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

• Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 10.3762/bjnano.16.22 Abstract This review examines strategies to enhance the mechanical properties of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanofibers, recognized for their biomedical and

• evaluate mechanical properties and provides a comparative analysis of different enhancement approaches. Applications in biomedical and industrial contexts are explored, showcasing the versatility and innovation potential of these nanofibers. Finally, current challenges are addressed, and future research

• directions are proposed to overcome these obstacles and further enhance the mechanical properties of chitosan/PVA electrospun nanofibers, guiding their development for practical applications. Keywords: biomaterials; chitosan; electrospun nanofiber; mechanical properties; polyvinyl alcohol; Introduction In

Probing the potential of rare earth elements in the development of new anticancer drugs: single molecule studies

• Josiane A. D. Batista,
• Rayane M. de Oliveira,
• Carlos H. M. Lima,
• Milton L. Lana Júnior,
• Virgílio C. dos Anjos,
• Maria J. V. Bell and
• Márcio S. Rocha

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 187–194, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.15

• -molecule force spectroscopy using optical tweezers (OT) on DNA complexes formed with the three rare earths at various concentrations. The mechanical properties of these complexes were then determined as a function of the element concentration. From these data, the physical chemistry of the interaction was

• procedure has been proved to be very robust in determining changes in the mechanical properties of DNA–ligand complexes as a function of the ligand concentration in the sample. The complete details can be found in [21]. A model to determine the binding parameters from the persistence length data A quenched

• mechanical properties of the DNA complexes formed with the ytterbium and neodymium is very similar to the one previously studied using europium [7]. In this work, we showed that europium binds outside the double helix in a cooperative way, forming clusters of about approx. three molecules and presenting an

A review of metal-organic frameworks and polymers in mixed matrix membranes for CO₂ capture

• Charlotte Skjold Qvist Christensen,
• Nicholas Hansen,
• Mahboubeh Motadayen,
• Nina Lock,
• Martin Lahn Henriksen and
• Jonathan Quinson

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 155–186, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.14

Integrating high-performance computing, machine learning, data management workflows, and infrastructures for multiscale simulations and nanomaterials technologies

• Fabio Le Piane,
• Mario Vozza,
• Matteo Baldoni and
• Francesco Mercuri

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1498–1521, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.119

• mathematical or computational description of the behavior of materials, capturing physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Data-driven approaches leverage large datasets, including experimental measurements, to extract patterns, correlations, and trends in materials behavior. By combining both model

Strain-induced bandgap engineering in 2D ψ-graphene materials: a first-principles study

• Kamal Kumar,
• Nora H. de Leeuw,
• Jost Adam and
• Abhishek Kumar Mishra

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1440–1452, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.116

• , ψ-graphene can be used in optical detectors [39]. However, a first principles-based computational study has shown that its zero bandgap is a major challenge to its suitability in optoelectronic and electronic devices [40]. Despite being less stable than graphene, the mechanical properties of ψ

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

Hymenoptera and biomimetic surfaces: insights and innovations

• Vinicius Marques Lopez,
• Carlo Polidori and
• Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1333–1352, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.107

• modulus [61]. Understanding the mechanical properties and composition of leafcutter ant mandibles could offer valuable insights into biomimetic design principles, potentially inspiring the development of innovative tools and instruments with enhanced performance and adaptability for various applications

New design of operational MEMS bridges for measurements of properties of FEBID-based nanostructures

• Bartosz Pruchnik,
• Krzysztof Kwoka,
• Ewelina Gacka,
• Dominik Badura,
• Piotr Kunicki,
• Andrzej Sierakowski,
• Paweł Janus,
• Tomasz Piasecki and
• Teodor Gotszalk

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1273–1282, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.103

• multipoint measurements of nanomaterials in search of their electrical or mechanical properties. Visualisation of the halo effect under a freestanding nanostructure on a solid and 3D substrate. MEMS bridge shown (a) schematically with RoI formed (left) and RoI distance geometry (right), (b) on a SEM image as

Functional morphology of cleaning devices in the damselfly Ischnura elegans (Odonata, Coenagrionidae)

• Silvana Piersanti,
• Gianandrea Salerno,
• Wencke Krings,
• Stanislav Gorb and
• Manuela Rebora

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1260–1272, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.102

• and, therefore, mechanical properties [28]. The interdigitated cuticular laminar expansions overlapping at different heights constitute a very flexible surface because of their high resilin content, which enables them to gently press against the antennal surface to be cleaned, thereby squeezing the

Enhanced catalytic reduction through in situ synthesized gold nanoparticles embedded in glucosamine/alginate nanocomposites

• Chi-Hien Dang,
• Le-Kim-Thuy Nguyen,
• Minh-Trong Tran,
• Van-Dung Le,
• Nguyen Minh Ty,
• T. Ngoc Han Pham,
• Hieu Vu-Quang,
• Tran Thi Kim Chi,
• Tran Thi Huong Giang,
• Nguyen Thi Thanh Tu and
• Thanh-Danh Nguyen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1227–1237, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.99

• . While gelispheres enhance the physical and mechanical properties of sodium alginate, their poor solubility limits their applicability. Recently, an ionotropic gelation method has been developed to produce nanoparticles from gelispheres through interaction between oligosaccharides (e.g., cyclodextrins

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

• +. Based on the quenching effect, a design for a “turn-off” fluorescent sensor for Cu2+ and Hg2+ detection with detection limits of 187.99 and 82.14 nM, respectively, was developed. Furthermore, the Au-loaded alginate-based fibers outperformed the pristine Ca-ALG fibers in terms of mechanical properties

Interface properties of nanostructured carbon-coated biological implants: an overview

• Mattia Bartoli,
• Francesca Cardano,
• Erik Piatti,
• Stefania Lettieri,
• Andrea Fin and
• Alberto Tagliaferro

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1041–1053, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.85

• nanostructured carbon coatings (nanodiamonds, carbon nanotubes, and graphene-related materials) for the improvement of the overall properties of medical implants. We are focusing on biological interactions, improved corrosion resistance, and overall mechanical properties, trying to provide a complete overview

• substances secreted and the effectiveness of CNT action. Carbon material coatings for improved mechanical, tribological, and electrical properties Performance and longevity of implants are closely related to their mechanical properties. A mismatch with tissues can potentially lead to stress shielding

• self-repairing of the damaged surfaces by filling the cracks, thus, reducing wear loss. Chen et al. [134] improved the mechanical properties of a titanium alloy though deposition of graphene flakes. The authors investigated the system through indentation showing improvements in both toughness and yield

Beyond biomimicry – next generation applications of bioinspired adhesives from microfluidics to composites

• Dan Sameoto

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 965–976, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.79

• mechanical properties of interest to fit the needs of soft robotics, microfluidic systems, or others. All of such applications necessitate that the biomimetic adhesives are robust, relatively inexpensive, and highly effective at adhering to different surfaces. Several corporations, including Setex [16

• surface roughness and are far more cost-effective. The significant influence of mechanical properties on identical fiber designs has also been extensively studied by our group and others, including work on shape memory polymers (SMPs) for biomimetic pillars [29]. These uniformly mushroom-shaped SMP fibers

Electrospun nanofibers: building blocks for the repair of bone tissue

• Tuğrul Mert Serim,
• Gülin Amasya,
• Tuğba Eren-Böncü,
• Ceyda Tuba Şengel-Türk and
• Ayşe Nurten Özdemir

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 941–953, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.77

• osteoconduction, adaptability to the target area, biodegradation, and appropriate mechanical properties, which are among the main parameters that are important in the design of polymeric bone grafts. The aim of this review is to cast light on the increasing use of nanofiber-based scaffolds in bone tissue

• , migration, and proliferation than other scaffolds, especially particulate forms [31][32]. (ii) Their large surface area per unit volume, adjustable high porosity, and superior flexibility and mechanical properties enable them to adhere to bone tissue more easily, to carry biofactors such as growth factors

• hard bone-like tissues. Calcified bone tissue shows different mechanical properties depending on the collagen sequence in the natural structure. The polymers used in the development of polymeric nanofibers should have mechanical and biological properties suitable for calcified hard tissue structures

Effects of cutting tool geometry on material removal of a gradient nanograined CoCrNi medium entropy alloy

• Yu-Sheng Lu,
• Yu-Xuan Hung,
• Thi-Xuyen Bui and
• Te-Hua Fang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 925–940, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.76

• -entropy alloys (MEAs) have attracted extensive attention and research because of their superior mechanical properties, such as higher ductility, strength, and toughness. This study uses molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the cutting behavior of a gradient nanograined (GNG) CoCrNi MEA

• : CoCrNi; gradient nanograined materials; Hall–Petch; molecular dynamics; relative tool sharpness; removal mechanism; Introduction Compared with traditional alloys, high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with multiple elements exhibit diverse and unprecedented mechanical properties, attracting widespread scientific

• (NiCoCr)95V5, which achieved an excellent strength and plasticity product exceeding 86 GPa·% at low temperatures [7]. Qiu et al. investigated the effects of adding Al, Ti, Mo, and W on low-temperature phase stability, mechanical properties, and deformation behavior of CoCrNi-based MEAs [8]. Strengthening

The effect of age on the attachment ability of stick insects (Phasmatodea)

• Marie Grote,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Thies H. Büscher

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 867–883, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.72

• the tips; the tips have to withstand the greatest stresses, which mostly occur in single events, rather than in normal wear [68]. Further studies could explore the role of fatigue of claw material and its effect on the mechanical properties. Pad compliance There are several possible ways in which

• resulting actual contact area leads to lower attachment performance [72][73][74]. Most flexible cuticle consists at least partially of resilin [50][75][76], which needs water as a plasticizer to retain its extraordinary mechanical properties [70]. As the water evaporates, resilin becomes brittle and less

Electrospun polysuccinimide scaffolds containing different salts as potential wound dressing material

• Veronika Pálos,
• Krisztina S. Nagy,
• Rita Pázmány,
• Krisztina Juriga-Tóth,
• Bálint Budavári,
• Judit Domokos,
• Dóra Szabó,
• Ákos Zsembery and
• Angela Jedlovszky-Hajdu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 781–796, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.65

• atoms in the scaffolds. Our result showed that the salts influence the mechanical properties of the polymer scaffold, both in terms of specific load capacity and relative elongation values. According to the dissolution experiments, the whole amount of strontium nitrate was dissolved from the scaffold in

• FTIR analysis, we used an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) detector during the SEM measurements to show the presence of salts in the fibers. The EDX spectra were taken at a voltage of 15 kV. Mechanical properties A mechanical testing machine (4952, Instron, USA) and the associated software

• (Bluehill 2, USA) were used to examine the mechanical properties of the electrospun scaffolds. The tensile testing was conducted at room temperature. The cut samples were 6 cm long and 1.5 cm wide, and a 1 mm/min pulling speed was applied in each case. The specific load capacity (Equation 1) and the

Elastic modulus of β-Ga₂O₃ nanowires measured by resonance and three-point bending techniques

• Annamarija Trausa,
• Sven Oras,
• Sergei Vlassov,
• Mikk Antsov,
• Tauno Tiirats,
• Andreas Kyritsakis,
• Boris Polyakov and
• Edgars Butanovs

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 704–712, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.58

• the mechanical properties of Ga2O3 nanowires (NWs). In this work, we investigated the elastic modulus of individual β-Ga2O3 NWs using two distinct techniques – in-situ scanning electron microscopy resonance and three-point bending in atomic force microscopy. The structural and morphological properties

• finely controllable β-Ga2O3 NW synthesis methods and detailed post-examination of their mechanical properties before considering their application in future nanoscale devices. Keywords: atomic force microscopy; elastic modulus; gallium oxide; mechanical properties; nanowire; scanning electron microscopy

• suitable for use on bendable and stretchable substrates in line with the current trends in electronic technologies focusing on flexible electronic device development [11][12]. Consequently, understanding the mechanical properties of β-Ga2O3 NWs becomes an important step. For instance, precise determination

Enhancing higher-order modal response in multifrequency atomic force microscopy with a coupled cantilever system

• Wendong Sun,
• Jianqiang Qian,
• Yingzi Li,
• Yanan Chen,
• Zhipeng Dou,
• Rui Lin,
• Peng Cheng,
• Xiaodong Gao,
• Quan Yuan and
• Yifan Hu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 694–703, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.57

• resonant mode tracking the sample topography and the higher-order resonant mode providing information about mechanical properties [5][6]. Bimodal AFM is relatively simple to operate and offers improved imaging quality. Hence, it is widely applicable in diverse fields such as physics, chemistry, and biology

Functional fibrillar interfaces: Biological hair as inspiration across scales

• Guillermo J. Amador,
• Brett Klaassen van Oorschot,
• Caiying Liao,
• Jianing Wu and
• Da Wei

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 664–677, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.55

• underwater to generate adhesion [51]. Mechanical protection While hairs provide protection via their thermal and chemical properties, they also offer protection based on their mechanical properties. Hairs are typically made of stiff materials, such as keratin and chitin, that have Young’s moduli of the order

Stiffness calibration of qPlus sensors at low temperature through thermal noise measurements

• Laurent Nony,
• Sylvain Clair,
• Daniel Uehli,
• Aitziber Herrero,
• Jean-Marc Themlin,
• Andrea Campos,
• Franck Para,
• Alessandro Pioda and
• Christian Loppacher

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 580–602, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.50

• because it cannot be glued on the prong with high reproducibility (regarding, e.g, mass of glue and location on the prong), the mechanical properties of each sensor must differ in detail. Therefore, the actual stiffness of each probe must differ and has no reason to match a particular predefined value

• of the probe from its dimensions and the mechanical properties of its constitutive material. When the load is applied at the free end of the probe, its static stiffness is given by: where E, w, t, and l are Young’s modulus, width, thickness, and length of the probe, respectively. Cleveland et al

• a frequency spectrum yielding a thermal noise rms PSD described by that of an equivalent SHO (Equation 17). The spectrum conceals the mechanical properties of the SHO and exhibits a resonance at f1. Thus, stochastic phonons with frequencies at, or close to, the SHO resonance frequency, produce long

Unveiling the nature of atomic defects in graphene on a metal surface

• Karl Rothe,
• Nicolas Néel and
• Jörg Kröger

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 416–425, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.37

• , defects profoundly impact, in a beneficial or detrimental manner, characteristic properties of 2D materials [2]. A prominent 2D material is graphene. Intact graphene, the 2D sp2 arrangement of C atoms in a honeycomb mesh, is well known for its appealing electronic and mechanical properties [3][4]. However

Classification and application of metal-based nanoantioxidants in medicine and healthcare

• Nguyen Nhat Nam,
• Nguyen Khoi Song Tran,
• Tan Tai Nguyen,
• Nguyen Ngoc Trai,
• Nguyen Phuong Thuy,
• Hoang Dang Khoa Do,
• Nhu Hoa Thi Tran and
• Kieu The Loan Trinh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 396–415, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.36

• alloys, owing to their favorable mechanical properties and biocompatibility, have been explored for the fabrication of vascular grafts highlighting their potential as a durable and biocompatible alternative in atherosclerosis-related revascularization procedures [187]. Similarly, studies conducted by Li

Modification of graphene oxide and its effect on properties of natural rubber/graphene oxide nanocomposites

• Nghiem Thi Thuong,
• Le Dinh Quang,
• Vu Quoc Cuong,
• Cao Hong Ha,
• Nguyen Ba Lam and
• Seiichi Kawahara

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 168–179, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.16

• desire to enhance the green strength of NR to achieve the comparable mechanical properties of vulcanized natural rubber (VNR) [1][2][3]. VNR is commonly utilized for NR commercial products. However, due to its crosslinked structure, VNR products cannot be recycled or degraded after diposal [4][5

• significant impacts on improving the mechanical properties of NR. Numerous studies have utilized suitable monomers to graft onto NR via radical routes. For instance, graft copolymerization of styrene [11][12], methyl methacrylate [13][14], and hydroxyethyl methacrylate [15][16] onto NR enhances the green

• rolling resistance and enhance the wet grip of rubber materials. Recently, the usage of silane coupling agents as monomers to generate in situ nanosilica into NR has been found to enhance the mechanical properties of NR. Kawahara et al. [17] used vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) as a silane monomer for

Enhanced feedback performance in off-resonance AFM modes through pulse train sampling

• Mustafa Kangül,
• Navid Asmari,
• Santiago H. Andany,
• Marcos Penedo and
• Georg E. Fantner

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 134–143, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.13

• . describe an improvement upon jumping mode, where, instead of performing a force curve, they turn on the feedback to bring the cantilever into contact with the sample to minimize the tip–sample forces [7]. In this approach, however, no mechanical properties are extracted from the force curve. In addition

• . Importantly, this method not only preserves the mechanical properties maps but also provides improved material contrast at higher imaging speeds. Results It is possible to analyze the conventional ORT control framework [29][31] by decomposing it into its different functional blocks. In the beginning of an ORT

• the Z piezo response determines the closed-loop delay. Therefore, the maximum achievable integral gain and disturbance rejection are often limited by the mechanical properties of the Z actuator [32]. In ORT mode, however, the tip and the sample are in contact for a finite time window only. The