Pulsed laser in liquid grafting of gold nanoparticle–carbon support composites

• Madeleine K. Wilsey,
• Teona Taseska,
• Qishen Lyu,
• Connor P. Cox and
• Astrid M. Müller

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 349–361, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.26

• nanoparticles with their surface attachment and solves longstanding nanoparticle adhesion and electrical contact issues. Irradiation of hydrophilic carbon fiber paper submerged in aqueous HAuCl4 solution by nanosecond laser pulses produced composites with uniform distribution of gold nanoparticles on carbon

• unattached catalyst material, which is especially problematic with precious catalysts. Overall, separate nanoparticle synthesis–attachment produces composites with adhesion, durability, electrical contact, and concomitant energy efficiency issues. Here, we report a new one-step pulsed laser grafting process

• that integrates the generation of nonequilibrium gold nanoparticles with their surface attachment on carbon fiber paper. This pulsed laser grafting approach solves longstanding adhesion and electrical contact issues. Instead of attaching ligand-capped nanoparticles to supports, nanoparticles are seeded

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

• , BerNPs demonstrated the ability to inhibit biofilm formation at various concentrations (Figure 5). The biofilm formation of S. mutans relies on the secretion of glycosyltransferase enzymes and several membrane-bound proteins [38]. SrtA, a surface protein involved in adhesion, biofilm formation, and

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

• nanofibers provide topographic guidance to cells, promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration. Most importantly, aligned fibers are a prominent type of nanofiber that closely mimics the fibers in the ECM of native tissue [194]. Radially aligned nanofiber patches of chitosan/PVA with thyme essential

• is needed to address this limitation. This method should not only support cell spreading, cell adhesion, and ECM synthesis but also

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

• [13]. It was also shown that the CNs impair extracellular adhesion and regulate adhesion-dependent pathways (such as EGFR/AKT/mTOR and β-catenin) [14], inhibit angiogenesis via the NF-κB pathway [15], inhibit several signal transduction pathways (WNT/β-catenin, Notch, and JAK-STAT) [16], promote

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

• , aiding in the precise identification of treated areas. Au nanorods, when combined with anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), accurately target EpCAM+Y79 retinoblastoma cancer cells [108]. The targeted cells are deemed to be destroyed by VNBs induced by optimally parameterized femtosecond

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

• considerably impaired compared to that of the pristine MOF [86]. The major issue arising from such incompatibility is the formation of void defects within the MMM due to insufficient adhesion between the MOF interface and the polymer matrix. Such voids act as non-specific permeation sites [80]. Consequently

• , the penetration of different molecules is no longer determined by the selectivity of the MOF, but rather by the size of the void. The voids arise from poor adhesion between the MOF and the polymer, emphasizing the importance of utilizing compatible components for MMMs [76][78][87][89][92][113

• functionalization, Figure 7c,d, reducing filler sizes, in situ MOF growth, or applying annealing treatments. Interfacial adhesion can also be improved using ionic liquids (Figure 7e). MOF functionalization is commonly employed in MMM research. For example, in the study by Katayama et al. [113] mentioned earlier

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

• 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

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

• , leukocytes, stem cells, tumor components) or other biocomponents (e.g., platelets), can enhance the functionality of carriers and meet the requirements for human applications [19]. The cellular membranes of cancer cells exhibit adhesion molecules crucial to cancer development and metastasis. Heterotypic or

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

• the mucilage envelope, primarily in the context of its structure and physical properties, as well as biological functions associated with these properties. Keywords: adhesion; cellulose; friction; hydrogel; mucilage envelope; seeds; Introduction The definition of hydrogels describes them as

• ][28]. Hydrated mucilage can very strongly adhere to surfaces (e.g., stone or glass) when completely dried out after contact, with pull-off forces reaching values around 6.5 N [29]. Such strong adhesion can enable seed attachment to the soil, preventing removal and damage by other organisms [16][30

• absorb water is due to the presence of hydrophilic groups, such as carboxyl or hydroxyl groups. At the same time, hydrogels are insoluble in water because of their cross-linked network structure [38][92]. Two main physical properties of mucilage, friction and adhesion, are directly connected with the

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

• approximately 30% compared to non-coated counterparts, where this derivative was chosen because of its solubility at physiological nasal pH [97]. Additionally, the powder form of the formulation showed stronger mucin adhesion and better enzymatic degradation protection [98]. Moreover, researchers developed in

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

• surface coatings based on the slick surfaces of carnivorous pitcher plants (Nepenthes), termed slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS). This study introduces a simplified method to produce SLIPS using a polydopamine (PDA) anchor layer, inspired by mussel adhesion. SLIPS layers were formed on

• adhesion to the surface. This hemocompatibility work suggests that PDA SLIPS coatings slow or prevent clotting, but the observation of both FXII activation and the presence of adherent and activated platelets at the PDA SLIPS samples imply that this formulation of a SLIPS coating is not completely

• removal and or repulsion of these important molecules that control the clotting cascade. The most prominent of the methods are ones that aim to reduce non-specific protein adsorption, increase adhesion resistance, use biomolecules to remove targets of interest, and enhance endothelial cell attachment. One

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

• [78][80]. Additionally, the interaction between bee mandibles and propolis highlights the potential for developing anti-adhesive surfaces [81]. Bioinspired surfaces based on honeybee mandibles have been shown to reduce propolis adhesion by over 40% compared to control surfaces, demonstrating

• their ability to cling to vertical surfaces and construct large leaf nests, utilize dense arrays of tarsal friction hairs on their tarsomeres to boost adhesion on heavily sculpted surfaces [132][133]. Similarly, females of Anastatus bifasciatus (Eupelmidae) employ these structures to achieve a firm grip

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

• tasks through the presence of micro- and nanostructures located on its cuticular surface, serving functions from sensory reception to surface adhesion, air retention, food grinding, thermoregulation, and color production (reviews in [4][5]). The insect cuticle is frequently exposed to a variety of

• the tarsi and maintaining the adhesion of attachment pads [14][15][16]. Cleaning behavior plays an exceptionally important role in social insects like ants, for example, to guarantee precise nestmate/non-nestmate discrimination [17] or in mutual grooming [18]. Additionally, grooming plays a pivotal

• hairs, while the soft tips ensure effective contact between the attachment system and the substrate. Similarly, the material gradient in grooming devices may enhance adhesion to foreign materials for grooming body surfaces. The soft tip and soft lateral cuticular lamina adapt to various surface

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

• experiences reduced interference from autofluorescence and photon scattering in tissues. The authors further conjugated the AuNCs with an antibody against the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (CD326), a well-known marker for various human carcinomas. Conjugation was achieved through host–guest complexation

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

• onto clear 96-well plates at a concentration of 1 × 105 cells/mL in a volume of 100 µL of cell suspension in fresh complete culture medium (DMEM with stable glutamine, 4.5 g/L glucose, 10% FBS, 100 U/mL penicillin, and 0.1 mg/mL streptomycin). The cells were preincubated for 24 h for cell adhesion and

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

• effects of TiO2 NPs, with diameters around 20 and 200 nm, and SiO2 NPs on proliferation, fibrosis, adhesion, and migration of LX-2 cells as a model of HSC activation were studied. The results show that the internalization of both TiO2 NPs and SiO2 NPs suppressed classical outcomes of cellular fibrosis

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

• high importance [19]. Particularly, cellular adhesion and a controlled immunological response are key features of any artificial device for being effectively implanted [20]. Additionally, responsive surfaces represent the last frontier in nanomedicine, and they require the exchange of signals and

• gastrectomy surgery. The GO coating enabled, at the same time, improved corrosion resistance, high cell proliferation, and very low inflammatory response. Similarly, Fernández-Hernán et al. [94] used graphene nanoplatelets to coat AZ31 magnesium, evaluating cytocompatibility, osteoblasts adhesion, and

• bacteria according to the mechanism shown in Figure 4. The biofilm formation consists of four stages, namely, (i) adhesion, (ii) aggregation, (iii) maturation, and (iv) dispersion. Adhesion is the first step and is ruled by the polarity of the surface as reported by Gittens and co-workers [105]. The

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

• composites are highlighted in this article. It is time for a next generation of research to look beyond biomimicry and look towards re-engineering applications to make use of these materials’ unique properties in economically viable ways. Keywords: adhesion; biomimicry; composites; gecko; robotics, soft

• lithography; Perspective As of the time of this writing, it has been 24 years since the seminal work by Kellar Autumn and his colleagues demonstrated how a single gecko foot hair could generate adhesion [1]. Autumn’s discovery that van der Waals forces were the primary mechanism behind the extraordinary

• ] and magnets are much better in terms of reliability and adhesion force than current biomimetic materials but need mating surfaces that are compatible. Traditional fasteners like screws, bolts, and nuts are available for assemblies that do not need to be disconnected frequently but are extremely strong

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

• superiorities. Their unique characteristics that distinguish them from other scaffolds and pharmaceutical forms also constitute their main advantages: (i) Their network nature mimics the natural extracellular matrix. In this way, nanofibrous scaffolds provide a higher level of cell adhesion, differentiation

The effect of age on the attachment ability of stick insects (Phasmatodea)

• Marie Grote,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Thies H. Büscher

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 867–883, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.72

• Hennemann, 2023 and elucidate the age effects on the material and microstructure of the attachment apparatus. Attachment performance (adhesion and friction forces) on substrates with different roughnesses was compared between two different age groups, and the change of attachment performance was monitored

• extending over a larger time frame. Ageing effects on the morphology of the attachment pads and the autofluorescence of the cuticle were documented using light, scanning electron, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results show that both adhesion and friction forces decline with age. Deflation of

• area with the substrate. Keywords: adhesion; attachment pads; friction; locomotion; morphology; material properties; wear; Introduction Ageing inexorably affects most living organisms, does not exclude insects, and makes different organs or tissues susceptible to wear or fatigue of material [1

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

• adhesion, growth, proliferation, and differentiation. The electrospinning technique offers the possibility of using the formed scaffold as a wound dressing with fibers of proper size and morphology. The porous nature of the scaffold enables the drainage of wound fluids and facilitates the entry of oxygen

Exploring surface charge dynamics: implications for AFM height measurements in 2D materials

• Mario Navarro-Rodriguez,
• Andres M. Somoza and
• Elisa Palacios-Lidon

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 767–780, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.64

• oscillation amplitudes, the tip mechanically touches the surface during part of the oscillation. This mode is known as “intermittent contact” or tapping mode, and incorrect height measurements are usually ascribed to variations in the local elasticity [32][33] or differences in the local adhesion, related to

• ][56][57]. The origin of incorrect height measurements in 2D materials has been ascribed to the same sources as those mentioned above, including capillary forces and adhesion [8][46], electrostatic forces [58][59][60], or residues of the solvent [8]. However, in many cases, this is not enough to fully

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

• length scales. Keywords: adhesion; fibers; fluid–structure interactions; mastigonemes; mechanosensing; setae; wettability; Introduction Given the bottom-up approach that biology uses to create materials, fibrous structures formed by molecular chains are found everywhere. For example, internally in the

• providing low adhesion. Such structures are typically found on body parts where contamination is common, such as adhesive pads [40], or where cleanliness is crucial for survival, such as insect wings [41]. Hairs provide more ways to prevent or clean contamination. For a dedicated review on the topic, please

Comparative analysis of the ultrastructure and adhesive secretion pathways of different smooth attachment pads of the stick insect Medauroidea extradentata (Phasmatodea)

• Julian Thomas,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Thies H. Büscher

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 612–630, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.52

• long intrigued scientists, prompting extensive research on the functional morphology of attachment pads. In stick insects, attachment and locomotion are facilitated by two distinct types of smooth cuticular attachment pads: the primary adhesion force-generating arolium and the friction force-generating

• the material composition of attachment pads and the distribution process of the adhesive secretion can potentially aid in the development of more effective artificial attachment systems. Keywords: adhesion; arolium; biomechanics; euplantulae; friction; functional morphology; tarsal secretion

• enhance the actual contact area between the pad and the substrate for the realisation of efficient attachment due to adhesion and friction forces [3][9][12][13][14]. Smooth attachment pads have independently evolved in most large insect groups, possessing multiple specialized types of pads on the same leg

Stiffness calibration of qPlus sensors at low temperature through thermal noise measurements

• Laurent Nony,
• Sylvain Clair,
• Daniel Uehli,
• Aitziber Herrero,
• Jean-Marc Themlin,
• Andrea Campos,
• Franck Para,
• Alessandro Pioda and
• Christian Loppacher

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 580–602, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.50

• ring electrode for mechanical excitation. The QTF surface features a set of three metallic electrodes evaporated on it. Their chemical composition has been characterized by EDS as consisting of a ≃200 nm thick layer of Au on a thinner chromium layer to favor the adhesion and wetting of Au. The massive