Multifunctional hierarchical Ni2CoS4 structures for combating drug-resistant infections and colorectal cancer via piezocatalytic ROS generation

The global rise of multidrug-resistant infections and cancer underscores the need for multifunctional therapeutic platforms. This study presents the synthesis, optimization, and biomedical assessment of sonicated hierarchical Ni₂CoS₄ structures, with sample N3 identified as optimal among seven hydrothermally synthesized formulations. N3 exhibited uniform morphology, high crystallinity, and redox-active architecture, as confirmed by XRD, SEM, TEM, and BET (8.19 m²/g). Piezocatalytic performance, assessed via methylene blue degradation, showed 88.57% removal within 4 min under 200 W ultrasonication, alongside a 13.27-fold increase in singlet oxygen and superoxide generation. N3 displayed potent antibacterial activity against MDR Staphylococcus aureus and XDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with minimum inhibitory concentrations as low as 5 µg/mL and complete bacterial clearance within 48 h. ROS-mediated membrane disruption and > 99% biofilm eradication were confirmed by DiBAC₄(3), TEM, and comparative assays with non-sonicated controls. In colorectal cancer (HCT-116) models, N3 induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 100 µg/mL; 91% cell death at LC₅₀) with sustained effects over 96 h. These findings position N3 as a promising ROS-generating platform with dual antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy.