Microemulsion-Assisted Synthesis of Ni(II)-Grafted Cellulose Metallogel: Structural Insights into a High-Performance β-Lactamase Inhibitor

O, with pronounced pH dependence, with minimal conversion at pH 6.0 and ∼99% at pH 7.8. Water-content studies show that gel-entrapped water molecules act as internal nucleophiles, while excess water disrupts the framework and decreases activity. The hydrolysis mechanism involves Ni(II)-assisted coordination of nitrocefin via its carboxylate group, followed by nucleophilic attack of a gel-entrapped water molecule. Guanidine strongly inhibits hydrolysis, highlighting the first report of Ni(II)-anchored cellulose metallogel as a promising next-generation β-lactamase inhibitor.