Biocompatible pluronic F127 coated TiO₂/ZnTiO₃ hybrid nanomaterial: Structural insights and bioactivity against bacteria and blood cancer cells

Leukemia, a type of blood cancer affecting white blood cells, impairs immune function and hematological stability, thereby highlighting the need for the development of effective multifunctional therapeutic agents. Titanium dioxide/zinc titanate (TiO₂/ZnTiO₃) is a dual-metal oxide system that combines the anticancer and antibacterial properties of Zn²⁺ ions with the chemical stability and photocatalytic efficiency of Ti⁴⁺ ions. In this study, TiO₂/ZnTiO₃ and Pluronic F127-coated titanium dioxide/zinc titanate hybrid nanomaterial (TiO₂/ZnTiO₃–PF127 HNM) nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol–gel method. XRD analysis confirmed a rhombohedral crystal structure with average crystallite sizes of 28 ± 1.2 nm (TiO₂/ZnTiO₃) and 24 ± 1.6 nm (TiO₂/ZnTiO₃–PF127 HNM), while TEM revealed spherical nanoparticles in the 20–30 nm range. EDAX verified elemental composition, and FTIR spectra evidenced strong interactions between PF127 and the TiO₂/ZnTiO₃ surface. Photoluminescence studies showed green emission bands (519 nm for TiO₂/ZnTiO₃ and 510/527 nm for TiO₂/ZnTiO₃–PF127 HNM), attributed to oxygen vacancies, with PF127 coating enhancing defect density and charge trapping. Antibacterial studies against Gram-positive (S. aureus, B. subtilis) and negative pathogens (K. pneumoniae, S. dysenteriae, E. coli, V. cholera, P. aeruginosa, and P. vulgaris) revealed enhanced activity for TiO₂/ZnTiO₃–PF127 HNM compared to its counter parts, with MIC and MBC of 1000 µg/mL and 1250 µg/mL, respectively. Histidine supplementation (0.5–4 mM) significantly attenuated antibacterial efficacy. The TiO₂/ZnTiO₃–PF127 HNM also exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity compared to TiO₂/ZnTiO₃. Furthermore, TiO₂/ZnTiO₃–PF127 HNM demonstrated superior cytotoxicity against MOLT-4 leukemia cells (IC₅₀ = 11.8 ± 0.59 µg/mL) while remaining biocompatible in zebrafish embryo models. Overall, this study highlights TiO₂/ZnTiO₃–PF127 HNM as a promising multifunctional nanoplatform for antibacterial and anticancer applications.