Colloidal few layered graphene–tannic acid preserves the biocompatibility of periodontal ligament cells

• Teissir Ben Ammar,
• Naji Kharouf,
• Dominique Vautier,
• Housseinou Ba,
• Nivedita Sudheer,
• Philippe Lavalle and
• Vincent Ball

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 664–677, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.51

• microhardness without compromising biocompatibility [7]. In another work, the formulation of an injectable calcium phosphate cement–chitosan–graphene oxide (GO) composite was found to be effective. This composite fostered the proliferation of human dental pulp stem cells [8]. Despite these promising findings

Aprepitant-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: a novel approach to enhance oral bioavailability

• Mazhar Hussain,
• Muhammad Farooq,
• Muhammad Asad Saeed,
• Muhammad Ijaz,
• Sherjeel Adnan,
• Zeeshan Masood,
• Muhammad Waqas,
• Wafa Ishaq and
• Nabeela Ameer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 652–663, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.50

• facilitates strong interaction with APT, resulting the enhanced encapsulation efficiency. Nazli Erdogar et al. achieved a higher encapsulation efficiency for aprepitant with PEG–chitosan-coated cyclodextrin nanocapsules [16]. Zeta potential, particle size analysis and polydispersity index Zeta potential is a

• /chitosan-coated cyclodextrin nanocapsules in acidic and basic media [16]. There is increased wetting of amorphous APT after loading into SLNs with increased surface area leading to rapid and consistent release. Drug release kinetics The drug release data obtained from APT-CD-NP1 to APT-PX-NP8 were analyzed

Polyurethane/silk fibroin-based electrospun membranes for wound healing and skin substitute applications

• Iqra Zainab,
• Zohra Naseem,
• Syeda Rubab Batool,
• Muhammad Waqas,
• Ahsan Nazir and
• Muhammad Anwaar Nazeer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 591–612, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.46

• cross-linking were used to develop a silk fibroin/chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite (SF/CS/nHA) scaffold in three different concentrations (3%, 4%, and 5%). The 4% SF/CS/nHA scaffold was shown to be the most effective for bone repair. In vitro studies involved seeding bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs

• . developed a micro–nanofiber dressing by electrospinning a blend of SF, chitosan, and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) loaded with the antibacterial agent chlorhexidine digluconate (CHD). The addition of HNTs considerably altered the nanofiber structure, and increased the material’s thermal stability and

• survival, cell adhesion and proliferation, increased blood clotting capacity, and better hydrophilicity, PU was employed as the base polymer and combined with CA and zein (a natural polymer) [158]. Numerous studies have shown that manufacturing PU with organic polymers, such as chitosan, helps to create a

Synthetic-polymer-assisted antisense oligonucleotide delivery: targeted approaches for precision disease treatment

• Ana Cubillo Alvarez,
• Dylan Maguire and
• Ruairí P. Brannigan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 435–463, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.34

• cytotoxicity compared to poly(ʟ-arginine) alone, with a 23-fold higher TC50 value observed for HP101. In a similar study, Noh et al. investigated the use of PLR as a key component in a novel siRNA delivery system [95]. PLR was grafted onto chitosan (CS) and further PEGylated to enhance delivery efficiency and

Development of a mucoadhesive drug delivery system and its interaction with gastric cells

• Ahmet Baki Sahin,
• Serdar Karakurt and
• Deniz Sezlev Bilecen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 371–384, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.28

• synthesized from mucoadhesive polymers such as chitosan, alginate, cellulose, polyacrylic acid, and polymethacrylic acid have been introduced as gastroretentive drug delivery systems. The mucoadhesive properties of these polymers are attributed to electrostatic bonding between polymer and sialic acid of mucin

• leakage of encapsulated drugs. These drawbacks make alginate challenging to be used in drug delivery applications [11][12]. Therefore, it is generally used together with other polymers, such as chitosan [13] or carboxymethyl cellulose [14], or it is modified with PEG-maleimide [15] to acquire mucoadhesion

• , there are few studies focusing on this property when they are used as nanoparticle formulations [17]. Over the years, several valuable alginate-based applications have been reported as gastroretentive drug delivery systems, in which alginate beads were either coated with aminated chitosan [24], or

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

• Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 10.3762/bjnano.16.22 Abstract This review examines strategies to enhance the mechanical properties of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanofibers, recognized for their biomedical and

• industrial applications. It begins by outlining the fundamental properties of chitosan and PVA, highlighting their compatibility and mechanical characteristics. The electrospinning process is discussed, focusing on how various parameters and post-treatment methods influence fiber formation and performance

• directions are proposed to overcome these obstacles and further enhance the mechanical properties of chitosan/PVA electrospun nanofibers, guiding their development for practical applications. Keywords: biomaterials; chitosan; electrospun nanofiber; mechanical properties; polyvinyl alcohol; Introduction In

Emerging strategies in the sustainable removal of antibiotics using semiconductor-based photocatalysts

• Yunus Ahmed,
• Keya Rani Dutta,
• Parul Akhtar,
• Md. Arif Hossen,
• Md. Jahangir Alam,
• Obaid A. Alharbi,
• Hamad AlMohamadi and
• Abdul Wahab Mohammad

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 264–285, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.21

• Fe2O3 promoted the electron–holes segregation rate and reduced the rate of recombination. A TiO2/GO/chitosan photocatalyst was synthesized by Erim et al. [73] for the degradation of CFX under UV-A irradiation. Under optimized conditions (catalyst dose of 0.327 g/L, CFX concentration of 20.29 mg/L, pH

• 4.1, and UV-A irradiation of 60 W), the TiO2/GO/chitosan photocatalyst exhibited a prominent degradation efficiency of 95.34%. They also reported in another article that the SWCNT/ZnO/Fe3O4 combination exhibited a CFX decomposition efficiency of 94.19% at pH 5.93, 22.76 ppm CFX, and 0.46 g/L

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

• . Despite the beneficial properties, CNs have not been extensively researched as inherent drugs or drug/TMZ carriers for the treatment of GBM. In two papers, a hybrid made of carbon quantum dots functionalized with chitosan, polyethylene oxide, and carboxymethyl cellulose–polyvinyl alcohol provided

• . Such a trend was observed in a study of Jun et al. [47] in which MWCNTs conjugated with chitosan oligomers and with incorporated tea polyphenols for cancer treatment were irradiated by gamma rays from 60Co for 30 min with a dose of 1.5 Gy. The irradiation also led to changes in zeta potential to lower

• release was also provided through loading TMZ in a hybrid compound of carbon quantum dots, chitosan, polyethylene oxide, and carboxymethyl cellulose–polyvinyl alcohol (CS-PEO-CQDs/CMC-PVA) via coaxial spinning, and a transport system of CMC-PVA coating and CS-PEO-CQDs core was formed [41][42]. In a study

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

• photothermal gel, composed of Au nanorods, geraniol, chitosan, and the gene-targeted drug DC_AC50 can be activated by NIR light. Photothermal activation softens the hydrogel composed of geraniol and chitosan, controlling drug release and facilitating PTT at moderate temperatures, thus yielding exceptional anti

• inspiration from lollipops, Wang et al. developed a multilayered sodium alginate–chitosan hydrogel sphere drug delivery system, which uses ZnO-modified biocarbon (ZnO-BC) to enhance the photothermal conversion performance [70]. The hydrogel ball is embedded under the conjunctiva through surgery. ZnO-BC can

Clays enhanced with niobium: potential in wastewater treatment and reuse as pigment with antibacterial activity

• Silvia Jaerger,
• Patricia Appelt,
• Mario Antônio Alves da Cunha,
• Fabián Ccahuana Ayma,
• Ricardo Schneider,
• Carla Bittencourt and
• Fauze Jacó Anaissi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 141–154, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.13

• regeneration of the adsorbent. Various adsorbents including chitosan, cellulose, organophilic clays, kaolinite and montmorillonite clays, and activated carbon have been used for removing toxic compounds from polluted water [6]. Among these adsorbents, bentonite and smectite clays exhibit advantageous

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

• production, effectively reducing collagen type I deposition and mitigating fibrosis. Additional nanomaterials such as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and chitosan-based NPs are engineered with liver-cell-specific ligands like lactose or galactose, enhancing their specificity for treating

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

• polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and chitosan (CHS), provides structural integrity, controlled release properties, and protection against premature degradation [14][15]. This hybrid structure improves the encapsulation efficiency of phytochemicals/drugs

• half-life [97][98][99]. In this context, Imam et al. fabricated THQ-encapsulated chitosan–phospholipid hybrid nanoparticles (THQ-PLHNPs) for enhanced oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy against BC [100]. The fabricated PLHNPs showed outstanding mucoadhesive properties and stability in GI

• studies in AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells suggested that the fabricated UA-PLHNPs exhibited much higher cellular internalization and cytotoxicity. Further, the developed AU-PLHNPs revealed negligible erythrocyte hemolytic activity. Similarly, Wang et al. fabricated UA-encapsulated chitosan-coated liposomes for

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

• , chitosan-coated NPs can be a good example, as positively charged chitosan and its derivatives interact with negatively charged mucin. This interaction can enhance the NPs’ residence time in the nasal cavity [70]. To delve into different properties of these DDSs in detail, the next section focuses on solid

• prepared with simple production methods [72], and there are also efforts made regarding reasonable upscaling [73][74][75][76]. Among the natural polymers, chitosan and its derivatives could provide many advantages to brain delivery because of their mucoadhesive properties, which increase mucosal retention

• conducted for polymeric nanoparticles to understand their role in N2B delivery. For instance, Gabold et al. reported the preparation of protein-loaded chitosan NPs decorated with transferrin as a proof-of-concept study to demonstrate a versatile surface functionalization that can also be suitable for N2B

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

• frequently used to determine the chemical composition and functional groups of biopolymeric nanoparticles [67]. Advantages of using alginate-based nanoparticles The use of biopolymeric nanoparticles, specifically chitosan–alginate nanoparticles, offers several advantages in different fields such as

• -volume ratio, allowing for efficient absorption and transport of drugs. Furthermore, alginate-based nanoparticles are biocompatible and biodegradable, minimizing the risk of long-term side effects. Boronated chitosan/alginate nanoparticles (BCHI/ALG NPs) were developed and evaluated as a targeted

• mucoadhesive DDSs for cervical cancer [77]. The BCHI/ALG NPs were less than 390 nm in size and showed a drug encapsulation efficiency of 98.1–99.8%, and a drug loading capacity of 326.9–332.7 g/mg. Surprisingly, boronated chitosan-loaded alginate demonstrated a greater mucoadhesive capacity compared to CHI/ALG

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

• CC BY 4.0. SIM image showing photosensitizer–chitosan conjugate polymeric NPs within lysosomes. MDA-MB-231 cells were incubated with the NPs (red) for 2 h, followed by a washout and chasing for 2 h at 37 °C. Then, the cells were fixed and stained with an antibody against the lysosomal marker LAMP-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

• (chitosan–silicone hybrid) fibers were made with zinc additives. They found that the scaffold had antibacterial activity against S. aureus, B. subtillis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa bacterial strains [71]. Colinas et al. examined Zn-based coordination polymers in broth dilution and agar diffusion tests, and

Classification and application of metal-based nanoantioxidants in medicine and healthcare

• Nguyen Nhat Nam,
• Nguyen Khoi Song Tran,
• Tan Tai Nguyen,
• Nguyen Ngoc Trai,
• Nguyen Phuong Thuy,
• Hoang Dang Khoa Do,
• Nhu Hoa Thi Tran and
• Kieu The Loan Trinh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 396–415, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.36

• hydrogels (such as gelatin methacryloyl, chitosan/polycaprolactone, polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan, and polypyrrole-grafted gelatin) were combined to generate diverse combinations of nanocomposites for wound repair [156][157][158][159][160][161]. This strategy not only endows nanoantioxidants with topical

• of metal-based nanoantioxidants and the reduction of detrimental effects of these nanomaterials on human health. Surface modification can become an effective method to decrease the toxicity of nanomaterials through coating with biocompatible polymers such as chitosan, polydopamine, and polyethylene

Nanocarrier systems loaded with IR780, iron oxide nanoparticles and chlorambucil for cancer theragnostics

• Phuong-Thao Dang-Luong,
• Hong-Phuc Nguyen,
• Loc Le-Tuan,
• Xuan-Thang Cao,
• Vy Tran-Anh and
• Hieu Vu Quang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 180–189, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.17

• variety of fields. However, SPIONs typically serve as the core of nanoparticles, while the outer shell is composed of stabilization coating materials such as chitosan, mannan, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), Pluronic™ F-127, or PLGA [7][12][13]. SPIONs stabilized with PLGA have attracted interest due to

Curcumin-loaded nanostructured systems for treatment of leishmaniasis: a review

• Douglas Dourado,
• Thayse Silva Medeiros,
• Éverton do Nascimento Alencar,
• Edijane Matos Sales and
• Fábio Rocha Formiga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 37–50, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.4

• ursolic acid (UA) functionalized with N-octyl chitosan. The NLC were approximately 143 nm of the hydrodynamic diameter. The authors also found encapsulation and drug-load efficiencies of 88.63 ± 2.70% and 12.05 ± 0.54%, respectively [70]. They evaluated the antileishmanial potential of the nanosystems

• impact specific drug release kinetics and increase biocompatibility [60]. Different biodegradable polymers have been used for the development of targeted PNPs for the treatment of leishmaniasis [102]. In this scenario, chitosan is an interesting polymer for NP synthesis due to its positive charge, which

• mannose-conjugated curcumin–chitosan nanoparticles (curc-MCNPs) intended for visceral leishmaniasis [50]. The selected nanoparticles (curc-MCNPs) presented spherical morphology, hydrodynamic mean particle size of 215 nm, PdI of 0.381, zeta potential of +24.37 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 82.12%. Curc

Nanotechnological approaches in the treatment of schistosomiasis: an overview

• Lucas Carvalho,
• Michelle Sarcinelli and
• Beatriz Patrício

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 13–25, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.2

• established criteria were identified. Inorganic and polymeric nanoparticles were the most prevalent nanosystems used. Gold was the primary material used to produce inorganic nanoparticles, while poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and chitosan were commonly used to produce polymeric nanoparticles. None of these

• , an exponential drug release [17][20]. Our research found that many articles utilized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and chitosan nanoparticles, especially because they are biocompatible polymers and present great biodegradability. The polymer PLGA is approved for clinical use by Food and Drug

• Administration since 1989 [21] and, although no human data attests to chitosan safety, many animal tests prove its safety [22]. Eudragit L 100 is another polymer commonly used in literature because of its biocompatibility [8]. Overall, it is used when a delayed release is required. It is derived from polyacid

Fluorescent bioinspired albumin/polydopamine nanoparticles and their interactions with Escherichia coli cells

• Eloïse Equy,
• Jordana Hirtzel,
• Sophie Hellé,
• Béatrice Heurtault,
• Eric Mathieu,
• Morgane Rabineau,
• Vincent Ball and
• Lydie Ploux

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 1208–1224, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.100

• ) of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) [7], polycaprolactone [8], and chitosan [9]. Furthermore, fluorescent ONPs are a promising way to facilitate the localization of NPs in cells through fluorescence imaging. They can also be used for fluorescent labelling of cells, especially for live cell

Curcumin-loaded albumin submicron particles with potential as a cancer therapy: an in vitro study

• Nittiya Suwannasom,
• Netsai Sriaksorn,
• Chutamas Thepmalee,
• Krissana Khoothiam,
• Ausanai Prapan,
• Hans Bäumler and
• Chonthida Thephinlap

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 1127–1140, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.93

• . Moreover, after 48 h, both free CUR and CUR-HSA-MPs exhibit stronger toxic effects against Huh-7 than against MCF-7 cells. In line with earlier studies on CUR-loaded gold/chitosan nanogels, a higher concentration-dependent cell viability reduction is induced in Huh-7 cells than in MCF-7 cancerous cells [44

Sulfur nanocomposites with insecticidal effect for the control of Bactericera cockerelli

• Lany S. Araujo-Yépez,
• Juan O. Tigrero-Salas,
• Vicente A. Delgado-Rodríguez,
• Vladimir A. Aguirre-Yela and
• Josué N. Villota-Méndez

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 1106–1115, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.91

• ]. Furthermore, different kinds of polysaccharides (e.g., chitosan, alginates, and polyethylene glycol) have been used for the synthesis of nanoinsecticides [15]. While other forms of polymer and non-polymer nanoformulations, such as nanofibers, nanocapsules, nanogels, nanomicelles, and nanospheres, have been

Silver nanoparticles loaded on lactose/alginate: in situ synthesis, catalytic degradation, and pH-dependent antibacterial activity

• Nguyen Thi Thanh Tu,
• T. Lan-Anh Vo,
• T. Thu-Trang Ho,
• Kim-Phuong T. Dang,
• Van-Dung Le,
• Phan Nhat Minh,
• Chi-Hien Dang,
• Vinh-Thien Tran,
• Van-Su Dang,
• Tran Thi Kim Chi,
• Hieu Vu-Quang,
• Radek Fajgar,
• Thi-Lan-Huong Nguyen,
• Van-Dat Doan and
• Thanh-Danh Nguyen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 781–792, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.64

• an in situ reduction process that requires no additional chemicals [16][17]. This technique using polysaccharides such as alginate [18] or chitosan [19] in conjunction with reducing agents enhanced cost efficiency and reduced the amounts of impurities or toxic compounds. AgNPs are widely used as

Nanoarchitectonics to entrap living cells in silica-based systems: encapsulations with yolk–shell and sepiolite nanomaterials

• Celia Martín-Morales,
• Jorge Fernández-Méndez,
• Pilar Aranda and
• Eduardo Ruiz-Hitzky

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 522–534, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.43

• microorganisms, that is, cyanobacteria and yeast cells, have been immobilized in silica and silicate-based substrates organized as nanostructured materials. In a first attempt, matrices based on bionanocomposites of chitosan and alginate incorporating sepiolite clay mineral and shaped as films, beads, or foams

• entrapment of microalgal species such as Chlorella vulgaris and Anabaena PCC7120 allowing for more than two months of viability [38]. In the present work, various bionanocomposites based on the combination of alginate and/or chitosan and sepiolite have been prepared and processed in different conformations

• to be tested as immobilization matrices of microalgae. Sepiolite–alginate beads, sepiolite–chitosan/alginate thin films, and sepiolite–chitosan foams were produced (Figure 1). Sepiolite and biopolymer concentration, synthesis temperature, and microorganism concentration were modified to study their