Prospects of nanotechnology and natural products for cancer and immunotherapy

• Jan Filipe Andrade Santos,
• Marcela Bernardes Brasileiro,
• Pamela Danielle Cavalcante Barreto,
• Ligiane Aranha Rocha and
• José Adão Carvalho Nascimento Júnior

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1644–1667, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.116

• Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil 10.3762/bjnano.16.116 Abstract Nanotechnology is revolutionizing pharmaceutical industry and drug development by providing significant advantages in controlling drug release

• traditional therapies. Advances in cancer nanotechnology include the development of smart nanocarriers capable of responding to internal stimuli (such as pH, redox potential, and enzymes) and external stimuli (such as magnetic fields, heat, or ultrasound), enabling precise and controlled drug release [16][17

• glycolysis, reducing angiogenesis, and promoting the degradation of oncogenic proteins [162][163]. The invention proposes the use of carbon dots (CDs) loaded with BER as an API, with a sustained drug release that increases upon contact with the acidic conditions surrounding tumors. Both non-loaded CDs and

Venom-loaded cationic-functionalized poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles for serum production against Tityus serrulatus scorpion

• Philippe de Castro Mesquita,
• Karla Samara Rocha Soares,
• Manoela Torres-Rêgo,
• Emanuell dos Santos-Silva,
• Mariana Farias Alves-Silva,
• Alianda Maira Cornélio,
• Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa and
• Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1633–1643, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.115

• vitro, creates a challenge for drug delivery systems aiming to effectively target affected tissues or cells [14][15]. Nanocarriers have been widely studied for enabling prolonged circulation and sustained drug release over time, depending on their structural properties [16][17]. Therefore, protein

• delivery through nanoparticles is an effective way to control drug release as well as to design an efficient protein delivery system [16]. Among different materials used for nanocarriers, several polymers have been investigated for producing cationic nanocarriers due to their ability to cross biological

Nanomaterials for biomedical applications

• Iqra Zainab,
• Zohra Naseem,
• Syeda Rubab Batool,
• Filippo Pierini,
• Seda Kizilel and
• Muhammad Anwaar Nazeer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1499–1503, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.105

• for quick and accurate identification of biomarkers from blood or similar samples [21]. A novel biosensor type, called a biosensing drug delivery system, combines sensors with drug release mechanisms. This could make it easier to treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. When

Enhancing the therapeutical potential of metalloantibiotics using nano-based delivery systems

• Alejandro Llamedo,
• Marina Cano,
• Raquel G. Soengas and
• Francisco J. García-Alonso

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1350–1366, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.98

• , such as biocompatibility and drug protection, while avoiding many of their limitations. In comparison to conventional colloidal carriers, SLNs demonstrate reduced toxicity, greater surface area, enhanced biocompatibility, extended drug release, improved cellular uptake, and increased drug solubility

• encapsulate a wide variety of therapeutic agents, from hydrophilic to hydrophobic compounds. Due to their biocompatibility and easy formulation, polymeric NPs can be engineered to offer precise control over drug release, stability, and targeting, making them ideal candidates in the treatment of infections [77

• , which improves cellular uptake and facilitates drug release within the target site [90]. The incorporation of stimuli-responsive agents in the pores also enables MSiNPs to release therapeutic agents upon exposure to specific environmental cues, such as pH or temperature. These interesting features for

Ferroptosis induction by engineered liposomes for enhanced tumor therapy

• Alireza Ghasempour,
• Mohammad Amin Tokallou,
• Mohammad Reza Naderi Allaf,
• Mohsen Moradi,
• Hamideh Dehghan,
• Mahsa Sedighi,
• Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi and
• Fahimeh Lavi Arab

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1325–1349, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.97

• . Other characterization techniques include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study membrane fluidity and phase transitions, fluorescence spectroscopy for investigating drug–liposome interactions, and capillary electrophoresis to analyze liposome–drug interactions and drug release [110][121

• a crucial parameter that influences their biodistribution, cellular uptake, and drug release. DLS is a widely used technique to determine the size distribution of liposomes in solution [110][125]. DLS measures the fluctuations in light intensity generated by the Brownian motion of liposome particles

• , lipid peroxidation facilitation, and drug release kinetics. In the following section, we explore how these engineered liposomes contribute to ferroptosis induction and tumor therapy. 3.3 Applications and advancements in liposomal drug delivery systems Liposomes are highly promising nanocarriers for drug

Better together: biomimetic nanomedicines for high performance tumor therapy

• Imran Shair Mohammad,
• Gizem Kursunluoglu,
• Anup Kumar Patel,
• Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq,
• Cansu Umran Tunc,
• Dilek Kanarya,
• Mubashar Rehman,
• Omer Aydin and
• Yin Lifang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1246–1276, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.92

• ferritin. This property was exploited to design redox and pH dual-responsive ferritin nanoparticles. In drug-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles, ferritin was used as a gating material. It covered the pores to prevent drug release and opened only when activated by redox or pH stimuli [98]. Similarly

• as brain, liver, spleen, lungs, arterial walls for both immediate and sustained release. Their degradation and release kinetics can be controlled or manipulated by different methods and incorporation or conjugation of specific materials. Importantly, they mainly focus on different biomaterials, drug

• release behavior, targeting ability, and surface modifications [12][13][14][15]. A variety of nanoparticles have been researched including liposomes, polymer NPs, solid lipid NPs, and hybrid NPs [16]. Nanoscale drug carriers with the advantage of high penetration, long circulation, and significant

Hydrogels and nanogels: effectiveness in dermal applications

• Jéssica da Cruz Ludwig,
• Diana Fortkamp Grigoletto,
• Daniele Fernanda Renzi,
• Wolf-Rainer Abraham,
• Daniel de Paula and
• Najeh Maissar Khalil

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1216–1233, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.90

• most helpful strategy to minimize possible side effects related to systemic drug administration. This is because, with current technologies, it is possible to perform cutaneous drug release both in a controlled and site-specific manner. The permeability of drugs through the skin depends on the

• mechanical strength [53], high drug upload [40], controlled drug release [100], and site-specific drug delivery [184] for both topical [48] and transdermal administration [116]. Some examples of the dermal application of hydrogels as drug carriers include cutaneous wound healing [40][41][42] and autoimmune

• phenytoin showed drug release improvement, skin adherence, and increased content of both collagen fibers and fibroblasts in the wound tissue during the healing process in rats [40]. Liang et al., (2019) developed hydrogels composed of gelatin-grafted dopamine/chitosan/polydopamine-coated carbon nanotubes

Investigation of the solubility of protoporphyrin IX in aqueous and hydroalcoholic solvent systems

• Michelly de Sá Matsuoka,
• Giovanna Carla Cadini Ruiz,
• Marcos Luciano Bruschi and
• Jéssica Bassi da Silva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1209–1215, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.89

• aggregation, and improve bioavailability in aqueous media [5][16]. Additionally, at high concentrations, P407 can transition into more complex nanostructured systems, such as hydrogels and lyotropic liquid crystals, providing additional control over drug release and stability. The thermosensitive and self

Aprepitant-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: a novel approach to enhance oral bioavailability

• Mazhar Hussain,
• Muhammad Farooq,
• Muhammad Asad Saeed,
• Muhammad Ijaz,
• Sherjeel Adnan,
• Zeeshan Masood,
• Muhammad Waqas,
• Wafa Ishaq and
• Nabeela Ameer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 652–663, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.50

• microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), in vitro drug release in 0.1 M HCl (pH 1.2) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4), and pharmacokinetic studies. The optimal formulation (APT-CD-NP4) containing the highest

• the crystal state into an amorphous state after SLN preparation. FTIR results indicated compatibility between APT and the polymers. XRD, TGA, and DSC results indicated no physical interaction between drug and polymers. In vitro drug release studies showed that APT-CD-NP4 yielded the maximum drug

• , 141.3 ± 0.62, 121.1 ± 0.72, 257.6 ± 0.37, 229.5 ± 0.94, 207.2 ± 0.63, and 191.0 ± 0.57 nm, respectively (Table 1). An exemplary measurement for APT-CD-NP4 is given in Figure 2. The SLNs with lower particle size provide a large surface area, which increases drug release and enhances drug absorption by

A formulation containing Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil: improvement of biochemical parameters and oxidative stress in diabetic rats

• Ailton Santos Sena-Júnior,
• Cleverton Nascimento Santana Andrade,
• Pedro Henrique Macedo Moura,
• Jocsã Hémany Cândido dos Santos,
• Cauãn Torres Trancoso,
• Eloia Emanuelly Dias Silva,
• Deise Maria Rego Rodrigues Silva,
• Ênio Pereira Telles,
• Luiz André Santos Silva,
• Isabella Lima Dantas Teles,
• Sara Fernanda Mota de Almeida,
• Daniel Alves de Souza,
• Jileno Ferreira Santos,
• Felipe José Aidar Martins,
• Ana Mara de Oliveira e Silva,
• Sandra Lauton-Santos,
• Guilherme Rodolfo Souza de Araujo,
• Cristiane Bani Correa,
• Rogéria De Souza Nunes,
• Lysandro Pinto Borges and
• Ana Amélia Moreira Lira

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 617–636, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.48

• exposed to different shear forces [22][23]. The parameters of rheological properties are essential in the classification and characterization of semisolids and fluids, and in the greater understanding of drug release from pharmaceutical forms [22]. Thus, the rheological behavior of M7-EOCF at two

Polyurethane/silk fibroin-based electrospun membranes for wound healing and skin substitute applications

• Iqra Zainab,
• Zohra Naseem,
• Syeda Rubab Batool,
• Muhammad Waqas,
• Ahsan Nazir and
• Muhammad Anwaar Nazeer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 591–612, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.46

• mechanical capabilities, while improving blood clotting as demonstrated by reduced whole blood coagulation time. This study also indicated a sustained release of CHD over 8 h, with a faster drug release rate in an acidic environment. These properties highlight the dressing’s potential for effective

• utilized owing to their photothermal properties with drug-release capability, which can result in sustained drug delivery, cell attachment, and antibacterial action. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that these materials are activated by light in a non-invasive manner, which greatly reduces the

• the material responsive to NIR light for controlled heating and drug release to eliminate bacteria. Furthermore, the hydrogel is highly antibacterial, with tested efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of more than 99.9%. It also enables cell proliferation, suppresses inflammation

Nanomaterials in targeting amyloid-β oligomers: current advances and future directions for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and therapy

• Shiwani Randhawa,
• Trilok Chand Saini,
• Manik Bathla,
• Rahul Bhardwaj,
• Rubina Dhiman and
• Amitabha Acharya

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 561–580, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.44

• ) enhance imaging sensitivity because of their distinct electrical or photoluminescent properties. For treatment, NPs can serve as drug carriers, improving delivery across the BBB and reducing side effects. Their large surface area allows for controlled drug release and targeted therapy, enhancing treatment

Synthetic-polymer-assisted antisense oligonucleotide delivery: targeted approaches for precision disease treatment

• Ana Cubillo Alvarez,
• Dylan Maguire and
• Ruairí P. Brannigan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 435–463, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.34

Development of a mucoadhesive drug delivery system and its interaction with gastric cells

• Ahmet Baki Sahin,
• Serdar Karakurt and
• Deniz Sezlev Bilecen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 371–384, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.28

• polymer enables drug release by diffusion [21]. Eudragit RS30D is the 30% aqueous dispersion of Eudragit RS100, which is promptly used as coating material [22] or within formulations of drug delivery systems with sustained release characteristics [23]. Although the mucoadhesion of this polymer is known

• site. In situ mucoadhesion studies The ability of nanoparticles to stick to mucus, known as mucoadhesion, is important for retention at mucus-bearing sites and, thus, prolonged drug release into the environment [52]. The mucus interaction of the EudAlg NPs was first studied by DLS measurements, where

Enhancing mechanical properties of chitosan/PVA electrospun nanofibers: a comprehensive review

• Nur Areisman Mohd Salleh,
• Amalina Muhammad Afifi,
• Fathiah Mohamed Zuki and
• Hanna Sofia SalehHudin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 286–307, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.22

• loaded with ampicillin sodium for burst drug release, and glutaraldehyde was applied as chemical cross-link to the nanofibers [139]. This treatment produced fine morphology and enhanced mechanical properties. The Young’s modulus improved from 36.5 to 198.1 MPa, and the tensile strength increased from 2.2

• utilized in various specialized applications, such as scaffolds in tissue engineering [185], controlling drug release mechanisms through the manipulation of core and shell compositions [186], and protecting sensitive biomolecules in food packaging [187]. The combination of core–shell chitosan-based

• oil were fabricated for the application of repairing chronic tympanic membrane perforations [195]. In drug release applications, multilayered electrospun nanofibrous mats can enhance both the physical properties and the release period of active compounds [196][197]. Additionally, chitosan exhibits

Radiosensitizing properties of dual-functionalized carbon nanostructures loaded with temozolomide

• Radmila Milenkovska,
• Nikola Geskovski,
• Dushko Shalabalija,
• Ljubica Mihailova,
• Petre Makreski,
• Dushko Lukarski,
• Igor Stojkovski,
• Maja Simonoska Crcarevska and
• Kristina Mladenovska

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 229–251, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.18

• aim to prepare nanocarriers with the potential to prolong the drug circulation time, cross the blood–brain–tumor barrier (BBTB), and provide targeted and controlled drug release in the brain tumor cells. Cytotoxicity and effects on cell membrane integrity of the blank and TMZ-loaded dual

• suitable for crossing the BBTB and targeting brain cancer cells. A biphasic drug release profile was observed for all functionalized TMZ-loaded formulations in simulated in vivo conditions, with a sustained release pointing to the potential for controlled release of TMZ in brain tumor cells. The

• considering the whole process of drug release, faster release was observed from covalently PEGylated formulations compared to non-covalently PEGylated formulations. Namely, the total content of TMZ loaded in MWCNTs-PEG6000-TMZ and MWCNTs-G-PEG6000-TMZ was released after 72 h (Figure 2a) and 48 h (Figure 2b

Recent advances in photothermal nanomaterials for ophthalmic applications

• Jiayuan Zhuang,
• Linhui Jia,
• Chenghao Li,
• Rui Yang,
• Jiapeng Wang,
• Wen-an Wang,
• Heng Zhou and
• Xiangxia Luo

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 195–215, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.16

• molecular thermovibrational processes, with an ability to absorb light across the full spectral range, reduce the dependence on specific therapeutic light sources. This versatility even permits the utilization of sunlight or electronic screens to modulate drug release or to stimulate lacrimal glands for the

• photothermal gel, composed of Au nanorods, geraniol, chitosan, and the gene-targeted drug DC_AC50 can be activated by NIR light. Photothermal activation softens the hydrogel composed of geraniol and chitosan, controlling drug release and facilitating PTT at moderate temperatures, thus yielding exceptional anti

• release are crucial to enhancing drug utilization efficiency and positively impact patient compliance [129][130]. Hydrogels that exhibit reversible gel-to-sol transitions upon heating are emerging as promising materials for photothermal drug release [131]. The application of visible and NIR light locally

A nanocarrier containing carboxylic and histamine groups with dual action: acetylcholine hydrolysis and antidote atropine delivery

• Elina E. Mansurova,
• Andrey A. Maslennikov,
• Anna P. Lyubina,
• Alexandra D. Voloshina,
• Irek R. Nizameev,
• Marsil K. Kadirov,
• Anzhela A. Mikhailova,
• Polina V. Mikshina,
• Albina Y. Ziganshina and
• Igor S. Antipin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 11–24, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.2

• antidote delivery systems that will release the drug only when acetylcholine levels are elevated. This approach will ensure timely delivery of the antidote and minimize side effects associated with uncontrolled drug release. Here, we describe the creation of a new smart system that serves as a carrier for

Biomimetic nanocarriers: integrating natural functions for advanced therapeutic applications

• Hugo Felix Perini,
• Beatriz Sodré Matos,
• Carlo José Freire de Oliveira and
• Marcos Vinicius da Silva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1619–1626, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.127

• strategy involves surface coating with specific ligands which interact with elevated levels of target-specific receptors. Both delivery systems aim to achieve responsive drug release directly at the therapeutic target (Figure 2B) [19][30]. Therefore, a crucial step in constructing efficient biomimetic

• drug delivery, immunotherapy, targeted delivery, biomimetic-derived NPs, and stimuli-responsive drug release (1). Coated NPs for improving biological activity through biomimetic biomembranes (2): Most used materials for creating nanoparticles (A), binders used for delivery and binding to target cells

Polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles for phytochemical delivery: challenges, progress, and future prospects

• Iqra Rahat,
• Pooja Yadav,
• Aditi Singhal,
• Mohammad Fareed,
• Jaganathan Raja Purushothaman,
• Mohammed Aslam,
• Raju Balaji,
• Sonali Patil-Shinde and
• Md. Rizwanullah

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1473–1497, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.118

• can be released under specific biological conditions. Further, the polymer coating provides better colloidal stability, sustained drug release, and high loading capacity to the hybrid nanocarriers [54][55][56]. Cell membrane-camouflaged PLHNPs PLHNPs have been coated with cell membranes (e.g

• nanoparticles combines the benefits of both polymeric and lipid-based systems, offering controlled drug release and efficient encapsulation of various therapeutic agents. Overall, PEGylated PLHNPs offer a versatile and effective platform for various therapeutic applications [67][68][69]. Surface modification of

• PLHNPs can also involve the incorporation of stimuli-responsive moieties onto the nanoparticle surface. These moieties enable the nanoparticles to respond to specific stimuli, such as pH changes, temperature shifts, or enzyme activity, thereby triggering controlled drug release at the target site [70][71

Nanotechnological approaches for efficient N2B delivery: from small-molecule drugs to biopharmaceuticals

• Selin Akpinar Adscheid,
• Akif E. Türeli,
• Nazende Günday-Türeli and
• Marc Schneider

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1400–1414, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.113

• drug reach the brain. Recent literature highlights SLNs, NLCs, liposomes, polymeric NPs, and emulsions. While lipid-based NPs are favorable because of their lipophilicity and biocompatibility, polymeric NPs offer greater control over drug release, stability, and mechanical properties [123]. Furthermore

Green synthesis of carbon dot structures from Rheum Ribes and Schottky diode fabrication

• Muhammed Taha Durmus and
• Ebru Bozkurt

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1369–1375, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.110

• range of uses in the fields of electrocatalysis, bioimaging, chemical sensors, biosensors, nanomedicine, biomolecule/drug release, light-emitting diodes, and photocatalysts. They also have promising applications in areas such as lasers and optoelectronic device applications [2][3][4][5]. CDs can be

Synthesis, characterization and anticancer effect of doxorubicin-loaded dual stimuli-responsive smart nanopolymers

• Ömür Acet,
• Pavel Kirsanov,
• Burcu Önal Acet,
• Inessa Halets-Bui,
• Dzmitry Shcharbin,
• Şeyda Ceylan Cömert and
• Mehmet Odabaşı

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1189–1196, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.96

• durations. While numerous biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles derived from proteins or polysaccharides have been studied for drug delivery and controlled drug release in the recent past, the emphasis of research has now turned towards synthetic polymers, resulting in significant advancements in this field

• response to external stimuli [21][22]. Different “smart” polymeric nanoparticle systems have been described in the literature, which might respond to both internal and external stimuli to release drugs. Remarkable developments have been made regarding in vitro and in vivo drug release with varying drug

• researched thermosensitive polymers [21][24]; it is widely utilized in controlled drug release experiments [26][27][28] as its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 32 °C is near the body temperature [21]. It has been reported that vinyl imidazole (VIm) is a pH-responsive material [29]. The

Recent updates in applications of nanomedicine for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis

• Damai Ria Setyawati,
• Fransiska Christydira Sekaringtyas,
• Riyona Desvy Pratiwi,
• A’liyatur Rosyidah,
• Rohimmahtunnissa Azhar,
• Nunik Gustini,
• Gita Syahputra,
• Idah Rosidah,
• Etik Mardliyati,
• Tarwadi and
• Sjaikhurrizal El Muttaqien

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1105–1116, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.89

• the FDA up to 2019 [46]. They consist of PLGA microparticles, solid implants, and in situ gels; none of them is a PLGA NP formulation. This fact indicates that there are some challenges, including poor drug entrapment efficiency and drug release kinetics from PLGA nanoformulations [47]. Regarding

Unveiling the potential of alginate-based nanomaterials in sensing technology and smart delivery applications

• Shakhzodjon Uzokboev,
• Khojimukhammad Akhmadbekov,
• Ra’no Nuritdinova,
• Salah M. Tawfik and
• Yong-Ill Lee

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1077–1104, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.88

• biopolymeric nanoparticles, providing valuable information about their physical and chemical properties. These techniques allow researchers to understand the structure, stability, surface properties, and drug release behavior of biopolymeric nanoparticles, enabling them to optimize drug delivery strategies and

• , to mitigate limitations of simple nanostructures such as low stability and unsuitable drug release features. They investigated capsaicin-loaded alginate nanoparticles embedded in polycaprolactone–chitosan nanofiber mats. This DDS can extend the release time of capsaicin to more than 500 h compared to

• encapsulation of amygdalin and sustained drug release for 10 h. The results also showed increased cytotoxicity and controlled release of the drug because of the biodegradable and biocompatible carrier. Alginate–chitosan nanoparticles can be employed as an effective drug delivery vehicle for sustained and