Environmental applications of silver nanoparticles: state-of-the-art review and emerging trends

• Soni Prajapati,
• Akash Kumar and
• Ranjana Singh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 697–736, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.49

• generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mediate the antimicrobial effect [73]. AgNPs stabilised with Hormophysa triquetra extract inhibited Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas stutzeri, and Pseudomonas fragi in a solvent-dependent manner [74]. AgNPs showed an

• junction formation at the Ag/semiconductor interface creates an internal electric field that suppresses electron–hole recombination, extending carrier lifetime and enabling band-alignment-dependent redox reactions [127]. Reactive oxygen species, primarily •OH, •O2−, h+, and 1O2, drive oxidative pollutant

Molecular engineering of individual dye-based nanoparticle photostability for ultrabright two-photon fluorescence

• Eleonore Kurek,
• Sasha Cooper,
• Alexandre Clausolles,
• Karen Perronet,
• Jonathan Daniel,
• Mireille Blanchard-Desce and
• François Marquier

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 688–696, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.48

• following a transition to the triplet state, and can be further accelerated by the presence of oxygen and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [27]. The resulting loss of fluorescence can significantly shorten tracking durations while compromising the localization precision, as the signal from

Decontamination from water pollutants and pathogens by electrospun nanofibers doped with heavy-atom-free borafluorene-BODIPY photosensitizers

• Angelika Zaszczyńska,
• Paulina H. Marek-Urban,
• Karolina Wrochna,
• Agnieszka E. Kuklewska,
• Kacper Kręgielewski,
• Marta Grodzik,
• Dawid R. Natkowski,
• Jolanta Mierzejewska,
• Ewa Iwanek,
• Agata Blacha-Grzechnik,
• Paweł Sajkiewicz and
• Krzysztof Durka

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 668–682, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.46

• photosensitizers, that is, light-activated molecules producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as singlet oxygen (1O2), capable of degrading organic pollutants or microbes [2][3][4][5][6]. Among various groups of organic photosensitizers, boron dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs, i.e., 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s

Cellulose as a photocatalyst support material: extraction, structural features, and environmental applications

• Yee Teng Lim,
• Nur Farhana Jaafar,
• Azizul Hakim Lahuri and
• Endang Tri Wahyuni

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 635–652, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.44

• absorb photons from light, typically ultraviolet (UV) radiation or visible light, and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH) or superoxide radicals (O2•−) through photoexcitation [16][17]. In photocatalytic degradation, the catalysts typically used are semiconductor

Two-step laser synthesis of Ag@TiO₂ nanomaterials for the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B

• Marija Kovačević,
• Miloš Tošić,
• Rafaela Radičić,
• Vladimir Rajić,
• Nikša Krstulović,
• Miloš Momčilović and
• Sanja Živković

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 622–634, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.43

• photocatalytic activity. The improved activity of Ag@TiO2 is not mainly due to bandgap reduction. It is more likely related to Ag–TiO2 interaction, where Ag reduces electron–hole recombination and enhances light absorption through surface plasmon resonance, leading to increased formation of reactive oxygen

• species [28]. These combined effects lead to faster degradation of rhodamine B compared to pure TiO2. The different kinetic behavior of the samples reflects differences in particle size and Ag surface modification. The kinetic models are used as empirical descriptions of the overall process rather than

Nanocarrier-integrated multilayer films produced by 3D printing for improved skin adhesion and curcumin photostability

• Thayse Viana de Oliveira,
• Ana Paula Farias Leão,
• Júlia Leão,
• Cesar Liberato Petzhold and
• Ruy Carlos Ruver Beck

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 440–453, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.30

• as antioxidant activity through reactions with free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. These mechanisms contribute to reduced oxidative stress and enhanced wound-healing processes [17]. Consequently, curcumin is currently under investigation

Biomimetic nanoparticles in cancer photodynamic therapy: a review of targeted delivery systems and therapeutic outcomes

• Valentina I. Gorbacheva,
• Alexey S. Grabovoy,
• Polina S. Marukhina,
• Anastasiia O. Syrocheva and
• Ekaterina P. Kolesova

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 396–422, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.27

• cancer treatment that uses photosensitizers (PSs) activated by light to produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although PDT shows clinical promise, its effectiveness is limited by factors such as insufficient tumor targeting, tumor hypoxia, PS instability, and weak immune responses. Biomimetic

• involving three key components: a photosensitizer (PS), light of a specific wavelength, and molecular oxygen [3]. Upon light activation, the PS transitions to an excited state and transfers energy to surrounding oxygen molecules, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can eradicate tumor cells. While

Advancing nanolithography: a comprehensive review of materials for local anodic oxidation with AFM

• Matteo Lorenzoni

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 275–291, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.19

• -layer graphene flakes [22][98][99], epitaxial graphene [20][100], graphene grown by thermal decomposition of SiC [77], and graphite [101]. By applying local oxidation in a humid environment, the resulting reactive oxygen species, such as OH− and O2•−, oxidize the graphene surface, forming graphene oxide

Gold nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide as a highly effective catalyst for the selective α,β-dehydrogenation of N-alkyl-4-piperidones

• Brenda Flore Kenyim,
• Mihir Tzalis,
• Marilyn Kaul,
• Robert Oestreich,
• Aysenur Limon,
• Chancellin Pecheu Nkepdep and
• Christoph Janiak

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 218–238, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.15

• the observed reaction rate under otherwise kinetically favorable conditions [52]. Second, excessive catalyst loading can promote recombination or quenching of reactive oxygen species generated on the Au/rGO surface. As demonstrated in the proposed ODH mechanism (Figure 14), Au/rGO activates O2 to form

From shield to spear: Charge-reversible nanocarriers in overcoming cancer therapy barriers

• Madhuri Yeduvaka,
• Pooja Mittal,
• Ameer Boyalakuntla,
• Usman Bee Shaik,
• Himanshu Sharma,
• Thakur Gurjeet Singh,
• Siva Nageswara Rao Gajula and
• Lakshmi Vineela Nalla

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 159–175, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.10

• of tumour cells, characterized by elevated levels of GSH and reactive oxygen species (ROS), to trigger on-demand drug release. These nanocarriers typically incorporate redox-sensitive chemical bonds, such as disulfide linkages, which remain stable in blood circulation but undergo cleavage in the

Development and in vitro evaluation of liposomes and immunoliposomes containing 5-fluorouracil and R-phycoerythrin as a potential phototheranostic system for colorectal cancer

• Raissa Rodrigues Camelo,
• Vivianne Cortez Sombra Vandesmet,
• Octavio Vital Baccallini,
• José de Brito Vieira Neto,
• Thais da Silva Moreira,
• Luzia Kalyne Almeida Moreira Leal,
• Claudia Pessoa,
• Daniel Giuliano Cerri,
• Maria Vitória Lopes Badra Bentley,
• Josimar O. Eloy,
• Ivanildo José da Silva Júnior and
• Raquel Petrilli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 97–121, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.7

Optical bio/chemical sensors for vitamin B₁₂ analysis in food and pharmaceuticals: state of the art, challenges, and future outlooks

• Seyed Mohammad Taghi Gharibzahedi and
• Zeynep Altintas

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2207–2244, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.153

Microplastic pollution in Himalayan lakes: assessment, risks, and sustainable remediation strategies

• Sameeksha Rawat,
• S. M. Tauseef and
• Madhuben Sharma

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2144–2167, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.148

• safe for the environment. Photocatalysis produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which attack polymer chains and cause oxidative cleavage. Studies have shown that, under ideal circumstances, this process is quite successful in degrading polymers such as PS [74]. Bionanomaterials, which are composite

Toward clinical translation of carbon nanomaterials in anticancer drug delivery: the need for standardisation

• Michał Bartkowski,
• Francesco Calzaferri and
• Silvia Giordani

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2092–2104, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.144

• healthy tissues. Toxicity remains one of the most significant concerns associated with CNMs. Their unique physical and chemical properties, while advantageous for drug delivery, can also contribute to harmful effects. Potential mechanisms of toxicity include the generation of reactive oxygen species

Targeting the vector of arboviruses Aedes aegypti with nanoemulsions based on essential oils: a review with focus on larvicidal and repellent properties

• Laryssa Ferreira do Nascimento Silva,
• Douglas Dourado,
• Thayse Silva Medeiros,
• Mariana Alice Gonzaga Gabú,
• Maria Cecilia Queiroga dos Santos,
• Daiane Rodrigues dos Santos,
• Mylena Lemos dos Santos,
• Gabriel Bezerra Faierstein,
• Rosângela Maria Rodrigues Barbosa and
• Fabio Rocha Formiga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1894–1913, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.132

• vector larvae, including Ae. aegypti, and have been enhanced in nanoemulsions thanks to their properties [105][106][107]. Nanostructured plant-based larvicides could be associated with larvae morphological alterations, formation of reactive oxygen species that cause genotoxicity, and inhibition of

Current status of using adsorbent nanomaterials for removing microplastics from water supply systems: a mini review

• Nguyen Thi Nhan and
• Tran Le Luu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1837–1850, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.127

• water, affecting microbial communities and bioaccumulating in food chains, as shown in the study by Yang and colleagues [110]. Carbon-based nanomaterials, like GO, have the potential to react with biological systems, causing oxidative stress in aquatic organisms by generating reactive oxygen species

Phytol-loaded soybean oil nanoemulsion as a promising alternative against Leishmania amazonensis

• Victória Louise Pinto Freire,
• Mariana Farias Alves-Silva,
• Johny W. de Freitas Oliveira,
• Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa,
• Alianda Maira Cornélio,
• Marcelo de Souza-Silva,
• Thayse Silva Medeiros and
• Arnóbio Antônio da Silva Junior

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1826–1836, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.126

• depolarization, consequently leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress in promastigotes. It is noteworthy that Leishmania, like other trypanosomatids, possesses a single mitochondrion, which is responsible for multiple essential metabolic processes and is crucial for

Piezoelectricity of layered double hydroxides: perspectives regarding piezocatalysis and nanogenerators

• Evgeniy S. Seliverstov,
• Evgeniya A. Tarasenko and
• Olga E. Lebedeva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1812–1817, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.124

• and external stress, leading to increased current generation and reactive oxygen species production. The authors proposed that the piezoelectric field of LDHs facilitates the separation of photo-induced electron–hole pairs and modulates band alignment, thereby synergistically enhancing the piezo

Electrical, photocatalytic, and sensory properties of graphene oxide and polyimide implanted with low- and medium-energy silver ions

• Josef Novák,
• Eva Štěpanovská,
• Petr Malinský,
• Vlastimil Mazánek,
• Jan Luxa,
• Ulrich Kentsch and
• Zdeněk Sofer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1794–1811, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.123

• , where they initiate redox reactions with adsorbed species, such as water or dissolved oxygen, leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species that degrade organic contaminants. In Ag-modified polymer matrices, several synergistic effects contribute to enhanced photocatalytic activity. The

• the implanted samples. This suggests that the material itself without any intervention has limited ability to generate reactive oxygen species or facilitate charge transfer, which are both essential for efficient photocatalysis. There is a noticeable increase in the rate constant when low-energy Ag

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

• the development of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [118]. Hyaluronic acid can inhibit local recurrence and distant tumor growth when used in immunotherapy scenarios in conjuction with CAR-T cells and anti-PDL1-conjugated platelets [119]. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light

Nanotechnology-based approaches for the removal of microplastics from wastewater: a comprehensive review

• Nayanathara O Sanjeev,
• Manjunath Singanodi Vallabha and
• Rebekah Rubidha Lisha Rabi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1607–1632, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.114

• oxidation mechanisms. These processes generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through methods such as photocatalysis, ozonation, and electrochemical activation, which effectively break down the polymer chains of MPs, leading to their mineralization. The primary AOP techniques used for removing MPs from water

• biological treatments aimed at removing organic contaminants [96]. In photocatalysis, under UV illumination, electron–hole pairs are generated. These pairs interact with water molecules and dissolved oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions. These highly

Photocatalytic degradation of ofloxacin in water assisted by TiO₂ nanowires on carbon cloth: contributions of H₂O₂ addition and substrate absorbability

• Iram Hussain,
• Lisha Zhang,
• Zhizhen Ye and
• Jin-Ming Wu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1567–1579, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.111

• investigation, we extend the application to drug pollution treatments with OFL as a model molecule. Since H2O2 produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which promote the oxidation and degradation of OFL, H2O2 was introduced into the system to increase the photocatalytic efficiency, and the impacts of its

• ofloxacin in water with high initial concentrations of 50–200 ppm. Importantly, introducing H2O2 beyond a critical concentration further improved degradation efficiency by facilitating generation of reactive oxygen species, especially hydroxyl radicals. Trapping experiments suggest that the photogenerated

Laser processing in liquids: insights into nanocolloid generation and thin film integration for energy, photonic, and sensing applications

• Akshana Parameswaran Sreekala,
• Pooja Raveendran Nair,
• Jithin Kundalam Kadavath,
• Bindu Krishnan,
• David Avellaneda Avellaneda,
• M. R. Anantharaman and
• Sadasivan Shaji

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1428–1498, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.104

Synthesis and antibacterial properties of nanosilver-modified cellulose triacetate membranes for seawater desalination

• Lei Wang,
• Shizhe Li,
• Kexin Xu,
• Wenjun Li,
• Ying Li and
• Gang Liu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1380–1391, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.100

• oxygen species (ROS) that damage bacterial cell membranes and DNA [19]. The incorporation of these nanomaterials into seawater desalination membranes not only significantly improves salt rejection and water flux but also markedly enhances antibacterial properties, thereby extending the operational

• nanomaterials can be engineered to optimize their antimicrobial activity, making them versatile tools in the development of advanced membrane technologies. Quantum effects, such as localized surface plasmon resonance in metallic nanoparticles, can further enhance antimicrobial properties by generating reactive

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

• oxygen species, ROS), exchange or release of ligands, abolition of key enzyme activities, disruption of membrane function, and damage of the bacterial DNA [20]. Despite the obvious advantages of metal-based over purely organic drugs, there are several potential limitations that must be overcome for gold

• oxidation states, coordinating ligands, and geometries yield access to a highly underexplored chemical space for antibiotic drug development [19]. Moreover, metalloantibiotics may provide unique and multiple modes of action including redox activation and catalytic generation of toxic species (reactive