DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2026.v14i06.006

Pages: 455-479

The development of multifunctional nanomaterials through sustainable synthesis approaches has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing challenges in cancer therapy and environmental remediation. This study presents a novel green synthesis approach for the fabrication of cerium-copper (Ce-Cu) bimetallic nanocomposites functionalized with bioactive natural ligands for targeted anticancer drug delivery, visible-light photocatalysis, and water purification applications. The nanocomposites were synthesized using plant-derived phytochemicals as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents, eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive procedures. Structural and physicochemical characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. The synthesized nanocomposites exhibited uniform morphology, enhanced surface area, excellent colloidal stability, and strong visible-light absorption due to the synergistic interaction between cerium and copper components. Drug loading and release studies demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency and pH-responsive release behavior, enabling selective drug delivery to tumor microenvironments. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis revealed significant anticancer activity against human cancer cell lines while maintaining acceptable biocompatibility toward normal cells. Furthermore, the nanocomposites exhibited superior photocatalytic degradation efficiency toward organic pollutants under visible-light irradiation and demonstrated excellent adsorption and antimicrobial performance for wastewater treatment. The findings highlight the potential of biofunctionalized Ce-Cu bimetallic nanocomposites as sustainable, multifunctional platforms for integrated biomedical and environmen