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

• advantages, the interaction with many biological matrices, particularly with existing macrophages, must be considered. In this review, we will explore the dual role of macrophages in NC delivery, highlighting their physiological functions, the challenges posed by the mononuclear phagocyte system, and

• delve into the intriguing potential of nanomedicine in neurology and traumatology, associated with macrophage interaction, and the exciting possibilities it holds for the future. Keywords: drug delivery; macrophages; nanomedicine; polarization; RNA-based therapies; Review 1 Introduction In the vast

• ability to recognize and engulf NCs can impede the delivery of therapeutic agents to target tissues, it also opens avenues for novel strategies that exploit macrophage behavior for benefits, like targeted drug delivery and immunomodulation [2][7][8]. This review will explore the physiological functions of

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

• our knowledge never conclusively for photonic crystals (for a review, see [21]). The iridescence effect was reversed when we turned the animal to the side (not shown); hence, the effect is likely not due to the material composition or lattice periodicity differences between the scales at the top 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

• ], or to animal bodies, promoting epizoochory [31][32][33]. These distinct physical features make mucilage also an important substrate for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and food industries [11][15][19][20][21]. Here, we briefly review the basic composition and structure of mucilage, its frictional and

• adhesive properties, and ecological aspects associated with these properties. We also summarise and discuss the results of our studies from the last few years conducted on mucilage envelopes and summarise them to demonstrate the current state of knowledge on this topic (Figure 2). Review Spatial structure

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

• cost and sustainable biosynthesis. In the perspective of using AgNPs in the development of novel insecticides for vector control, this review deals with the eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs through seaweed extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents. In addition, assessment of toxicity of these

• as phenols, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, polyphenolics, alkaloids, and terpenes, which could act as reducing agents [21]. This review focuses on AgNPs produced in a green and sustainable way through the use of natural products as reducing agents, namely seaweed extracts. The activity of AgNPs upon A

• . aegypti and their potential role for the control and prevention of arboviruses are presented. Finally, ecotoxicity and environmental risk assessment of AgNPs are further discussed. Review Synthesis of silver nanoparticles AgNPs are metallic nanoparticles in a size range between 1 and 100 nm with unique

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

• advantageous for chronic conditions requiring long-term treatment, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders [22][23]. This review aims to discuss the ability of PLHNPs to improve the therapeutic delivery of phytochemicals for biomedical applications. In this review, we discuss

• the obstacles in the conventional delivery of phytochemicals, types of PLHNPs, different phytochemical-loaded PLHNPs for improved phytochemical delivery, challenges in clinical translation of PLHNPs, and future perspectives. Review Obstacles in the conventional delivery of phytochemicals The

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

• literature review reveals that the stability of materials under irradiation is influenced by numerous factors. Some of these characteristic factors include the elemental composition and chemical structure, the microstructure of the material (including grain boundaries, defects, dislocations, and interfaces

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

• drugs can be encapsulated into various drug delivery systems to enhance physicochemical characteristics and targeting success. Many preclinical data show that this strategy can effectively deliver biopharmaceuticals to the brain. Therefore, this review focuses on N2B delivery while giving examples of

• intranasal administration of biopharmaceuticals to target the brain. In addition, using DDSs to deliver biopharmaceuticals to the CNS can present additional advantages such as enhanced retention on the mucosal surface, drug stability, and bioavailability [35]. In this review, we focus on the recent

• in the last five years (2019–2024). We also enriched the review with different studies from the last decade to highlight important previous scholarly work. Review Nasal anatomy and intranasal drug delivery: advantages and limitations The nasal route of drug administration has gained attention over

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

• mean ± (standard deviation). Preparation of platelet-poor plasma and washed platelets Human blood samples were collected from volunteers at Oregon State University Student Health Services in accordance with an approved Institutional Review Board (IRB-2019-0271). Informed consent from four different

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

• morphological features and the principles behind their functionality, we aim to identify key characteristics that can inspire innovative materials and technologies. Review General features of body cuticle The cuticle of Hymenoptera exhibits several fascinating properties. Cuticle roughness The cuticle surfaces

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

• old description of odonatan forelegs by St. Quentin [34] and some scattered observations of the grooming behavior in some odonatan species (review in [35]), no detailed study has been performed so far. This study aims to describe the grooming devices located on the forelegs of a damselfly that are

• used to clean the head and, especially, the eyes and the antennae. The microstructures were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the presence and distribution of resilin, an elastomeric protein that enhances cuticle deformability and flexibility (review in [36]), were analyzed using

• ] and thermo-hygroreceptors [44][45][46][47][48], which need frequent cleaning. Furthermore, the need to keep a clean eye surface to guarantee the functioning of the most advanced visual systems among insects ([35], review in [49]) requires the involvement of scraping forelegs with specialized cleaning

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

• actively targeted usNPs, revealing increased tumor accumulation and retention compared to non-targeted counterparts. In this review, we explore actively targeted inorganic usNPs, highlighting their biological properties and behavior, along with applications in both preclinical and clinical settings

• . Keywords: active targeting; cancer; nanoclusters; renal clearance; ultrasmall nanoparticles; Review 1 Introduction Nanotechnology has opened new avenues for tackling unmet challenges in medicine [1][2][3]. In the field of oncology, a notable application involves the use of engineered nanoparticles (NPs

• behavior, collectively addressing limitations associated with conventional large NPs (Figure 1). In this topical review, we begin by defining inorganic usNPs, highlighting their importance in cancer nanomedicine, and discussing the implementation of active targeting strategies. Then, we explore various

Local work function on graphene nanoribbons

• Daniel Rothhardt,
• Amina Kimouche,
• Tillmann Klamroth and
• Regina Hoffmann-Vogel

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1125–1131, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.91

• surfaces, all related to charge differences; for a review, see [14]. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), a method derived from scanning force microscopy (SFM), allows one to study the local work function difference of a sample with great accuracy and with atomic resolution [15][16][17][18][19][20]. In

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

• enormous technological success also included various other target diseases, including hepatic fibrosis. This confirms the versatility of nanomedicine for improving therapeutic activity. In this review, we summarize recent updates of nanomedicine platforms for improving therapeutic efficacy regarding liver

• small interfering RNA) for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) [10]. Here, we describe the mechanism of nanomedicine-based drug delivery for liver fibrosis treatment. In the following review, we briefly summarize the basic physiology of liver fibrosis, the interaction between NPs and the liver

• . Review Liver fibrosis Among hepatic diseases, liver fibrosis has become a major global health burden. It accounts for approximately two million deaths per year worldwide with no clinically approved pharmacotherapy [11]. This disease is characterized by abnormal physiological constitution of the liver due

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

• and pharmaceutical fields. Many review papers describe applications of alginate in the drug delivery field. The current study covers the structural and physicochemical properties of alginate-based nanoparticles. The prospective applications of alginate-based nanomaterials in various domains are

• reviewed in this paper. Future research scopes highlight existing challenges and solutions. Keywords: alginate; biomedical sensing; polymer nanoparticle; smart drug delivery; Review Introduction Sensors have received a lot of attention in a variety of applications, including health, pharmacy, the

• applications in recent years (Figure 1). Figure 1 shows the increasing number of publications on alginate-based nanoparticles in sensing applications. Many review articles have been written so far to describe drug delivery applications of sodium alginate. Niculescu et al. reviewed recent applications of

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

• can be achieved through several processes. Among them, the production of specialized coatings based on carbon-based materials stands very promising. The use of carbon coatings allows one to simultaneously fine-tune tribological, mechanical, and chemical properties. Here, we review applications of

• because of the efforts required for achieving a homogenous dispersion in an inorganic–organic matrix [22][23][24]. In this short review, we are discussing nanostructured and nanosized carbon-based materials used to improve the durability and physicochemical properties of biological implants as summarized

• in Figure 1. Review Nanostructured carbon-containing materials at biological interfaces Interfaces between artificial and biological environments play a critical role for the design and long-term performance of any artificial implant [25][26]. The interface between an implant and the biological

Entry of nanoparticles into cells and tissues: status and challenges

• Kirsten Sandvig,
• Tore Geir Iversen and
• Tore Skotland

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1017–1029, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.83

• -linking of glycolipids, such as Gb3, the receptor for Shiga toxin, or GM1, the receptor for cholera toxin, can induce transmembrane signaling and changes in intracellular transport and organelles; for a review, see [7]. Thus, NPs targeting glycolipids may cause similar changes. For therapeutic purposes

• diameter of clathrin-coated invaginations is about 100 nm, and it has a turnover of about 1 min; for a review, see [67]. A commonly used tool to interfere with this process is chlorpromazine, which affects clathrin in some cell types but not in others [68]. When trying to block CME one may use transferrin

Atomistic insights into the morphological dynamics of gold and platinum nanoparticles: MD simulations in vacuum and aqueous media

• Evangelos Voyiatzis,
• Eugenia Valsami-Jones and
• Antreas Afantitis

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 995–1009, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.81

• [53]. A combined molecular dynamics and X-ray diffraction analysis of gold NPs has been carried out by Kamiński et al. [54]. The dynamical stability and vibrational properties of Pt nanoclusters by ab initio methods were investigated by Maldonado et al. [55]. A comprehensive review of Pt NPs has been

Recent progress on field-effect transistor-based biosensors: device perspective

• Billel Smaani,
• Fares Nafa,
• Mohamed Salah Benlatrech,
• Ismahan Mahdi,
• Hamza Akroum,
• Mohamed walid Azizi,
• Khaled Harrar and
• Sayan Kanungo

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 977–994, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.80

• to detect a wide range of biomolecules, such as proteins, DNA, and antibodies. This article presents a comprehensive review of advancements in the architectures of FET-based biosensors aiming to enhance device performance in terms of sensitivity, detection time, and selectivity. The review

• FET-based biosensors. Finally, this article proposes intriguing avenues for further research on the topology of FET-based biosensors. Keywords: biomolecule detection; biosensors; charge modulation; dielectric modulation; field-effect transistor; Review 1 Introduction In recent years, biosensor

• ). 1.1 Motivation of this review The development of advanced bioelectronic technologies involves exploration of novel material systems as well as emerging device architectures. However, an accurate assessment of different device architectures and their design criteria requires a systematic modeling of

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

• review articles have already been published on this topic [2][4]. However, for high normal strength and peel strength where directionality or easy off–on performance is not needed, this particular version of the biomimetic fibers tends to perform best. Our unique contributions to these general types of

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

• , respectively (Table 1), which is acceptable for systemic administration. According to a review, these negative charges could reduce kidney excretion. The endothelial glycocalyx layer, glomerular basement membrane, and podocyte glycocalyx layer have negative charges, which filter positive nanoparticles faster

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

• regeneration and give an insight about bone regeneration, production techniques of the electrospun nanofibers, and varying formulation parameters in order to reach different drug delivery goals. This review also provides an extensive market research of electrospun nanofibers and an overview on scientific

• nanofibers. Review The architecture of the bone tissue Bone, one of the hardest structures of the body, is the basic constituent of the skeletal system, which gives the shape to the body, provides mechanical support for muscles and soft tissues, and provides movement. Apart from these functions, the storage

A review on the structural characterization of nanomaterials for nano-QSAR models

• Salvador Moncho,
• Eva Serrano-Candelas,
• Jesús Vicente de Julián-Ortiz and
• Rafael Gozalbes

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 854–866, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.71

• features. In this review, we survey the literature for existing predictive models for NMs and discuss the variety of calculated and experimental features used to define and describe NMs. In the light of this research, we propose a classification of the descriptors including those that directly describe a

• active field and, recently, a comprehensive review about this topic and the future perspectives was published [7]. Scientific, industrial, and national institutions should harmonize their efforts for the development and application of nano-QSARs at the regulatory level [9]. From a regulatory point of

• new classification of NM descriptors. Review Available nano-QSAR models We have surveyed the literature to compile the existing models and to analyze the variety of calculated and experimental features used to define and describe NMs. A total of 77 different publications including NM-focused

When nanomedicines meet tropical diseases

• Eder Lilia Romero,
• Katrien Van Bocxlaer and
• Fabio Rocha Formiga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 830–832, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.69

• , Morilla and collaborators presented a critical review on nanomedicines and Chagas disease, highlighting the potential of oral nanocrystals and parenteral nano-immunostimulants to treat this NTD [3]. Moving to leishmaniases, Verçoza et al. evaluated the therapeutic potential of green superparamagnetic iron

• approach against leishmaniasis [4]. Dourado and collaborators, who showed the therapeutic potential of curcumin-loaded nanocarriers, have also focused their review on these vector-borne NTDs [5]. With an emphasis on the treatment of schistosomiasis using nanoparticles, Carvalho and colleagues provided a

• comprehensive review on the field. Herein, the authors have accessed different databases, finding inorganic and polymeric nanoparticles as the most investigated nanosystems towards schistosomiasis, an acute and chronic parasitic NTD caused by blood-feeding nematodes of the genus Schistosoma [6]. Another

Gold nanomakura: nanoarchitectonics and their photothermal response in association with carrageenan hydrogels

• Nabojit Das,
• Vikas,
• Akash Kumar,
• Sanjeev Soni and
• Raja Gopal Rayavarapu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 678–693, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.56

• gold nanorods is due to their ability to absorb light in the NIR/IR region, ultimately leading to thermoresponsive performance of hydrogel actuators. A concise review on several reports also discussed the potential application of gold nanoparticles in developing hydrogel actuators/sensors for

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

• , reversible adhesion, and surface modulation (e.g., superhydrophobicity). This review will present various functions that biological hairs have been discovered to carry out, with the hairs spanning across six orders of magnitude in size, from the millimeter-thick fur of mammals down to the nanometer-thick

• review include the hair and fur of mammals, the feathers of birds, the trichomes of plants, the setae of arthropods, and the ultrastructures of single-celled organisms. Figure 1A shows how the total hair mass mh scales with body mass mb. For mh, a material density of 1 g·cm−3 was assumed. A relationship

• , hair-like trichomes on plant surfaces [27]. Overall, to promote homeostasis in plants, animals, bacteria, and bacteriophages, fibrillar structures contribute to the following functions: protection (e.g., thermal insulation and defense), locomotion and feeding, and sensing. This review will present how