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

Quercetin- and caffeic acid-functionalized chitosan-capped colloidal silver nanoparticles: one-pot synthesis, characterization, and anticancer and antibacterial activities

• Akif Hakan Kurt,
• Elif Berna Olutas,
• Fatma Avcioglu,
• Hamza Karakuş,
• Mehmet Ali Sungur,
• Cansu Kara Oztabag and
• Muhammet Yıldırım

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 362–376, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.31

• characterization of quercetin- and caffeic acid-functionalized chitosan-capped colloidal silver nanoparticles (Ch/Q- and Ch/CA-Ag NPs), and their antibacterial and anticancer activities. The formation of Ch/Q- and Ch/CA-Ag NPs has been confirmed by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform

• infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption band has been found at 417 and 424 nm for Ch/Q- and Ch/CA-Ag NPs, respectively. The formation of a chitosan shell comprising quercetin and caffeic acid, which surround the

• (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) bacteria was determined, and dose-dependent antibacterial effects were found. Keywords: Ag NPs; anticancer and antibacterial effects; caffeic acid; chitosan; one-pot synthesis; quercetin; U-118 MG and ARPE-19 cells

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

• )-functionalized nanoporous silica particles loaded with a poly(ʟ-glutamic acid) pH-cleavable linker–doxorubicin conjugate, which self-assembles into NPs after its release from the iNPG [114]. Li et al. designed a multistage nanocarrier for NSCLC targeting, composed of icotinib-loaded amphiphilic chitosan micelles

• such as cyclodextrin, inulin, and chitosan. These polymers are used alone or combined with amphiphilic polymers for core–shell nanoparticles such as the triblock polymer poly(ʟ-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ʟ-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) to increase the stability and decrease the immunogenicity of

Orally administered docetaxel-loaded chitosan-decorated cationic PLGA nanoparticles for intestinal tumors: formulation, comprehensive in vitro characterization, and release kinetics

• Sedat Ünal,
• Osman Doğan and
• Yeşim Aktaş

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1393–1407, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.115

• drug delivery system loaded with docetaxel (DCX) as an anticancer drug, using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as nanoparticle material, and modified with chitosan (CS) to gain mucoadhesive properties. In this context, an innovative nanoparticle formulation that can protect orally administered DCX

• : chitosan; docetaxel; intestinal tumors; oral drug delivery; PLGA; Introduction Cancer is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and spread of cells [1]. To date, effective and safe treatment approaches for cancer treatment have not been fully

• frequently used in research especially in the development of nanoparticulate drug formulations [17][22][23][24]. Chitosan (CS) is a common biocompatible polymer used extensively in drug delivery applications as a vehicle for drugs, proteins, and nucleic acids. Also, it is used as a coating polymer in nano

Design of surface nanostructures for chirality sensing based on quartz crystal microbalance

• Yinglin Ma,
• Xiangyun Xiao and
• Qingmin Ji

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1201–1219, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.100

• nanoparticles [124]. Zhang et al. used ʟ-cysteine modified Au nanoparticles for chiral recognition of carnitine [125]. Jafari et al. used chitosan modified Ag nanoparticles for chiral sensing of tryptophan enantiomers [126]. Niu et al. reported the chiral recognition of tryptophan (Trp) on chiral Au facets

Biomimetic chitosan with biocomposite nanomaterials for bone tissue repair and regeneration

• Se-Kwon Kim,
• Sesha Subramanian Murugan,
• Pandurang Appana Dalavi,
• Sebanti Gupta,
• Sukumaran Anil,
• Gi Hun Seong and
• Jayachandran Venkatesan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1051–1067, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.92

• , researchers have tried several ways to develop different materials using chitosan-based nanocomposites of silver, copper, gold, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, and biosilica. The combination of materials helps in the expression of ideal bone formation genes of alkaline

• tissue engineering applications. Keywords: antibacterial activity; biomimetic materials; bone graft substitutes; chitosan; gold; osteoinductive; silver; Introduction Bone-related defects and diseases are a serious concern to the life of patients [1]. Autografts, allografts, and synthetic grafts are

• , uniform raw materials quality, and are abundant. Chitosan is a natural polymeric substance and an extensively studied material for bone tissue engineering due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial properties [7][8][9][10]. Chitosan in combination with silver, gold, copper, titanium