From catalysis to combat: calix[4]pyrrole-wreathed palladium nanoparticles as ambidextrous tools against cancer and tuberculosis

Abstract

Palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) have gained significant importance due to its prodigious properties and applications. To harness the multifaceted applications of PdNPs, we report a facile synthesis of calix[4]pyrrole tetrabenzohydrazide capped-Palladium nanoparticles (CPTBH-PdNPs) through a one-pot synthetic pathway. Comprehensive characterization using UV–Visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), Energy-Dispersive X-ray, X-ray Diffraction, Zeta Potential, and Dynamic Light Scattering techniques confirmed the successful formation of CPTBH-PdNPs. These nanoparticles were employed as catalysts in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions under mild conditions, resulting in efficient bond formations. Furthermore, the CPTBH-PdNPs exhibited remarkable anti-cancer effects against the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, with an IC₅₀ value of 38.86 µg/mL. Additionally, the nanoparticles demonstrated exceptional efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.8 µg/mL. These findings highlight the multidimensional nature of calix[4]pyrrole capped PdNPs and suggest their potential application as future materials in various fields.