Nanomaterials in targeting amyloid-β oligomers: current advances and future directions for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and therapy

• Shiwani Randhawa,
• Trilok Chand Saini,
• Manik Bathla,
• Rahul Bhardwaj,
• Rubina Dhiman and
• Amitabha Acharya

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 561–580, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.44

Graphene oxide–chloroquine conjugate induces DNA damage in A549 lung cancer cells through autophagy modulation

• Braham Dutt Arya,
• Sandeep Mittal,
• Prachi Joshi,
• Alok Kumar Pandey,
• Jaime E. Ramirez-Vick,
• Govind Gupta and
• Surinder P. Singh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 316–332, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.24

• use autophagy pathways for survival through activation of complex DNA damage repair (DDR) mechanisms. In the present study, we demonstrated the genotoxicity induced in A549 lung cancer cells by exposure to the GO–Chl nanoconjugate and elucidated the role of autophagy modulation in harnessing the DNA

• capabilities of cancer cells. The results indicate that the interplay between DDR and autophagy pathways may open new paradigms for developing effective combinatorial nanoscale drug systems against multidrug-resistance cancers. Keywords: A549 cells; autophagy; chloroquine; DNA damage; graphene oxide

• efflux, DNA damage repair, and activation of pro-survival cell signaling cascades, alterations in drug target moieties limit the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic treatments [2][3]. In general, chemotherapeutic drugs inhibit the cancer progression and metastases by directly or indirectly targeting DNA of

Fabrication and evaluation of BerNPs regarding the growth and development of Streptococcus mutans

• Tuyen Huu Nguyen,
• Hong Thanh Pham,
• Kieu Kim Thanh Nguyen,
• Loan Hong Ngo,
• Anh Ngoc Tuan Mai,
• Thu Hoang Anh Lam,
• Ngan Thi Kim Phan,
• Dung Tien Pham,
• Duong Thuy Hoang,
• Thuc Dong Nguyen and
• Lien Thi Xuan Truong

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 308–315, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.23

• -inflammatory properties [9]. With its antibacterial activity, berberine can accumulate in bacterial cells and bind to single- and double-stranded DNA, causing DNA damage. According to evaluations, berberine has a stronger antibacterial effect against gram-positive bacteria than against gram-negative bacteria

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

• publications contain information on the potential mechanisms of CNs’ cytotoxicity, pointing to physical destruction, oxidative stress/ROS generation, DNA damage, cell autophagia and lysosomal membrane damage followed by mitochondrial dysfunction, pyroptosis followed by activation of inflammasomes, apoptosis

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

• photochemical reactions [30][31]. UV light helps the skin synthesize vitamin D, but excessive exposure to UV light may lead to DNA damage, sunburn, and photochemical damage [32][33]. Visible and NIR light with longer wavelengths have lower photon energies and are safer for use in the human body [34]. The

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

• of their unique properties. However, their size, surface area, and reactivity can cause toxicity, potentially leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular or DNA damage. In this study, a nano-quantitative structure–toxicity relationship (nano-QSTR) model was initially developed to assess

Laser synthesis of nanoparticles in organic solvents – products, reactions, and perspectives

• Theo Fromme,
• Sven Reichenberger,
• Katharine M. Tibbetts and
• Stephan Barcikowski

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 638–663, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.54

• as water and even aqueous solutes. Thus, this model formed the basis that enabled the derivation of yield functions for a variety of direct electron-mediated DNA damage pathways and indirect damage by •OH radicals resulting from laser and electron interactions with water [85]. In general, LSPC in

Exploring the relationships between physiochemical properties of nanoparticles and cell damage to combat cancer growth using simple periodic table-based descriptors

• Joyita Roy and
• Kunal Roy

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 297–309, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.27

• surface. Unfortunately, this interaction can lead to DNA damage through processes such as delocalization, redox chemistry, and the generation of ROS. Our research aimed to examine how the time of exposure to metal oxide affects cell damage, regardless of other physiochemical properties of MeOx NPs. Our

Overview of mechanism and consequences of endothelial leakiness caused by metal and polymeric nanoparticles

• Magdalena Lasak and
• Karol Ciepluch

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 329–338, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.28

• . observed that direct exposure of HUVECs to SiO2 NPs resulted in oxidative damage induced by ROS, generated by the action of NPs. After 24 h of NP exposure, an increase in cell necrosis and apoptosis was observed. Significant DNA damage and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M point also occurred after NP exposure

Bismuth-based nanostructured photocatalysts for the remediation of antibiotics and organic dyes

• Akeem Adeyemi Oladipo and
• Faisal Suleiman Mustafa

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 291–321, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.26

• dye. Additionally, some dyes, such as xanthene and erythrosine, have been related to allergic reactions, neurotoxins, and DNA damage in both humans and animals [70]. An eco-friendly, practical, and efficient treatment method is urgently needed because of the increasing pollution and health and

Nanotechnology – a robust tool for fighting the challenges of drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer

• Filip Gorachinov,
• Fatima Mraiche,
• Diala Alhaj Moustafa,
• Ola Hishari,
• Yomna Ismail,
• Jensa Joseph,
• Maja Simonoska Crcarevska,
• Marija Glavas Dodov,
• Nikola Geskovski and
• Katerina Goracinova

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 240–261, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.23

Engineered titania nanomaterials in advanced clinical applications

• Padmavati Sahare,
• Paulina Govea Alvarez,
• Juan Manual Sanchez Yanez,
• Gabriel Luna-Bárcenas,
• Samik Chakraborty,
• Sujay Paul and
• Miriam Estevez

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 201–218, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.15

• nanoparticles. TiO2 acts as a DNA intercalator in the cytoplasm, causing DNA damage by generating reactive oxygen species. The explicit cytotoxicity evaluation of TiO2, as well as of the incorporated drug molecules, is a major research concern. Moreover, optimal fabrication, in-depth mechanical stability

Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity in vitro of surface-functionalized drug-loaded spinel ferrite nanoparticles

• Sadaf Mushtaq,
• Khuram Shahzad,
• Tariq Saeed,
• Anwar Ul-Hamid,
• Bilal Haider Abbasi,
• Nafees Ahmad,
• Waqas Khalid,
• Muhammad Atif,
• Zulqurnain Ali and
• Rashda Abbasi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1339–1364, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.99

• . The nanoparticles caused cytotoxicity via oxidative stress, causing DNA damage and activation of p53-mediated cell cycle arrest (significantly elevated expression, p < 0.005, majorly G1 and G2/M arrest) and apoptosis. Cytotoxicity testing in 3D spheroids showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in

• biocompatibility of NPs-PMA at a given dose and treatment time. Cells undergo oxidative stress upon treatment with functionalized MFe2O4 NPs Generation of ROS has been associated with DNA damage, inflammation, apoptosis and senescence in cells [41]. The 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2-DCFDA) assay

• oxidative stress can be attributed to the presence of xenobiotic detoxification and antioxidant mechanisms [47]. Functionalized MFe2O4 NPs cause cell cycle arrest in cancer cells Evidence of oxidative damage in treated cells may indicate DNA damage and possible effects on cell cycle progression, causing

The role of deep eutectic solvents and carrageenan in synthesizing biocompatible anisotropic metal nanoparticles

• Nabojit Das,
• Akash Kumar and
• Raja Gopal Rayavarapu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 924–938, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.69

• nanoparticles in different biological systems (liver, spleen, and kidney) of Wistar rats was observed [70]. The study revealed that gold nanoparticles of 10 nm size exhibited an oxidation-induced deleterious effect evident through nuclear localization and greater DNA damage. Despite oxidative imbalance induced

Comprehensive review on ultrasound-responsive theranostic nanomaterials: mechanisms, structures and medical applications

• Sepand Tehrani Fateh,
• Lida Moradi,
• Elmira Kohan,
• Michael R. Hamblin and
• Amin Shiralizadeh Dezfuli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 808–862, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.64

A review on the biological effects of nanomaterials on silkworm (Bombyx mori)

• Sandra Senyo Fometu,
• Guohua Wu,
• Lin Ma and
• Joan Shine Davids

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 190–202, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.15

• in the midgut and imaginal disc tissues following an exposure of the fruit fly larvae to TiO2 NPs. TiO2 NPs did not influence the wing spot assay of the fruit fly; however, a significant increase in DNA damage was recorded when compared to the DNA damage caused by bulk TiO2. Panacek et al. [44

• NPs increased production levels of ROS, which resulted in cell apoptosis, necrosis, and DNA damage [132]. This mortality rate was higher when compared to silkworm groups fed with 1 and 10 ppm of Ag NPs. These results are in accordance with studies carried out by Meng et al., who stated that although

• infections [138] due to the phagocytosis of pathogens and dead cells [139]. Hemocytes are blood cells of invertebrates that are used as models to study the effects of drugs and nanomaterials on the innate immune system and on DNA damage mechanisms. The fast replication of hemocytes in invertebrates is

Antimicrobial metal-based nanoparticles: a review on their synthesis, types and antimicrobial action

• Matías Guerrero Correa,
• Fernanda B. Martínez,
• Cristian Patiño Vidal,
• Camilo Streitt,
• Juan Escrig and
• Carol Lopez de Dicastillo

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 1450–1469, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.129

Applications of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in drug and therapeutic delivery, and biotechnological advancements

• Maria Suciu,
• Corina M. Ionescu,
• Alexandra Ciorita,
• Septimiu C. Tripon,
• Dragos Nica,
• Hani Al-Salami and
• Lucian Barbu-Tudoran

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 1092–1109, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.94

• ) and very large (more than 200 nm) SPIONs are to be considered dangerous for the human organism, and that the intermediate range from 30 to 50 nm should be used for nanomedicine [68]. Very small nanoparticles can easily enter a cell nucleus inducing DNA damage [69], and some authors emphasize that

Poly(1-vinylimidazole) polyplexes as novel therapeutic gene carriers for lung cancer therapy

• Gayathri Kandasamy,
• Elena N. Danilovtseva,
• Vadim V. Annenkov and
• Uma Maheswari Krishnan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 354–369, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.26

• implicated in DNA damage repair [48]. A recent study has identified RFC5 as a novel oncogene in lung cancer [49]. A Direct connection between RFC5 levels and VEGF expression is yet to be obtained. Nevertheless, independent studies have shown that RFC5 is regulated by FOXM1 (Forkhead box M1) while FOXO3

Toxicity and safety study of silver and gold nanoparticles functionalized with cysteine and glutathione

• Barbara Pem,
• Igor M. Pongrac,
• Lea Ulm,
• Ivan Pavičić,
• Valerije Vrček,
• Darija Domazet Jurašin,
• Marija Ljubojević,
• Adela Krivohlavek and
• Ivana Vinković Vrček

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2019, 10, 1802–1817, doi:10.3762/bjnano.10.175

• , reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis induction and DNA damage in murine fibroblast cells (L929), while ecotoxicity was tested using the aquatic model organism Daphnia magna. The toxicity of these nanoparticles was considerably lower compared to their ionic metal forms (i.e., Ag+ and Au3

• studies indicating that AgNPs negatively impact cell membranes, interfere with signaling pathways, disrupt the cell cycle, and cause mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis [7][8][9]. Many reports on AgNP toxicity attribute it fully or partially to dissolved or released ionic

• toxic than their ionic counterparts, requiring 10–50 times higher doses to achieve the same toxic effect. As oxidative stress may induce damage to DNA molecules [79], which will consequently lead to apoptosis if severe enough, the DNA damage signaling pathway was evaluated by detecting the ataxia

Cytotoxicity of doxorubicin-conjugated poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]-modified γ-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles towards human tumor cells

• Zdeněk Plichta,
• Yulia Kozak,
• Rostyslav Panchuk,
• Viktoria Sokolova,
• Matthias Epple,
• Lesya Kobylinska,
• Pavla Jendelová and
• Daniel Horák

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 2533–2545, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.236

• , however, still under study. It can be concluded that the newly designed γ-Fe2O3@P(HPMA-MMAA)-Dox nanoparticles are highly promising for the delivery of cancer medications into tumors, offering enhanced cell adhesion, increased apoptosis, minimal immunogenicity, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and reduced

Review on nanoparticles and nanostructured materials: history, sources, toxicity and regulations

• Jaison Jeevanandam,
• Ahmed Barhoum,
• Yen S. Chan,
• Alain Dufresne and
• Michael K. Danquah

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 1050–1074, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.98

Uptake and intracellular accumulation of diamond nanoparticles – a metabolic and cytotoxic study

• Antonín Brož,
• Lucie Bačáková,
• Pavla Štenclová,
• Alexander Kromka and
• Štěpán Potocký

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2017, 8, 1649–1657, doi:10.3762/bjnano.8.165

• impaired the radio-resistance of cancer cells and potentiated radiation-caused DNA damage and the generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species [47]. Thus, the positive charge of our as-received DNDs could, at least partly, explain their more pronounced cytotoxic effect than that observed in negatively

A nanocomplex of C₆₀ fullerene with cisplatin: design, characterization and toxicity

• Svitlana Prylutska,
• Svitlana Politenkova,
• Kateryna Afanasieva,
• Volodymyr Korolovych,
• Kateryna Bogutska,
• Andriy Sivolob,
• Larysa Skivka,
• Maxim Evstigneev,
• Viktor Kostjukov,
• Yuriy Prylutskyy and
• Uwe Ritter

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2017, 8, 1494–1501, doi:10.3762/bjnano.8.149

• and repeated instillation inflammatory responses were observed in the lungs, suggesting that C60 fullerene has no potential for DNA damage even at inflammation causing doses [31]. Thus, it may be concluded that the genotoxicity of C60 fullerene in vitro and in vivo systems may strongly depend on its

Unraveling the neurotoxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles: focusing on molecular mechanisms

• Bin Song,
• Yanli Zhang,
• Jia Liu,
• Xiaoli Feng,
• Ting Zhou and
• Longquan Shao

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2016, 7, 645–654, doi:10.3762/bjnano.7.57

• associated with nanoneurotoxicity. Genotoxicity Genotoxicity is simply defined as the induction of DNA damage, in a direct or indirect manner, caused by substances such as benzopyrene in cigarettes or some chemotherapeutic drugs. In vivo and in vitro studies typically measure genotoxicity using the comet

• cells. Obviously, the relationship between neurotoxicity of TiO2 NPs and genotoxicity should be investigated comprehensively. Recently, El-Ghor et al. [43] determined that TiO2 NPs could cause DNA damage in the mouse brain. This genotoxicity could be alleviated by co-treatment with chlorophyllin (CHL

• activities of SOD and GPx, elevated MDA and DNA damage, as well as an increased proportion of apoptotic cells. Minor mechanisms In addition to major mechanisms of TiO2 NPs-induced neurotoxicity, other minor mechanisms exist. Disdier et al. [6] discovered that after rats received TiO2 NPs through intravenous