Biocompatible Pluronic <scp>F127</scp> ‐coated nickel titanate nanoparticles: toward effective antimicrobial and antioxidant therapies

Abstract Multidrug‐resistant bacterial infections are a major global health concern. Nickel titanate (NiTiO₃) nanoparticles offer potential antimicrobial applications, but their biocompatibility is limited. This study explores the surface modification of NiTiO₃ with Pluronic F127 (PF127) to enhance biological performance. NiTiO₃ nanoparticles were synthesized and coated with PF127. Characterization was performed using XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, BET and DLS. Antibacterial activity was assessed via pathogenic bacteria assays and colony‐forming unit quantification. Antioxidant activity was measured using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and zebrafish embryos evaluated in vivo toxicity. XRD confirmed hexagonal NiTiO₃, and FTIR/HRTEM verified PF127 incorporation. BET analysis indicated a surface area of 28.66 m 2 g −1 and mesoporous structure (2.59 nm pore diameter). DLS showed particle size reduction from 219.3 nm (NiTiO₃) to 135.9 nm (NiTiO₃–PF127), confirming improved dispersion. NiTiO₃–PF127 exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity, with colony‐forming unit counts decreasing in a concentration‐dependent manner. The DPPH assay showed 53.7% radical scavenging at 20 μg mL −1 . Zebrafish embryo studies revealed higher viability and lower developmental toxicity for PF127‐coated nanoparticles compared to uncoated NiTiO₃. PF127 modification of NiTiO₃ improves dispersion, antibacterial and antioxidant activity, and biocompatibility. These results highlight NiTiO₃–PF127 nanocomposite as a promising candidate for biomedical and antimicrobial applications. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.