Synergistic Enhancement of Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Activities in a ZIF-8/Aspergillus nidulans Extract Nanocomposite

Abstract

Pushing ahead in materials chemistry means building tiny substances that work hard and take into account clean power, planet care, life science all at once. From this effort comes a new direction: ZIF-8, a metal-linked cage structure, now fused with active components extracted from the common fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Not just mixed, but grown together with fungal extracts tucked neatly into the skeleton of the material while keeping its orderly shape intact. Three versions appeared—loaded at 2%, 4%, and 6 weight percent—and each one was mapped out using X-ray signals, sharp images from electron scans, and element tracing. A light flickered on and off during tests in which electricity flowed through these new composites set between three points, designed to split water and release hydrogen gas. Surprisingly, the ZIF-8@2% nidulans blend showed strong teamwork between electricity- and light-driven biology, creating a sharp spike in temporary current while cutting down reaction delay to just 310 mV/dec—pushing hydrogen release through a faster molecular handshake. In this mix, natural compounds from fungi act like tiny solar collectors, helping electrons move more freely, which is reflected in impedance scans as lower resistance. On top of that, higher doses of the material effectively blocked harmful microbes, thanks to ZIF-8 breaking cell walls and active fungal ingredients punching holes as well. Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, it uses a nature-inspired design in which molds meet synthetic frameworks, creating a single system with potential for sustainable energy generation and antimicrobial applications.