Advanced atomic force microscopy techniques V

• Philipp Rahe,
• Ilko Bald,
• Nadine Hauptmann,
• Regina Hoffmann-Vogel,
• Harry Mönig and
• Michael Reichling

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 54–56, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.6

• high quality of the presentations motivated us to establish this thematic issue in the Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology for compiling the latest results on developments and applications of atomic force microscopy techniques. Atomic force microscopy, a technique soon celebrating its 40th anniversary

Theoretical study of the electronic and optical properties of a composite formed by the zeolite NaA and a magnetite cluster

• Joel Antúnez-García,
• Roberto Núñez-González,
• Vitalii Petranovskii,
• H’Linh Hmok,
• Armando Reyes-Serrato,
• Fabian N. Murrieta-Rico,
• Mufei Xiao and
• Jonathan Zamora

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 44–53, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.5

• characteristics of zeolites depend largely on the chemical composition of the framework, specifically the Si/Al ratio [1][2]. These characteristics make zeolites highly appealing for a wide range of applications, including the production of fine chemicals [3][4], gas separation [5][6][7], ion exchange [8][9][10

• ], heavy metal removal [11][12], sensor technologies [13][14][15][16], and biomedical applications [17]. Nanoscale materials represent a thriving field of research with a wide range of potential applications. Today, it is generally recognized that properties like hardness, reactivity, toxicity, and optical

• prolong their operational lifespan. As zeolites are synthesized in powder form, they typically have grain sizes ranging from hundreds of nanometers to tens of micrometers. For applications where recovery at the end of a process is desirable, this can be a limitation. A very interesting alternative is the

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

• , Danish Technical University, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark 10.3762/bjnano.16.3 Abstract Scaling of steel surfaces, prevalent in various industrial applications, results in significant operational inefficiencies and maintenance costs. Inspired by the natural hydrophobicity of springtail (Collembola) skin

• applications of mimicking the liquid-repelling properties of their skin to address a common industrial challenge: The scaling of steel surfaces. Scaling, a pervasive issue in various industries, results from unwanted water adhesion and mineral deposition, leading to corrosion, reduced efficiency, and increased

• stability and hydrophobicity of these bioinspired nanofilaments on steel, a key material for industrial antiscaling applications that has not been investigated in this context. We test whether SNF coatings can prevent scaling of steel surfaces. In the following session, we describe a reliable procedure to

Orientation-dependent photonic bandgaps in gold-dust weevil scales and their titania bioreplicates

• Norma Salvadores Farran,
• Limin Wang,
• Primoz Pirih and
• Bodo D. Wilts

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1–10, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.1

• light in key optical technologies such as lasers [6], light-emitting diodes [7], and light guides [8]. For applications in the visible spectral range, the periodicity needs to be in the range of a few hundreds of nanometers [9]. This periodicity is challenging to engineer using, for example, block

• photonic crystals are arguably one of the most sophisticated structures of photonics research [14][28][29], but the refractive index of chitin (n = 1.55, see also [4]) in intact insect scales is too low to allow for the formation of a complete bandgap, hindering photonic applications. The diamond networks

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

• mechanism, facilitating cytosolic delivery with reduced cytotoxicity. This approach offers a safer and more effective option for targeted drug delivery applications. Keywords: Aurein 1.2; endosomal escape; fusogenic effect; molecular dynamics simulation; sodium oleate; Introduction The quest for efficient

• candidate for drug delivery applications. The data support the use of SO as a safe modification in liposomal formulations, particularly in contexts where minimizing cytotoxicity is paramount. Cellular uptake The cellular uptake of DiD-labeled liposomes (Unmodified-Lipo, SO-Lipo, and AUR-Lipo) in 4T1 cells

• . These findings confirm that SO is effective at promoting membrane fusion under acidic conditions to achieve targeted fusogenicity, making it a promising candidate for enhancing endosomal escape in drug delivery applications. MD simulation of OLA and AUR interaction with lipid bilayers The MD simulations

Fabrication of hafnium-based nanoparticles and nanostructures using picosecond laser ablation

• Abhishek Das,
• Mangababu Akkanaboina,
• Jagannath Rathod,
• R. Sai Prasad Goud,
• Kanaka Ravi Kumar,
• Raghu C. Reddy,
• Ratheesh Ravendran,
• Katia Vutova,
• S. V. S. Nageswara Rao and
• Venugopal Rao Soma

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1639–1653, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.129

• insight into their morphological and optical characteristics paving way for their applications in future. Keywords: hafnium; laser ablation in liquids; nanofibres; nanoparticles; nanostructures; Introduction Hafnium (Hf) is a tetravalent transition metal with compounds showing excellent thermal and

Heterogeneous reactions in a HFCVD reactor: simulation using a 2D model

• Xochitl Aleyda Morán Martínez,
• José Alberto Luna López,
• Zaira Jocelyn Hernández Simón,
• Gabriel Omar Mendoza Conde,
• José Álvaro David Hernández de Luz and
• Godofredo García Salgado

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1627–1638, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.128

• because the input gases and materials are accessible; also, it is scalable to larger areas [6]. The SiOx films obtained by HFCVD possess excellent optical and electrical properties, which makes such films suitable for applications in the manufacture of metal–insulator–semiconductor and metal–insulator

• –metal devices exhibiting blue and white electroluminescence [7][8]. It was found that these films exhibit photoconductive and photoelectric effects suitable for electroluminescence and photovoltaics applications [9][10], as well as for other applications such as solar cells and anodes for Li batteries

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

• targeting specificity. Biomimetic nanocarriers demonstrate significant advancements in drug delivery systems against cancer therapy, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections such as COVID-19. Here, we address the therapeutic applications of biomimetic nanocarriers and their promising

• new opportunity for personalized therapies [12][18][19]. Here, we explored the implications of biomimetic nanostructured carriers and their applications in human health. Biomimetic Nanocarriers The principle of biomimetic nanocarriers involves coating nanoscale carriers with materials capable of

• voltage and exposure time, can be optimized to improve efficiency. Though costly, this method is suitable for industrial applications [34][45]. Another strategy exploits electrostatic charges of nanocarriers and membrane vesicles. Opposite charges (negative for vesicles and positive for carriers) foster

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

• tasteless [11][21]. Its chemical composition and special physical properties allow many applications of mucilage, for example, as thickening and structuring (gel-forming) agent, emulsifier or stabiliser for food products, scaffold for tissue regeneration, additive in formation of medicinal tablets, and for

• ], on monomer and cross-linking concentrations, and on the type of substrate surface [88]. Hydrogels with their low friction are crucial in biomedical applications or for drug delivery [38][83][86][88]. The diaspore mucilage is regarded as a natural hydrogel [38] because of its capacity to absorb water

• , which appear after hydration, are not only important for their biological functions, but also crucial regarding technological applications [17][20]. Adhesion is essential in industrial sectors including medicine, bioengineering, cosmetics, food, and pharmacy [17][20][114][132][133][134]. Natural

Liver-targeting iron oxide nanoparticles and their complexes with plant extracts for biocompatibility

• Shushanik A. Kazaryan,
• Seda A. Oganian,
• Gayane S. Vardanyan,
• Anatolie S. Sidorenko and
• Ashkhen A. Hovhannisyan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1593–1602, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.125

• (Fe3O4 NPs) are widely used in many biomedical applications (e.g., bioimaging, drug delivery, biosensors, diagnostics, and theranostics). However, the use of NPs does not preclude the possibility of selective toxicity and undesirable effects, including accumulation in tissues and direct interaction with

• , biochemistry, biophysics, and other disciplines within biology and medicine [1][2][3][4][5]. The development of nanotechnology has provided resources for various applications in the medical field, leading to significant advances in diagnosis, biological detection, therapy, and drug delivery [6][7][8][9]. An

• , stability, and other important qualities [14][15]. Iron oxide NPs, because of their minimal toxicity, are considered the most preferred agents for studying various biomedical applications [16]. There are many studies proving the biocompatibility of iron oxide NPs, and because of their unique properties

Facile synthesis of size-tunable L-carnosine-capped silver nanoparticles and their role in metal ion sensing and catalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol

• Akash Kumar,
• Ridhima Chadha,
• Abhishek Das,
• Nandita Maiti and
• Rayavarapu Raja Gopal

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1576–1592, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.124

• -car-AgNPs for both heavy metal ion detection and catalytic degradation of P-NP, indicating their suitability for environmental monitoring and remediation applications. Further optimization and research are needed to expand their environmental applications and to understand their interaction mechanisms

• structure and imparts functional attributes such as metal ion chelation and catalytic enhancement. These features make ʟ-carnosine-capped AgNPs an ideal candidate for environmental applications. It was also reported that pristine AgNPs significantly interact with ʟ-carnosine [7]. Traditional methods for

• nanotechnology have ushered in the development of nanoparticle-based systems that offer promising alternatives because of their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and potential for real-time applications. Plasmonic nanoparticles, such as silver, have been widely explored for their unique plasmonic and catalytic

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles derived from algae and their larvicidal properties to control Aedes aegypti

• Matheus Alves Siqueira de Assunção,
• Douglas Dourado,
• Daiane Rodrigues dos Santos,
• Gabriel Bezerra Faierstein,
• Mara Elga Medeiros Braga,
• Severino Alves Junior,
• Rosângela Maria Rodrigues Barbosa,
• Herminio José Cipriano de Sousa and
• Fábio Rocha Formiga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1566–1575, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.123

• electrical, optical, and magnetic properties for a wide range of applications [22][23]. They can be synthesized by different procedures based on “top-down” or “bottom-up” approaches [24] (Figure 1). Top-down synthesized silver nanoparticles can be obtained by lithography, attrition, milling, and other

• ][43][44][45][46]. These bioactive compounds associated with metallic nanoparticles increase the specific delivery of drugs to the target and, thus, reduce the required amount of active compounds [47]. In addition, the control of particle size and morphology is essential for applications in

Ultrablack color in velvet ant cuticle

• Vinicius Marques Lopez,
• Wencke Krings,
• Juliana Reis Machado,
• Stanislav Gorb and
• Rhainer Guillermo-Ferreira

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1554–1565, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.122

• contributes to a deeper understanding of ultrablack biological materials and their potential applications in biomimetics. Keywords: animal coloration; biophotonics; Hymenoptera; insects; Mutillidae; superblack; surface; Introduction The phenomenon of highly absorptive colors, also known as ultrablack, has

• risen considerable interest in recent years because of its potential applications in various fields, including optics, camouflage, and solar energy harvesting [1][2]. These colors are characterized by their ability to reflect an exceptionally low amount of visible light. Inspired by several biological

• accordion-like structure that increase resistance to fractures and high pressures [34]. Ultrablack coloration has garnered significant interest in recent years because of its potential applications across various fields, including optics, camouflage, and solar energy capture. Characterized by their

The round-robin approach applied to nanoinformatics: consensus prediction of nanomaterials zeta potential

• Dimitra-Danai Varsou,
• Arkaprava Banerjee,
• Joyita Roy,
• Kunal Roy,
• Giannis Savvas,
• Haralambos Sarimveis,
• Ewelina Wyrzykowska,
• Mateusz Balicki,
• Tomasz Puzyn,
• Georgia Melagraki,
• Iseult Lynch and
• Antreas Afantitis

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1536–1553, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.121

• Chemistry, Laboratory of Environmental Chemoinformatics, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland Division of Physical Sciences and Applications, Hellenic Military Academy, Vari 16672, Greece School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, United

• ; read-across; QSPR; round-robin test; zeta potential; Introduction Nanotechnology, defined as the ability to manipulate matter at the nanoscale, has opened an array of possibilities for multiple applications that take advantage of the unique properties of nanomaterials (NMs). From targeted drug

• delivery to environmental sensing, the versatility of NMs makes them ideal candidates for a broad range of innovative applications [1]. However, the complexity and unique properties of these materials also present significant challenges, especially when it comes to the assessment of their potential adverse

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

• material for electrochemical sensor applications because of their high loading quantity and surface area, defined structures, and chemical stability [19][20]. Since the first report by Yaghi and his group in 1994 [21], MOFs have attracted great attention. The first publication related to a fluorescent

• detected in the original samples. However, in the spiked samples, the sensor yielded favourable results with recoveries ranging from 90.2% to 121.3%, indicating the reliability of the sensor and its effectiveness in real-world applications. Conclusion CuBTC and FeBTC metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were

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

• candidates for specific applications [10]. In addition to materials design, digital technologies can enhance the characterization and understanding of materials. Advanced imaging techniques, coupled with computational analysis, enable researchers to examine the microstructure and behavior of materials at

• simulations [21][22]. Modern GPUs, originally designed for gaming and multimedia applications, possess immense parallel processing capabilities that can be harnessed for scientific computations. Researchers have successfully leveraged GPUs to accelerate computationally intensive simulations, such as molecular

• predictive power of data-driven approaches. The synergy between models enables more accurate predictions, enhances the exploration of materials design space, and accelerates the discovery of novel materials with desired properties. A SWOT analysis of DT applications in the materials development domain is

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

• hybrid nanoparticles (PLHNPs) have emerged as a novel delivery system that combines the advantages of both polymeric and lipid-based nanoparticles to overcome these challenges. This review explores the potential of PLHNPs to enhance the delivery and efficacy of phytochemicals for biomedical applications

• challenges ahead and prospects of PLHNPs regarding their widespread use in clinical settings. Overall, PLHNPs hold strong potential for the effective delivery of phytochemicals for biomedical applications. As per the findings from pre-clinical studies, this may offer a promising strategy for managing various

• , rapid metabolism, and instability under physiological conditions [9][10][11]. These challenges necessitate the development of advanced delivery systems to harness the full potential of phytochemicals in therapeutic applications. Polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles (PLHNPs) represent an innovative class

Effect of radiation-induced vacancy saturation on the first-order phase transformation in nanoparticles: insights from a model

• Aram Shirinyan and
• Yuriy Bilogorodskyy

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1453–1472, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.117

• in an inert environment, can be considered highly dispersed composite materials (HDCMs). HDCMs exhibit potential for the use under conditions of high temperatures and radiation exposure, making them promising materials for new-generation modular nuclear reactors, advanced charge storage applications

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

• applications. However, the metallic nature of these materials restricts their applications in specific domains. Strain engineering is a versatile technique to tailor the distribution of energy levels, including bandgap opening between the energy bands. ψ-Graphene is a newly predicted 2D nanosheet of carbon

• unchanged under the influence of mechanical strain, preserving its initial characteristic of having a direct bandgap. This behavior offers opportunities for these materials in various vital applications in photodetectors, solar cells, LEDs, pressure and strain sensors, energy storage, and quantum computing

• two-dimensional (2D) material, consisting of a single layer of sp2-hybridized carbon atoms arranged together in a hexagonal lattice [1]. Because of its extraordinary electrical and thermal conductivity, large surface area, and easy chemical functionalization, it provides a variety of applications in

Ion-induced surface reactions and deposition from Pt(CO)₂Cl₂ and Pt(CO)₂Br₂

• Mohammed K. Abdel-Rahman,
• Patrick M. Eckhert,
• Atul Chaudhary,
• Johnathon M. Johnson,
• Jo-Chi Yu,
• Lisa McElwee-White and
• D. Howard Fairbrother

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1427–1439, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.115

• , deposition strategies in various applications, such as circuit editing and lithographic mask repair in the semiconductor industry [7][8][9][10][11][12] as well as the growth of functional materials for magnetism [13][14][15][16], superconductivity [17], and sensing [18][19]. Compared to FEBID, FIBID operates

Lithium niobate on insulator: an emerging nanophotonic crystal for optimized light control

• Midhun Murali,
• Amit Banerjee and
• Tanmoy Basu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1415–1426, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.114

• (QIP) systems. Despite the challenges such as fabrication complexity [6] and loss mitigation scalability to complex circuits [7], the potential benefits of DBRs for QIP applications continue to drive research and development in this field [8]. As fabrication techniques and material systems develop

• applications. Moreover, its platform with established fabrication techniques guarantees consistent device performance. Finally, the potential for integration with other photonic components on a single chip, coupled with its CMOS compatibility, paves the way for highly sophisticated photonic integrated circuits

• , owing to its elevated refractive index and thermal stability, they are suitable for applications at high temperatures. Additionally, TiO2 exhibits a wide bandgap, making it conducive for incorporation into photonic crystals designed to operate within the ultraviolet and visible spectra. Moreover, its

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

• different drug delivery systems suitable for the applications. In addition, we emphasize the importance of the effective delivery of monoclonal antibodies and RNA and stress the recent literature tackling this challenge. While giving examples of nanotechnological approaches for the effective delivery of

• administration route and the barriers are clear, understanding the nasal anatomy and barriers as well as addressing different efficient formulations with DDSs for N2B delivery applications remain open issues. In recent years, biopharmaceuticals been shown to have great potential as therapeutics [32]. However

• action [41]. Intranasal delivery can be used to target a limitedly available site, the brain [42]. These N2B delivery applications are based on the olfactory region of the nasal cavity. Such N2B delivery applications exploit the direct anatomical connection between the brain and the olfactory region [43

Various CVD-grown ZnO nanostructures for nanodevices and interdisciplinary applications

• The-Long Phan,
• Le Viet Cuong,
• Vu Dinh Lam and
• Ngoc Toan Dang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1390–1399, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.112

• results prove that ZnO exhibits many novel nanostructures that can foster the development of next-generation optoelectronic nanodevices and new applications in biological and biomedical fields. Keywords: chemical vapour deposition; electron microscopy; Raman and photoluminescent spectra; ZnO

• DMSs, these nanostructures will be beneficial to the development of new ZnO-based materials for photocatalytic [25], biomedical [26], gas sensing [27][28], and flexible electronic/optoelectronic applications [29][30]. They are usually fabricated by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) or solid-vapour phase

• ⟩ direction [39]. Top and bottom sides/surfaces of these structures are terminated with Zn and O atoms forming positively charged Zn-terminated (0001) and negatively charged O-terminated planes, respectively. Such 1D-type structures have many potential applications in optoelectronic devices [5][39][40

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

• BSA [36]. Similar surface-induced thrombus properties were observed in other SLIPS applications, where, in comparison to untreated surfaces, SLIPS-treated surfaces under dynamic blood flow yielded significantly lower thrombi weights [4]. Finally, platelet adhesion was quantified from SEM micrographs

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