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

• synthesized from mucoadhesive polymers such as chitosan, alginate, cellulose, polyacrylic acid, and polymethacrylic acid have been introduced as gastroretentive drug delivery systems. The mucoadhesive properties of these polymers are attributed to electrostatic bonding between polymer and sialic acid of mucin

• , hydrogen bonding, disulfide bond formation, or physical entanglement of polymers within the mesh-like mucus structure [9][10]. Sodium alginate is a linear polysaccharide composed of 1,4-linked β-ᴅ-mannuronic acid and α-ʟ-guluronic acid residues. Alginate can be used to form porous matrix-type drug delivery

• leakage of encapsulated drugs. These drawbacks make alginate challenging to be used in drug delivery applications [11][12]. Therefore, it is generally used together with other polymers, such as chitosan [13] or carboxymethyl cellulose [14], or it is modified with PEG-maleimide [15] to acquire mucoadhesion

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

• adsorbing heavy metals and radionuclides [16]. However, chitosan exhibits limited mechanical stability, is sensitive to pH variations, and tends to swell [17]. To improve the spinnability of chitosan during the electrospinning process, it is commonly blended with other polymers, such as PVA [18

• overcome these limitations, without losing the advantages of PVA such as biodegradability, is to blend PVA with stiff and water-insoluble biodegradable polymers such as chitosan [68]. Fabrication techniques Nanofibers can be fabricated using different methods such as direct drawing, template synthesis

• single-phase homogeneous liquid. Polymer blending allows for the creation of novel materials through the incorporation of the unique properties of the component polymers [78]. In blend electrospinning, the preparation of a homogenous solution is crucial in ensuring the formation of uniform fibers during

Emerging strategies in the sustainable removal of antibiotics using semiconductor-based photocatalysts

• Yunus Ahmed,
• Keya Rani Dutta,
• Parul Akhtar,
• Md. Arif Hossen,
• Md. Jahangir Alam,
• Obaid A. Alharbi,
• Hamad AlMohamadi and
• Abdul Wahab Mohammad

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 264–285, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.21

• , including biochar, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), functionalized mesoporous silica, porous organic polymers, zeolite, and derivatives of graphene. These substances act as a support for metal oxides and immobilize the catalyst, increase the catalyst surface area, and improve the chemical stability

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

• chemical modifications and/or coupling with hydrophilic polymers. TMZ was successfully incorporated in magnetic NPs [36], mesoporous silica NPs [37], and NPs made of silver [38], zinc oxide [39], and gold [40], all of them showing high accumulation in tumor cells and cytotoxic activity in vitro and in vivo

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

• -specific hypotony, or high IOP resulting from tissue fibrosis [138][139][140][141]. To address this, photothermal shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been employed to program and control the inner diameter of the drainage tubes (Figure 5b) [133]. These SMP silica gel drainage tubes consist of three layers

• absorption, and relatively mild photothermal warming, which indicate great potential for clinical applications, especially for biomolecular polymers and ophthalmic organic dyes [218]. Moreover, by increasing the density of chromophores, organic photothermal nanomaterials are also able to produce VNBs

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

• reduce the rigidified polymer formation. The overall rigidity of the polymer also has a large impact on the MOF–polymer interface. Rubbery polymers tend to reduce the propensity for interface defects, as the polymer chain mobility enables better confinement to the MOF surface [114][116]. However, as

• stated, the more flexible the polymer, the less selective, yet more permeable, it becomes. In contrast, glassy polymers, characterized by low chain mobility and increased rigidity, have the benefit of restricting the movement of gas molecules, but at the cost of reduced permeability and MOF compatibility

Comparison of organic and inorganic hole transport layers in double perovskite material-based solar cell

• Deepika K and
• Arjun Singh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 119–127, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.11

• deteriorate. Inorganic HTLs proved to perform better. Some examples of inorganic HTLs are CuI, Cu2O, and CuSCN. Organic HTLs consist of polymers or complex molecules, which affect the photovoltaic properties of the device in terms of light absorption and carrier mobility. Some examples of organic materials

Nanocarriers and macrophage interaction: from a potential hurdle to an alternative therapeutic strategy

• Naths Grazia Sukubo,
• Paolo Bigini and
• Annalisa Morelli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 97–118, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.10

• decades of technological evolution, during which NCs have become indispensable components of drug delivery systems, known for their adaptability and efficiency [2]. The “family” of nanoparticles (NPs) includes a broad range of materials such as lipids, polymers, proteins, dextran, silica [3], and metals

• surface with hydrophilic polymers such as PEG. PEGylation is widely used for its “stealth” effect, hindering protein adsorption on the hydrophobic polymer surface by steric repulsion [36]. However, the long-term use of PEGylated NCs for treating chronic diseases can lead to side effects, such as

Bioinspired nanofilament coatings for scale reduction on steel

• Siad Dahir Ali,
• Mette Heidemann Rasmussen,
• Jacopo Catalano,
• Christian Husum Frederiksen and
• Tobias Weidner

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 25–34, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.3

• , which employs micro- and nanostructures to repel water, we investigate the application of silicone nanofilaments (SNFs) as a coating on steel surfaces to mitigate scaling. Silicone nanofilaments, previously successful on polymers, textiles, and glass, are explored for their hydrophobic properties and

• SNFs. These filaments have been developed for coatings on polymers [10][11][12], textiles [12][13][14][15][16][17], aluminium and titanium [11][12], and glass [11][12][13][18][19], to replicate the water-repelling effects observed in nature [13][18][20][21]. Coatings with nano- or micrometer-sized

• polymerization of a polysiloxane on the material surface [18]. The polysiloxane methyl groups lower the surface energy and render the surface hydrophobic. Clearly, the surface chemistry of steel surfaces is very different from the previously used materials such as glass [11][12][13][18], polymers [10][11][12

Mechanistic insights into endosomal escape by sodium oleate-modified liposomes

• Ebrahim Sadaqa,
• Satrialdi,
• Fransiska Kurniawan and
• Diky Mudhakir

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1667–1685, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.131

• ionizable lipids or pH-sensitive polymers, have also been investigated. While promising, these methods face significant hurdles, including toxicity, instability under physiological conditions, reduced drug loading capacity, and complex synthesis processes that hinder widespread adoption [7][8]. Given the

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

• membrane constructs [58]. Regarding materials for coating nanoparticles, a variety of hydrophilic polymers are available [30]. The most prevalent technique involves the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG). It provides biological protection against proteolysis and improved biocompatibility, metabolism, and

Natural nanofibers embedded in the seed mucilage envelope: composite hydrogels with specific adhesive and frictional properties

• Agnieszka Kreitschitz and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1603–1618, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.126

• features with synthetic hydrogels [2][9][10][11]. Hydrogels are 3D networks of polymers (i.e., polysaccharides in plant seeds) interacting via chemical bonds (ionic and covalent), physical interactions (hydrogen bonds), or van der Waals forces [3][11][12]. The ability to produce the mucilage envelope is a

• polymers present in the seed mucilage are the most attractive source among diverse hydrogels, particularly because of their high biodegradability, non-toxicity, and non-irritability. They also demonstrate attractive bioadhesive properties because of the presence of many carboxyl or hydroxyl groups of

Electrochemical nanostructured CuBTC/FeBTC MOF composite sensor for enrofloxacin detection

• Thi Kim Ngan Nguyen,
• Tien Dat Doan,
• Huy Hieu Luu,
• Hoang Anh Nguyen,
• Thi Thu Ha Vu,
• Quang Hai Tran,
• Ha Tran Nguyen,
• Thanh Binh Dang,
• Thi Hai Yen Pham and
• Mai Ha Hoang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1522–1535, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.120

• sensors has some limitations associated with the low conductivity of MOFs. Therefore, the coupling with conducting materials, such as carbon-based materials, metal nanoparticles, and polymers, has been performed to enhance the electron charge transfer of MOFs [23][24]; single MOFs combined with carbon

• , respectively [31]. In addition, the coupling of MOFs with conducting polymers was investigated to modulate their electrical properties. Conducting poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanotubes were coated with porphyrin-based MOFs to detect dopamine in the range of 2 × 10−6 to 270 × 10−6 M with a LOD of 0.04 × 10

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

• and enhances their solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Additionally, the physicochemical characteristics of PLHNPs can be tailored by varying the concentrations of polymers and lipids [16]. PLHNPs can address various challenges associated with phytochemical delivery. The benefits of PLHNPs

• , including phospholipids, cholesterol, and surfactants, play a crucial role in solubilizing lipophilic phytochemicals and facilitating interactions with biological membranes. The polymers provide structural stability, controlled release properties, and protection against premature degradation [40][41

• show therapeutic potential. Types of PLHNPs Generally, PLHNPs are classified based on the arrangement of polymers and lipids within the hybrid system. In the hybrid structures, polymers enhance overall particle stability and modulate the release of encapsulated drugs from the hybrid matrix. However

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

• prepared with simple production methods [72], and there are also efforts made regarding reasonable upscaling [73][74][75][76]. Among the natural polymers, chitosan and its derivatives could provide many advantages to brain delivery because of their mucoadhesive properties, which increase mucosal retention

• [77]. In addition to biopolymers, synthetic biodegradable and biocompatible polymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), which are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human administration [78] are relevant options. Extensive testing has been

A biomimetic approach towards a universal slippery liquid infused surface coating

• Ryan A. Faase,
• Madeleine H. Hummel,
• AnneMarie V. Hasbrook,
• Andrew P. Carpenter and
• Joe E. Baio

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1376–1389, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.111

• substrate. Over a decade ago, Lee et al. demonstrated that mussels could adhere to virtually any surface through a molecule called polydopamine (PDA) [19]. The power of PDA lies in its ability to coat a thin layer onto any material, from polymers and metals to glass. The authors also demonstrated the

Realizing active targeting in cancer nanomedicine with ultrasmall nanoparticles

• André F. Lima,
• Giselle Z. Justo and
• Alioscka A. Sousa

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1208–1226, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.98

• surface coating with bulkier molecules, such as long-chain PEG or various polymers. The strategic coating of usNPs with small molecules therefore preserves the overall ultrasmall size of the particles even within complex biofluids, such as human plasma. AuNCs coated with GSH exemplify this concept

A low-kiloelectronvolt focused ion beam strategy for processing low-thermal-conductance materials with nanoampere currents

• Annalena Wolff,
• Nico Klingner,
• William Thompson,
• Yinghong Zhou,
• Jinying Lin and
• Yin Xiao

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1197–1207, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.97

• community. This is partly due to the increased use of FIB-SEMs in biology as well as the development of complex materials, such as polymers, which need to be analyzed. The work presented here looks at the physics behind the ion beam–sample interactions and the effect of the incident ion energy (set by the

• acceleration voltage) on inducing increases in sample temperature and potential heat damage in thermally low conductive materials such as polymers and biological samples. The ion beam-induced heat for different ion beam currents at low acceleration voltages is calculated using Fourier’s law of heat transfer

• cross sections and TEM lamellae of biological samples as well as of other thermally low conductive materials such as polymers [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. The easily induced heat damage is increasingly being reported [3][6][14][15][16][17]. Despite the importance of this topic, there is

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

• physiological functions. They can effectively transport therapeutic agents to targeted cells or specific intracellular regions through passive targeting or ligand-based strategies [9][10][11]. The use of certain polymers could potentially enable sustained drug levels for controlled release and extended

• 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

• [9]. Certain designs in nanostructures are extremely useful to combat diseases [12][13]. Polymeric platforms have attracted great interest in recent years [14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. “Stimulus-sensitive” polymers (smart polymers) exhibit conformational changes or phase transition behavior in

Introducing third-generation periodic table descriptors for nano-qRASTR modeling of zebrafish toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles

• Supratik Kar and
• Siyun Yang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1142–1152, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.93

• range of substances that can be categorized as carbon-based, metal oxides, semiconductors, polymers, clays, emulsions, or metals [2]. Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) are metallic oxides that exist within the nanoscale range and can be intentionally created or occur naturally [3]. Under the rapid

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

• applications. Biodegradable and bioabsorbable polymers are an excellent choice for a variety of innovative drug delivery systems (DDSs). Biopolymers are also used in cutting-edge scientific applications such as gene expression, tissue engineering, smart drug delivery, and biosensors [11][19]. Modern medicine

• wall [60]. Another important morphological feature of polymers is the surface of the polymers, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be utilized to detect surface features of polymeric nanoparticles. It is very useful tool that offers high-resolution images in three dimensions at the nanometer scale

• agriculture, medicine, food packaging, and DDSs [68]. One of the advantages of using alginate-based nanoparticles is their biocompatibility. These nanoparticles are made from nontoxic and biodegradable polymers, making them safe to use in various applications [69]. Another advantage is their low cost, as

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

• 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

Therapeutic effect of F127-folate@PLGA/CHL/IR780 nanoparticles on folate receptor-expressing cancer cells

• Thi Ngoc Han Pham,
• Phuong-Thao Dang-Luong,
• Hong-Phuc Nguyen,
• Loc Le-Tuan,
• Xuan Thang Cao,
• Thanh-Danh Nguyen,
• Vy Tran Anh and
• Hieu Vu_Quang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 954–964, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.78

• materials. The polymers used in our study were made of pluronic F127. The polymers consist of three polymer blocks, including two PEO blocks and one PPO block. Because of the presence of F127 on the particles’ surface, the nanoparticles were effectively disseminated in our study. The hydrophobic block PPO

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

• mixed polymers, and the formation of highly porous and continuous fibers are the remarkable features of this method. The importance of nanofiber-based scaffolds in bone tissue regeneration is increasing because of suitable pore size, high porosity, osteoinduction, induction of bone growth with

• ]. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the electrospinning technique, its ability to use a wide variety of synthetic, natural, and mixed polymers, and the formation of highly porous and continuous fibers are the remarkable features of this method [42]. Although the use of electrospinning has become

• , especially the studies of Reneker and his working group on the production of fine fibers from various organic polymers contributed significantly to the widespread use of electrospinning for the preparation of nanofibers today [44]. A schematic representation of the electrospinning process is given in Figure

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

• Polymer mixtures contain at least one component besides the polymer, such as nanoparticles, inorganic salts, or other polymers. These types of polymer mixtures are used for medical purposes; for example, metronidazole/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/alginate for dental implants or poly(lactic acid

• )/hydroxyapatite in orthopedics [1][2]. Biocompatible polymers are widely used in biomedical fields, such as stents, drug delivery systems in cancer therapy, bone repair, dentistry, joint prostheses, and tissue engineering [2][3][4][5][6]. Polymers have several advantageous properties for these applications as

• created and used in numerous biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, wound dressing, and drug delivery [11][12]. Electrospinning has many advantages: it is a simple technique, cost-effective, reproducible, scalable, and reliable. In addition, various polymers can be used as starting material