several clinically relevant alterations, including a KIAA1549::BRAF fusion were detected. Clinically relevant genomic alterations are detectable using CSF-derived cfDNA across a range of pediatric brain tumors. Next-generation sequencing platforms are capable of producing a high yield of DNA alterations with 100% concordance rate with tissue analysis.

Supercritical CH3OH-Triggered Isotype Heterojunction and Groups in g-C3N4 for Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Evolution.

The structure tuning of bulk graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a critical way to promote the charge carriers dynamics for enhancing photocatalytic H2-evolution activity. Exploring feasible post-treatment strategies can lead to effective structure tuning, but it still remains a great challenge. Herein, a supercritical CH3OH (ScMeOH) post-treatment strategy (250-300 °C, 8.1-11.8 MPa) is developed for the structure tuning of bulk g-C3N4. This strategy presented advantages of time-saving (less than 10 min), high yield (over 80%), and scalability due to the enhanced mass transfer and high reactivity of ScMeOH. During the ScMeOH post-treatment process, CH3OH molecules diffused into the interlayers of g-C3N4 and subsequently participated in N-methylation and hydroxylation reactions with the intralayers, resulting in a partial phase transformation from g-C3N4 into carbon nitride with a poly(heptazine imide)-like structure (Q-PHI) as well as abundant methyl and hydroxyl groups. The modified g-C3N4 showed enhanced photocatalytic activity with an H2-evolution rate 7.2 times that of pristine g-C3N4, which was attributed to the synergistic effects of the g-C3N4/Q-PHI isotype heterojunction construction, group modulation, and surface area increase. This work presents a post-treatment strategy for structure tuning of bulk g-C3N4 and serves as a case for the application of supercritical fluid technology in photocatalyst synthesis.

Synthesis of Cycloaliphatic Polyamides via Palladium-Catalyzed Hydroaminocarbonylative Polymerization.

Polyamides represent one class of materials that is important in modern society. Because of the numerous potential applications of polyamides in various fields, there is a high demand for new polyamide structures, which necessitates the development of new polymerization methods. Herein, we report a novel and efficient palladium-catalyzed hydroaminocarbonylative polymerization of dienes and diamines for the synthesis of cycloaliphatic polyamides. The method employs readily available starting materials, proceeds in an atom-economic manner, and creates a series of new functional polyamides in high yields and high molecular weights. In contrast with the traditional polyamides based on adipic acid, the cycloaliphatic polyamides have superior thermal resistance, higher glass-transition temperature, and better solubility in common organic solvents, thus probably featuring the merits of high-performance and good processability.

Plasmon-Mediated Organic Photoelectrochemistry Applied to Amination Reactions.

Organic electrochemistry is currently experiencing an era of renaissance, which is closely related to the possibility of carrying out organic transformations under mild conditions, with high selectivity, high yields, and without the use of toxic solvents. Combination of organic electrochemistry with alternative approaches, such as photo-chemistry was found to have great potential due to induced synergy effects. In this work, we propose for the first time utilization of plasmon triggering of enhanced and regio-controlled organic chemical transformation performed in photoelectrochemical regime. The advantages of the proposed route is demonstrated in the model amination reaction with formation of C-N bond between pyrazole and substituted benzene derivatives. Amination was performed in photo-electrochemical mode on the surface of plasmon active Au@Pt electrode with attention focused on the impact of plasmon triggering on the reaction efficiency and regio-selectivity. The ability to enhance the reaction rate significantly and to tune products regio-selectivity is demonstrated. We also performed density functional theory calculations to inquire about the reaction mechanism and potentially explain the plasmon contribution to electrochemical reaction rate and regioselectivity.

Ex-Chiral-pool Synthesis of Optically Active 4-Alkylidene-Tetrahydroisoquinolines – Key Intermediates for Crinane Alkaloid Total Syntheses

A seven-step ex-chiral-pool synthesis of optically active 4-alkylidene-tetrahydroisoquinolines was developed. Starting from 6-bromopiperonal and (S)-serine esters N-benzylation via reductive amination gave enantiopure N-piperonyl serine esters. Subsequent NH and OH protection delivered defined (S)-serine building blocks. Best results to achieve the conversion into the corresponding serinal were obtained via a two-step sequence of NaBH4/LiCl reduction and subsequent TEMPO oxidation. Then, chain elongation using the Masamune-Roush variant of the Horner olefination afforded (E)-ethyl 4-(N-6-bromopiperonyl) substituted pentenoates with high yields. Intramolecular Heck cyclization employing the Herrmann-Beller catalyst enabled generation of enantiopure 4-(2-ethoxycarbonylmethylidene)-tetrahydroisoquinoline building blocks with high (Z) selectivity. Subsequent selected functional group transformations gave carbinols and lactones, which will be used as key intermediates in crinane alkaloid total syntheses.

Synthesis of Dienamides via Palladium-catalyzed Oxidative N-α,β-Dehydrogenation of Amides.

Enamides and their derivatives are prominent bioactive pharmacophores found in various bioactive molecules. Herein we report a palladium-catalyzed oxidative N-α,β-dehydrogenation of amides to produce a range of enamides with high yields and excellent tolerance toward different functional groups. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction involves allylic C(sp3)-H activation followed by β-H elimination. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules and the synthesis of valuable compounds through product elaboration.

The Inorganic Ligand‐Supported Copper Catalyst Catalyzing Alkyne Coupling Reactions

AbstractGlaser‐coupled synthesized 1,3‐diyne can participate in the generation of conjugated polymers and is now widely used in organic and polymer synthesis. Currently, the catalyst in coupling are mostly based on the complexation of noble metals with complex organic ligands, which inevitably increases the research cost and storage difficulty. However, polyoxometalates (POMs), with acidic and redox properties, can be used as an excellent inorganic ligands with low cost and easy storage. In this work, we have synthesized copper catalyst 1, (NH4)4[CuMo6O18(OH)6] with polyoxometalates as inorganic ligands in a facile way and applied them in the coupling of alkynes to obtain (non)symmetrical conjugated 1,3‐diynes in high yields without bases, finally proposing a reasonable reaction path. In addition, the catalyst showed good tolerance to a variety of different groups, further demonstrating its excellent catalytic activity. It is worth mentioning that the catalyst maintained its good structure and activity after six cycles, demonstrating its promising potential for industrial applications. Thus, this paper provides a new strategy for the preparation of (un)symmetrical diynes using polyoxometalates of Cu as catalyst, and also demonstrates the potential of multi‐acid catalyst for organocatalytic applications.

Porous Nanographenes, Graphene Nanoribbons, and Nanoporous Graphene Selectively Synthesized from the Same Molecular Precursor.

We demonstrate a family of molecular precursors based on 7,10-dibromo-triphenylenes that can selectively produce different varieties of atomically precise porous graphene nanomaterials through the use of different synthetic environments. Upon Yamamoto polymerization of these molecules in solution, the free rotations of the triphenylene units around the C-C bonds result in the formation of cyclotrimers in high yields. In contrast, in on-surface polymerization of the same molecules on Au(111) these rotations are impeded, and the coupling proceeds toward the formation of long polymer chains. These chains can then be converted to porous graphene nanoribbons (pGNRs) by annealing. Correspondingly, the solution-synthesized cyclotrimers can also be deposited onto Au(111) and converted into porous nanographenes (pNGs) via thermal treatment. Thus, both processes start with the same molecular precursor and end with a porous graphene nanomaterial on Au(111), but the type of product, pNG or pGNR, depends on the specific coupling approach. We also produced extended nanoporous graphenes (NPGs) through the lateral fusion of highly aligned pGNRs on Au(111) that were grown at high coverage. The pNGs can also be synthesized directly in solution by Scholl oxidative cyclodehydrogenation of cyclotrimers. We demonstrate the generality of this approach by synthesizing two varieties of 7,10-dibromo-triphenylenes that selectively produced six nanoporous products with different dimensionalities. The basic 7,10-dibromo-triphenylene monomer is amenable to structural modifications, potentially providing access to many new porous graphene nanomaterials. We show that by constructing different porous structures from the same building blocks, it is possible to tune the energy band gap in a wide range.

Responses of soil enzymatic activities and microbial biomass phosphorus to improve nutrient accumulation abilities in leguminous species

Fertilizers application are widely used to get a higher yield in agricultural fields. Nutrient management can be improved by cultivating leguminous species in order to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms that increase the amount of available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) through fertilizer treatments. A pot experiment was conducted to identify the leguminous species (i.e., chickpea and pea) under various fertilizer treatments. Experimental design is as follows: T0 (control: no fertilizer was applied), T1: P applied at the level of (90 kg ha−1), T2: (K applied at the level of 90 kg ha−1), and T3: (PK applied both at 90 kg ha−1). All fertilizer treatments significantly (p < 0.05) improved the nutrient accumulation abilities and enzymes activities. The T3 treatment showed highest N uptake in chickpea was 37.0%, compared to T0. While T3 developed greater N uptake in pea by 151.4% than the control. However, T3 treatment also increased microbial biomass phosphorus in both species i.e., 95.7% and 81.5% in chickpeas and peas, respectively, compared to T0 treatment. In chickpeas, T1 treatment stimulated NAGase activities by 52.4%, and T2 developed URase activities by 50.1% higher than control. In contrast, T3 treatment enhanced both BGase and Phase enzyme activities, i.e., 55.8% and 33.9%, respectively, compared to the T0 treatment. Only the T3 treatment improved the activities of enzymes in the pea species (i.e., BGase was 149.7%, URase was 111.9%, Phase was 81.1%, and NAGase was 70.0%) compared to the control. Therefore, adding combined P and K fertilizer applications to the soil can increase the activity of enzymes in both legume species, and changes in microbial biomass P and soil nutrient availability make it easier for plants to uptake the nutrients.