Mechanistic Insights Research Articles

Mechanisms Underlying Sex Differences in Temporomandibular Disorders and Their Comorbidity with Migraine

Sexual dimorphism in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and their comorbidity with migraine are important phenomena observed in clinics. TMDs are the most prevalent orofacial pain conditions with jaw joint and masseter muscle dysfunction. Migraine is the predominant headache commonly associated with TMDs. Women much more often suffer from this orofacial pain than men. However, currently, there is no gender-specific therapy for such pain conditions. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms behind sex differences in TMDs as well as their comorbidity with migraines is essential for developing novel approaches for gender-specific treatment of TMDs and related orofacial pain comorbidity. In this review, we summarize recent research progress regarding sex differences in TMDs, focusing on the underlying mechanisms including craniofacial anatomy, hormonal regulation, and roles of opioids, transient receptor potential channels, and endocannabinoid systems. We also discuss the mechanisms of comorbid TMDs and migraine. The information covered in this review will provide mechanistic insights into sex differences in TMDs and their comorbidity with migraine, which could aid in developing effective treatment strategies for the overlapping orofacial pain condition.

CrOx Modified Nickel Phosphides Electrocatalyst for Stable Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Neutral Media

AbstractThe development of efficient and long‐term stable electrodes for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in seawater is highly desirable for hydrogen generation but remains challenging. In this work, a highly active CrOx@Ni2P‐Ni5P4/NF electrode is developed and investigated its dynamic reconstruction for HER in neutral electrolytes. The combination of in situ Raman spectra and electrochemical measurements revealed the dynamic surface reconstruction of the catalyst during HER. The CrOx modification not only effectively facilitates water dissociation but also stabilizes the structure post‐reconstruction, enabling rapid and stable hydrogen generation in neutral media. Remarkably, CrOx@Ni2P‐Ni5P4/NF exhibits overpotentials of 109 and 263 mV at current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2 in 1 m PBS, respectively. Concurrently, it exhibits stable operation for 500 h in 1 m PBS and 140 h in natural seawater at current densities of 50 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. The proposed catalytic electrode and the mechanistic insights present a significant stride toward the realization of metal phosphides for direct seawater splitting.

Heme‐Enzymatic Biocatalysis for C─C or C─N bond Formation

The C─C or C─N bond formation is critical in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other value‐added products; however, traditional metal‐catalysed synthesis has brought about environmental and resource issues. A plethora of engineered heme‐dependent enzymes such as cytochrome P450 has exhibited enormous potential in biocatalysis for C─C or C─N bond formation. With the development of computational and spectroscopic methods, the mechanisms underlying heme‐catalysed C─C or C─N bond formation have been extensively investigated. In the presence of carbene or nitrene precursor, an active iron porphyrin carbene (IPC) or iron porphyrin nitrene (IPN) is formed, which subsequently reacts with a second substrate to form new C─C or C─N bonds. Apart from the widely studied IPC/IPN‐facilitated catalytic pathway, halide‐initiated radical cyclization pathway and Cpd‐I‐catalysed diradical pathway have also been proposed. These mechanistic insights have enabled rational engineering and de novo design of heme enzymes. This review summarises recent mechanistic advances in heme enzymatic C─C or C─N bond formation and presents successful applications of mechanism‐based enzyme design. It would shed light on the development of tailored biocatalysts for the synthesis of complex but valuable industrial products.

Layered Bismuth Selenide with a Kinetics‐Enhanced Iodine Doping Strategy Toward High‐Performance Aqueous Potassium‐Ion Storage

AbstractAqueous potassium‐ion batteries with inherent safety, high abundance, and competitive hydrated ion‐radius point to future availability in energy storage. However, the extensively studied electrodes (metal‐oxides, Prussian‐blue‐analogues, etc.) typically suffer from undesirable capacities and sluggish kinetics owing to overwhelming ion diffusion barriers. Herein, for the first time, the metal chalcogenide bismuth selenide reinforced by iodine‐doping (I‐Bi2Se3) is implemented for high‐performance aqueous potassium‐ion storage. The co‐intercalation mechanism of potassium‐ion with proton in I‐Bi2Se3 is entirely revealed by operando synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and substantial ex‐situ analysis, and the excellent interlayer diffusion kinetics in the high‐conductive host are further enhanced by iodine‐doping, as proposed by theoretic calculations. Therefore, the resulting high diffusion coefficient and low interfacial transfer resistance endow I‐Bi2Se3 with superior rate performance (109.2 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1) and cycling stability (91% capacity retention after 1200 cycles). Employing in hybrid‐ion batteries matching zinc metal, the highest reversible aqueous potassium‐ion storage to date of 316.8 mAh g−1 is demonstrated, permitting the establishment of reliable performance pouch cells. The promising aqueous potassium intercalation chemistry built in the improved metal chalcogenide is proven to be extendable to other hybrid‐ion devices, offering novel mechanistic insights and material practices for aqueous energy storage.

Neuronal GPCR NMUR-1 regulates energy homeostasis in response to pathogen infection.

A key question in current immunology is how the innate immune system generates high levels of specificity. Our previous study in Caenorhabditis elegans revealed that NMUR-1, a neuronal G protein-coupled receptor homologous to mammalian receptors for the neuropeptide neuromedin U (NMU), regulates distinct innate immune responses to different bacterial pathogens. Here, by using quantitative proteomics and functional assays, we discovered that NMUR-1 regulates F 1 F O ATP synthase and ATP production in response to pathogen infection, and that such regulation contributes to NMUR-1-mediated specificity of innate immunity. We further demonstrated that ATP biosynthesis and its contribution to defense is neurally controlled by the NMUR-1 ligand CAPA-1 and its expressing neurons ASG. These findings indicate that NMUR-1 neural signaling regulates the specificity of innate immunity by controlling energy homeostasis as part of defense against pathogens. Our study provides mechanistic insights into the emerging roles of NMU signaling in immunity across animal phyla.

Ultrasmall copper-metal organic framework (Cu-MOF) quantum dots decorated on waste derived biochar for enhanced removal of emerging contaminants: Synergistic effect and mechanistic insight

This study proposes a novel one-pot hydrothermal impregnation strategy for surface decoration of waste derived pisum sativum biochar with zero‒dimensional Cu‒MOF Quantum dots (PBC‒HK), with an average particle size of 5.67 nm, for synergistic removal of an emerging sulfur containing drug pantoprazole (PTZ) and Basic Blue 26 (VB) dye within 80 min and 50 min of visible-light exposure, respectively. The designed Integrated Photocatalytic Adsorbent (IPA) presented an enhanced PTZ removal efficiency of 95.23% with a catalyst loading of 0.24 g/L and initial PTZ conc. 30 mg/L at pH 7, within 80 min via synergistic adsorption and photodegradation under visible-light exposure. While, on the other hand, 96.31% VB removal efficiency was obtained in 50 min with a catalyst dosage of 0.20 g/L, initial VB conc. 60 mg/L at pH 7 under similar irradiation conditions. An in-depth analysis of the synergistic adsorption and photocatalysis mechanism resulting in the shortened time for the removal of contaminants in the synergistic integrated model has been performed by outlining the various advantageous attributes of this strategy. The first-order degradation rate constant for PTZ was found to be 0.04846 min−1 and 0.04370 min−1 for PTZ and VB, respectively. Adsorption of contaminant molecules on the biochar (PS‒BC) surface can facilitate photodegradation by accelerating the kinetics, and photodegradation promotes regeneration of adsorption sites, contributing to an overall reduction in operation time for removal of contaminants. Besides enhancing the adsorption of targeted pollutants, the carbon matrix of IPAs serves as a surface for adsorption of intermediates of degradation, thereby minimizing the risk of secondary pollution. The photogenerated holes present in the VB is responsible for the generation of •OH radicals. While, the photogenerated electrons present in the CB are captured by Cu2+ of the MOF metal center, reducing it to Cu+, which is subsequently oxidized to produce additional •OH species in the aqueous medium. This process leads to effective charge separation of the photogenerated charge carriers and minimizes the probability of charge recombination as evident from photoluminescence (PL) analysis. Meanwhile, PL studies, EPR and radical trapping experiments indicate the predominant role of •OH radicals in the removal mechanism of PTZ and VB. The investigation of the degradation reaction intermediates was confirmed by HR‒LCMS, on the basis of which the plausible degradation pathway was elucidated in detail. Moreover, effects of pH, inorganic salts, other organic compounds and humic acid concentration have been investigated in detail. The environmental impact of the proposed method was comprehensively evaluated by ICP-OES analysis and TOC and COD removal studies. Furthermore, the economic feasibility and the cost-effectiveness of the catalyst was assessed to address the potential for large scale commercialization. Notably, this research not only demonstrates a rational design strategy for the utilization of solid waste into treasure via the fabrication of IPAs based on MOF Quantum dots (QDs) and waste-derived biochar, but also provides a practical solution for real wastewater treatment systems for broader industrial applications.

Targeting CERS6-AS1/FGFR1 axis as synthetic vulnerability to constrain stromal cells supported proliferation in Mantle cell lymphoma.

The interaction between stromal and tumor cells in tumor microenvironment is a crucial factor in Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) progression and therapy resistance. We have identified a long non-coding RNA, CERS6-AS1, upregulated in MCL and associated with poor overall survival. CERS6-AS1 expression was elevated in primary MCL within stromal microenvironment and in a subset of MCL cells adhered to stromal layer. These stromal-adhered MCL-subsets exhibited cancer stem cell signatures than suspension counterparts. Mechanistically, we found that downregulating CERS6-AS1 in MCL reduced Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-1 (FGFR1), expression attributed to loss of its interaction with RNA-binding protein nucleolin. In addition, using in-silico approach, we have discovered a direct interaction between nucleolin and 5'UTR of FGFR1, thereby regulating FGFR1 transcript stability. We discovered a positive association of CERS6-AS1 with cancer stem cell signatures, and Wnt signaling. Building on these, we explored potential therapeutic strategies where combining nucleolin-targeting agent with FGFR1 inhibition significantly contributed to reversing cancer stem cell signatures and abrogated primary MCL cell growth on stromal layer. These findings provide mechanistic insights into regulatory network involving CERS6-AS1, nucleolin, and FGFR1 axis-associated crosstalk between tumor cells and stromal cell interaction and highlights therapeutic potential of targeting a non-coding RNA in MCL.

Dichloramine Hydrolysis in Membrane Desalination Permeate: Mechanistic Insights and Implications for Oxidative Capacity in Potable Reuse Applications.

Dichloramine (NHCl2) naturally exists in reverse osmosis (RO) permeate due to its application as an antifouling chemical in membrane-based potable reuse treatment. This study investigated mechanisms of background NHCl2 hydrolysis associated with the generation of oxidative radical species in RO permeate, established a kinetic model to predict the oxidative capacity, and examined its removal efficiency on trace organic contaminants in potable reuse. Results showed that NHCl2 hydrolysis generated transient peroxynitrite (ONOO-) and subsequently dissociated into hydroxyl radical (HO•). The maximal HO• exposure was observed at an RO permeate pH of 8.4, higher than that from typical ultraviolet (UV)-based advanced oxidation processes. The HO• exposure during NHCl2 hydrolysis also peaked at a NH2Cl-to-NHCl2 molar ratio of 1:1. The oxidative capacity rapidly degraded 1,4-dioxane, carbamazepine, atenolol, and sulfamethoxazole in RO permeate. Furthermore, background elevated carbonate in fresh RO permeate can convert HO• to carbonate radical (CO3•-). Aeration of the RO permeate removed total carbonate, significantly increased HO• exposure, and enhanced the degradation kinetics of trace organic contaminants. The kinetic model of NHCl2 hydrolysis predicted well the degradation of contaminants in RO permeate. This study provides new mechanistic insights into NHCl2 hydrolysis that contributes to the oxidative degradation of trace organic contaminants in potable reuse systems.

Synthetic and Mechanistic Studies into the Reductive Functionalization of Nitro Compounds Catalyzed by an Iron(salen) Complex.

We report on the use of a simple, bench-stable [Fe(salen)2]-μ-oxo precatalyst in the reduction of nitro compounds. The reaction proceeds at room temperature across a range of substrates, including nitro aromatics and aliphatics. By changing the reducing agent from pinacol borane (HBpin) to phenyl silane (H3SiPh), we can chemoselectively reduce nitro compounds while retaining carbonyl functionality. Our mechanistic studies, which include kinetics, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), mass spectrometry, and quantum chemistry, indicate the presence of a nitroso intermediate and the generation of an on-cycle iron hydride as a key catalytic intermediate. Based on this mechanistic insight, we were able to extend the chemistry to hydroamination and identified a simple substrate feature (alkene lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy) that could be used to predict which alkenes would result in productive catalysis.

Quantitative Label-Free Proteomic Analysis of Mouse Ovarian Antral Follicles Following Oral Exposure to a Human Relevant Mixture of Three Phthalates.

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) are used in personal and medical care products. In the ovary, antral follicles are essential for steroidogenesis and ovulation. DBP, BBP, and DEHP are known to inhibit mouse antral follicle growth and ovulation in vitro, and associate with decreased antral follicle counts in women. Given that the in vivo effects of a three-phthalate mixture on antral follicles are unknown, we evaluated the effects of a human relevant mixture of DBP, BBP, and DEHP on ovarian follicles through proteome profiling analysis. Adult CD-1 female mice were fed corn oil (vehicle), or two dose levels of a phthalate mixture based on estimated exposures in general (32 µg/kg/day; PHT 32) and occupationally exposed (500 µg/kg/day; PHT 500) populations for 10 days. Antral follicles (>250 µm) were isolated and subjected to proteome profiling via label-free tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 5,417 antral follicle proteins were detected, of which 194 were differentially abundant between vehicle and PHT 32, and 136 between vehicle and PHT 500. Bioinformatic analysis revealed significantly different responses between the two phthalate doses. Protein abundance differences in the PHT 32 exposure mapped to cytoplasm, mitochondria, and lipid metabolism; while those in the PHT 500 exposure mapped to cytoplasm, nucleus, and phosphorylation. When both doses altered proteins mapped to common processes, the associated predicted transcription factors were different. These findings provide novel mechanistic insight into phthalate-associated, ovary-driven reproductive outcomes in women.

Lenalidomide and pomalidomide modulate hematopoietic cell expansion and differentiation in the presence of MSC.

Cytopenia is a well-documented complication in the treatment of hematological malignancies with lenalidomide and pomalidomide. Although prior studies have highlighted direct effects on hematopoietic cells to explain this adverse effect, the involvement of hematopoietic-supportive stroma remains less understood. This study examined the effects of lenalidomide/pomalidomide on the expansion and differentiation of human CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) in vitro, in co-culture with human bone-marrow mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs). Our findings indicate that lenalidomide/pomalidomide increases the population of immature CD34+CD38- cells while decreasing the number of mature CD34+CD38+ cells, suggesting a mechanism that inhibits early HSPC maturation. This effect persisted across myeloid, megakaryocytic, and erythroid lineages, with MSCs playing a key role in preserving immature progenitors and inhibiting their differentiation. Furthermore, in myeloid differentiation assays augmented by granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, lenalidomide/pomalidomide not only enhanced the presence of CD34+ cells with mature myeloid markers such as CD11b but also reduced the populations lacking CD34 yet positive for these markers, irrespective of MSC presence. Thus, while MSCs support the presence of these immature cell populations, they simultaneously inhibit their maturation. This finding provides novel mechanistic insights into lenalidomide- and pomalidomide-induced cytopenia, and could guide therapeutic strategies for its mitigation.

A Mechanistic Insight into the Acidic-stable MnSb2O6 for Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation.

The abundant, active, and acidic-stable catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are rare to the proton exchange membrane-based water electrolysis. Mn-based materials show promise as electrocatalysts for OER in acid electrolytes. However, the relationship between the stability, activity and structure of Mn-based catalysts in acidic environments remains unclear. In this study, phase-pure MnSb2O6 was successfully prepared and investigated as a catalyst for OER in a sulfuric acid solution (pH of 2.0). A comprehensive mechanistic comparison between MnSb2O6 and Mn3O4 revealed that the rate-determining step for OER on MnSb2O6 is the direct formation of MnIV=O from MnII-H2O by the 2H+/2e- process. This process avoids the rearrangement of adjacent MnIII intermediates, leading to outstanding stability and activity.

Rbm24 modulates neuronal RNA splicing to restrict cognitive dysfunction

Synaptic dysfunction is associated with early neurodegenerative changes and cognitive deficits. Neuronal cell-specific alternative splicing (AS) programs exclusively encode unique neuron- and synapse-specific proteins. However, it remains unclear whether splicing disturbances in neurons influence the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment. Here, we observed that RNA-binding motif protein 24 (RBM24) expression was decreased in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Using conditional RBM24 knockout mice, we demonstrated that deletion of RBM24 in the brain resulted in learning and memory impairment. Electrophysiological recordings from hippocampal slices from mice lacking RBM24 revealed multiple defects in excitatory synaptic function and plasticity. Furthermore, RNA sequencing and splicing analysis showed that RBM24 regulates a network of genes related to cognitive function. Deletion of RBM24 disrupted the AS of synapse-associated genes, including GluR2 and Prrt1, the major disease genes involved in cognitive impairment and memory loss, leading to cognitive dysfunction. Together, our results suggest that the regulation of mRNA splicing by RBM24 is a key process involved in maintaining normal synaptic function and provide novel mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of AD.

Programmed alternating current optimization of Cu-catalyzed C-H bond transformations.

Direct current (DC) electrosynthesis, which has undergone optimization over the past century, plays a pivotal role in a variety of industrial processes. Alternating current (AC) electrosynthesis, characterized by polarity reversal and periodic fluctuations, may be advantageous for multiple chemical reactions, but apparatus, principles, and application scenarios remain underdeveloped. In this work, we introduce a protocol for programmed AC (pAC) electrosynthesis that systematically adjusts currents, frequencies, and duty ratios. The application of representative pAC waveforms facilitates copper-catalyzed carbon-hydrogen bond cleavage in cross-coupling and difunctionalization reactions that exhibit suboptimal performance under DC and chemical oxidation conditions. Moreover, observing catalyst dynamic variation under diverse waveform applications provides mechanistic insight.

Editorial: Space and neural cell: the impact of space environment on neurological function and their molecular mechanistic insights

Editorial: Space and neural cell: the impact of space environment on neurological function and their molecular mechanistic insights

High resolution landscape of ribosomal RNA processing and surveillance.

Ribosomal RNAs are processed in a complex pathway. We profiled rRNA processing intermediates in yeast at single-molecule and single-nucleotide levels with circularization, targeted amplification and deep sequencing (CircTA-seq), gaining significant mechanistic insights into rRNA processing and surveillance. The long form of the 5' end of 5.8S rRNA is converted to the short form and represents an intermediate of a unified processing pathway. The initial 3' end processing of 5.8S rRNA involves trimming by Rex1 and Rex2 and Trf4-mediated polyadenylation. The 3' end of 25S rRNA is formed by sequential digestion by four Rex proteins. Intermediates with an extended A1 site are generated during 5' degradation of aberrant 18S rRNA precursors. We determined precise polyadenylation profiles for pre-rRNAs and show that the degradation efficiency of polyadenylated 20S pre-rRNA critically depends on poly(A) lengths and degradation intermediates released from the exosome are often extensively re-polyadenylated.

RBM7 deficiency promotes breast cancer metastasis by coordinating MFGE8 splicing switch and NF-kB pathway.

Aberrant alternative splicing is well-known to be closely associated with tumorigenesis of various cancers. However, the intricate mechanisms underlying breast cancer metastasis driven by deregulated splicing events remain largely unexplored. Here, we unveiled that RBM7 is decreased in lymph node and distant organ metastases of breast cancer as compared to primary lesions and low expression of RBM7 is correlated with the reduced disease-free survival of breast cancer patients. Breast cancer cells with RBM7 depletion exhibited an increased potential for lung metastasis compared to scramble control cells. The absence of RBM7 stimulated breast cancer cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Mechanistically, RBM7 controlled the splicing switch of MFGE8, favoring the production of the predominant isoform of MFGE8, MFGE8-L. This resulted in the attenuation of STAT1 phosphorylation and alterations in cell adhesion molecules. MFGE8-L exerted an inhibitory effect on the migratory and invasive capability of breast cancer cells, while the truncated isoform MFGE8-S, which lack the second F5/8 type C domain had the opposite effect. In addition, RBM7 negatively regulates the NF-κB cascade and an NF-κB inhibitor could obstruct the increase in HUVEC tube formation caused by RBM7 silencing. Clinically, we noticed a positive correlation between RBM7 expression and MFGE8 exon7 inclusion in breast cancer tissues, providing new mechanistic insights for molecular-targeted therapy in combating breast cancer.

Unraveling the synergism mechanistic insight of O-vacancy and interfacial charge transfer in WO3-x decorated on Ag2CO3/BiOBr for photocatalysis of water pollutants: Based on experimental and density functional theory (DFT) studies

Photocatalysis has been widely used as one of the most promising approaches to remove various pollutants in liquid or gas phases during the last decade. The main emphasis of the study is on the synergy of vacancy engineering and heterojunction formation, two widely used modifying approaches, to significantly alter photocatalytic performance. The vacancy-induced Ag2CO3/BiOBr/WO3-x heterojunction system has been fabricated using a co-precipitation technique to efficiently abate methylene blue (MB) dye and doxycycline (DC) antibiotic. The as-fabricated Ag2CO3/BiOBr/WO3-x heterojunction system displayed improved optoelectronic characteristic features because of the rational combination of dual charge transferal route and defect modulation. The Ag2CO3/BiOBr/WO3-x system possessed 97% and 74% photodegradation efficacy for MB and DC, respectively, with better charge isolation and migration efficacy. The ternary photocatalyst possessed a multi-fold increase in the reaction rate for both MB and DC, i.e., 0.021 and 0.0078 min−1, respectively, compared to pristine counterparts. Additionally, more insightful deductions about the photodegradation routes were made possible by the structural investigations of MB and DC using density functional theory (DFT) simulations. This study advances the understanding of the mechanisms forming visible light active dual Z-scheme heterojunction for effective environmental remediation.

Spinosad blocks CHRNA5 mediated EGFR signaling pathway activation to inhibit lung adenocarcinoma proliferation

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with high incidence and low survival rates. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors play an important role in the progression of LUAD. In this study, a screening of 17 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor allosteric agents revealed that spinosad effectively suppressed the proliferation of LUAD cells. The experiments demonstrated that spinosad induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and stimulated apoptosis, thereby impeding the growth of LUAD and enhancing the responsiveness to gefitinib in vitro and vivo. Mechanistic insights obtained through transcriptome sequencing, Co-IP, and protein immunoblots indicated that spinosad disrupted the interaction between CHRNA5 and EGFR, thereby inhibiting the formation of downstream complexes and activation of the EGFR signaling pathway. The supplementation of exogenous acetylcholine showed to mitigate the inhibition of LUAD cell proliferation induced by spinosad. This study elucidates the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of spinosad in LUAD, and offers a theoretical and experimental foundation for novel LUAD treatments.

Enhanced photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI) and Rhodamine B from water using plant-mediated CdS nanoparticles: Mechanistic insights and environmental applications

Photocatalytic remediation using semiconductor nanoparticles presents a promising approach for water purification. In this study, cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles were synthesized via a plant-mediated approach and evaluated for their efficacy in removing Cr(VI) and Rhodamine B contaminants from aqueous solutions under visible light irradiation. The CdS nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which confirmed the presence of the cubic phase with a crystallite size of 10 nm. UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) indicated bandgap energy of 2.4 eV, facilitating visible light absorption. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy revealed reduced recombination rates of photogenerated charge carriers, enhancing photocatalytic efficiency. The synthesized CdS nanoparticles demonstrated efficient removal of both Cr(VI) and Rhodamine B, achieving degradation efficiencies of 92 % and 95 %, respectively, within 120 min under optimized conditions. Mechanistic insights suggest the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and electron-hole pairs (e-/h+) contributing to pollutant degradation. This study underscores the potential of plant-mediated CdS nanoparticles as effective photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications.