Durable antimicrobial activity of fabrics functionalized with zeolite ion-exchanged nanomaterials against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

• Perla Sánchez-López,
• Kendra Ramirez Acosta,
• Sergio Fuentes Moyado,
• Ruben Dario Cadena-Nava and
• Elena Smolentseva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 262–274, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.18

• are currently explored for various biomedical applications, including disease prevention, diagnosis, and the improvement of antiviral drug delivery systems [5][6]. In some cases, the antimicrobial properties of NPs lead to creation of new “nano-antimicrobial” materials [7]. The mechanism by which

Micro- and nanoscale effects in biological and bioinspired materials and surfaces

• Thies H. Büscher,
• Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira,
• Manuela Rebora and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 214–217, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.14

• medicine, Perini et al. [25] reviewed the importance of biomimetic nanocarriers for drug delivery systems with improved biocompatibility and target specificity, whereas Mohammed et al. [26] focused on biomimetic potential for nanomedicines in tumor therapy. Besides nanotechnological solutions inspired by

Structure-dependent thermochromism of PAZO thin films: theory and experiment

• Georgi Mateev,
• Dean Dimov,
• Nataliya Berberova-Buhova,
• Nikoleta Kircheva,
• Todor Dudev,
• Ludmila Nikolova,
• Elena Stoykova,
• Keehoon Hong,
• Dimana Nazarova,
• Silvia Angelova and
• Lian Nedelchev

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 186–199, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.12

• a wide range of applications. This knowledge is particularly important in fields such as organic electronics and drug delivery, where thin films play a pivotal role. Our study focuses on these aspects to deepen the understanding of how to optimize PAZO thin films for photonic and optoelectronic

Safe and sustainable by design with ML/AI: A transformative approach to advancing nanotechnology

• Georgia Melagraki

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 176–185, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.11

• efficiency. From advanced drug delivery systems to clean energy solutions, the applications of nanotechnology are diverse and transformative. However, these innovations are accompanied by complex challenges regarding safety and sustainability for both the nanoscale materials themselves and for the products

• , offering unprecedented opportunities to design and develop nanomaterials with unique, tailored properties. These advances have significantly impacted diverse industrial sectors, including healthcare, energy, environmental remediation, and defence. For instance, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have

• formulations that offer both optimal performance and a reduced risk profile [47][48]. By combining high-throughput computational screening with experimental data, this approach enables rapid candidate selection for diverse applications, from catalysis to targeted drug delivery [49][50]. One of the most

From shield to spear: Charge-reversible nanocarriers in overcoming cancer therapy barriers

• Madhuri Yeduvaka,
• Pooja Mittal,
• Ameer Boyalakuntla,
• Usman Bee Shaik,
• Himanshu Sharma,
• Thakur Gurjeet Singh,
• Siva Nageswara Rao Gajula and
• Lakshmi Vineela Nalla

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 159–175, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.10

• , drug resistance, and poor tumour selectivity. In response to these limitations, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have gained prominence for enhancing solubility, improving molecular stability, enabling controlled drug release, and prolonging systemic circulation, offering superior therapeutic

• , which enhances drug targeting while reducing off-target effects. These carriers leverage triggers such as changes in pH, enzymatic activity, redox conditions, temperature, light, ultrasound, X-rays, and magnetic fields to enable intelligent and controlled release of therapeutics. This review examines

• pressing need for innovative solutions. An example would be smart nanocarrier drug delivery systems that enhance targeting precision and mitigate adverse effects [9][10]. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have revolutionised cancer treatment by improving drug solubility, stability, and

Influence of surface characteristics on the in vitro stability and cell uptake of nanoliposomes for brain delivery

• Dushko Shalabalija,
• Ljubica Mihailova,
• Nikola Geskovski,
• Andreas Zimmer,
• Otmar Geiss,
• Sabrina Gioria,
• Diletta Scaccabarozzi and
• Marija Glavas Dodov

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 139–158, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.9

• interactions in complex organs like the brain, in vitro cell culture models, such as hCMEC/D3 and SH-SY5Y, are often used [9]. Therefore, the hCMEC/D3 model is useful for examining nanosystems, drug uptake, and transport across the BBB, with advantages like easy growth and mimicking basic BBB properties

• . However, optimizing tight junctions to mirror human BBB characteristics remains a challenge [10][11]. On the other hand, the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line, which can further differentiate into neuronal-like morphologies, is often used to evaluate nanodelivery systems uptake kinetics and drug efficacy

• true dynamics of NLs and drug absorption or trafficking within brain cells. Finally, optimized experimental conditions help reduce variability between cell uptake experiments and ensure that results are consistent across different cell passages, laboratories, or research conditions which is

Development and in vitro evaluation of liposomes and immunoliposomes containing 5-fluorouracil and R-phycoerythrin as a potential phototheranostic system for colorectal cancer

• Raissa Rodrigues Camelo,
• Vivianne Cortez Sombra Vandesmet,
• Octavio Vital Baccallini,
• José de Brito Vieira Neto,
• Thais da Silva Moreira,
• Luzia Kalyne Almeida Moreira Leal,
• Claudia Pessoa,
• Daniel Giuliano Cerri,
• Maria Vitória Lopes Badra Bentley,
• Josimar O. Eloy,
• Ivanildo José da Silva Júnior and
• Raquel Petrilli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 97–121, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.7

• São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil Federal University of Ceará, Center of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil 10.3762/bjnano.17.7 Abstract 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is the first-line drug for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), which is considered the

• CRC and are well known for improving patient survival, they have numerous side effects, such as immunosuppression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, neurological, renal, and cardiac damage [4]. In addition, classic chemotherapy faces another challenge, which is multiple drug resistance (MDR), considering

• that approximately half of metastatic CRC cases are resistant to 5-FU treatments, contributing to decrease the survival rate of patients [5]. In this context, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Nanostructured drug delivery systems enable preferential

Improving magnetic properties of Mn- and Zn-doped core–shell iron oxide nanoparticles by tuning their size

• Dounia Louaguef,
• Ghouti Medjahdi,
• Sébastien Diliberto,
• Klaus M. Seemann,
• Thomas Gries,
• Joelle Bizeau,
• Damien Mertz,
• Eric Gaffet and
• Halima Alem

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2285–2295, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.157

• unique magnetic properties, small size, and biocompatibility, which enable them to be used in a wide range of biomedical applications. These applications include magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic separation, targeted drug delivery, and hyperthermia [1][2]. Magnetic hyperthermia has been extensively

• as a promising alternative due to its biocompatibility, high magnetic moment, and potential for use in hyperthermia and drug delivery applications [10]. Manganese is naturally present in the human body and exists primarily as Mn2+ and Mn3+ ions, making it more biocompatible than cobalt. The

Visualizing nanostructures in supramolecular hydrogels: a correlative study using confocal and cryogenic scanning electron microscopy

• Shaun M. Smith,
• Ferdinando Malagreca,
• Jacqueline Hicks,
• Giuseppe Mantovani,
• David B. Amabilino,
• Christopher Parmenter and
• Lluïsa Pérez-García

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2274–2284, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.156

• ; microscopies; nanostructure; supramolecular hydrogel; Introduction Hydrogels, whether based on self-assembling molecules or cross-linked polymers, are useful in fields ranging from tissue engineering to drug delivery and biosensing [1][2][3][4][5]. Their high water content and soft, porous structure make them

• up at the microscale of an entangled fibrous network. The reliable imaging of these networks containing the bis(imidazolium)-based gel systems is of interest because of the dependence of properties such as drug release [22][23][24], photodynamic therapy [25], photoreactivity [26], additive

Chiral plasmonic nanostructures fabricated with circularly polarized light

• Tian Qiao and
• Ming Lee Tang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2245–2264, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.154

• organisms are almost exclusively left-handed, while sugars are predominantly right-handed [1][2]. This creates a chiral environment in the human body, where chiral drug molecules can exhibit enantioselective chemical and pharmacological behavior [3]. One example is the drug thalidomide, which was prescribed

Optical bio/chemical sensors for vitamin B₁₂ analysis in food and pharmaceuticals: state of the art, challenges, and future outlooks

• Seyed Mohammad Taghi Gharibzahedi and
• Zeynep Altintas

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2207–2244, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.153

Ultrathin water layers on mannosylated gold nanoparticles

• Maiara A. Iriarte Alonso,
• Jorge H. Melillo,
• Silvina Cerveny,
• Yujin Tong and
• Alexander M. Bittner

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2183–2198, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.151

• century [3]. They are investigated, for example, regarding drug delivery [4], but they are also parts of actual products, for example, of sensors [5]. All this is based on the ease of synthesis, chemical stability, size tuneability, and unique optical properties [6]. The extreme dependence of the

• sensing, imaging, or drug delivery systems. The success of these platforms stems from their dispersion in water, stability, and biocompatibility in fully hydrated states, as well as in biological fluids. Our investigation shows a novel approach to these particles by testing the hydration properties under

Rapid synthesis of highly monodisperse AgSbS₂ nanocrystals: unveiling multifaceted activities in cancer therapy, antibacterial strategies, and antioxidant defense

• Funda Ulusu,
• Adem Sarilmaz,
• Yakup Ulusu,
• Faruk Ozel and
• Mahmut Kus

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2105–2115, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.145

• specificity. Integration with emerging nanomedicine approaches such as theranostics, controlled drug delivery, and precision oncology could further advance the translational potential of AgSbS2 NCs. Synthesis procedure (a), XRD pattern (b), crystal geometry (c), and FTIR spectrum (d) of the synthesized NCs

Toward clinical translation of carbon nanomaterials in anticancer drug delivery: the need for standardisation

• Michał Bartkowski,
• Francesco Calzaferri and
• Silvia Giordani

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2092–2104, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.144

• nanotubes, and carbon dots, have attracted considerable interest as nanocarriers for drug delivery due to their unique physicochemical properties. Their high surface area, biocompatibility, and modifiable surface chemistry make them highly attractive for a range of biomedical applications. However, concerns

• enhancing therapeutic delivery, particularly in areas such as cancer treatment. This perspective highlights critical considerations in the development of CNM-based nanocarriers, spanning from initial design to clinical implementation. Keywords: carbon nanomaterials (CNMs); carbon nanoparticles (CNPs); drug

• nanomaterials (CNMs) have been largely developed as nanocarriers for drug delivery due to their biocompatibility, high surface area, tuneable physicochemical properties, and targeting capabilities [13][14]. However, CNMs also present a subset of challenges, including toxicity concerns, expensive and time

Beyond the shell: exploring polymer–lipid interfaces in core–shell nanofibers to carry hyaluronic acid and β-caryophyllene

• Aline Tavares da Silva Barreto,
• Francisco Alexandrino-Júnior,
• Bráulio Soares Arcanjo,
• Paulo Henrique de Souza Picciani and
• Kattya Gyselle de Holanda e Silva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2015–2033, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.139

• conventional fibrous materials. Their flexibility in fabrication allows for integration into a broad range of applications, from drug delivery scaffolds to composite biomaterials, contributing to their increasing relevance in both scientific research and industrial development [11][12][13][14]. To leverage the

• thermoplastic known for its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and bioabsorbability [20][21]. Highly attractive due to its versatile physical, chemical, and biological properties, PLA is a suitable option for manufacturing tissue engineering scaffolds, implantable devices, and drug delivery systems, holding

• recognition as safe and approved for human use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While PLA exhibits relatively high modulus and strength, it possesses limitations such as low toughness, a slow degradation rate, and high hydrophobicity [18][22][23]. Nevertheless, PLA fibers effectively provide

PEGylated lipids in lipid nanoparticle delivery dynamics and therapeutic innovation

• Peiyang Gao

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1914–1930, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.133

• encapsulate and protect a variety of drug substances, thereby enhancing their stability and therapeutic efficacy within biological systems [1]. LNPs are currently composed of ionizable lipids, helper lipids, sterols, and polyethylene glycol-modified (i.e., PEGylated) lipids (PEG lipids); each of these

• strategies in LNP-based drug delivery systems, approaches are being explored. These include integrating functional groups into PEG lipids for ligand conjugation and improved cell-specific targeting, as well as developing PEG alternatives to mitigate anti-PEG antibody associated immunogenicity [7][8]. This

Targeting the vector of arboviruses Aedes aegypti with nanoemulsions based on essential oils: a review with focus on larvicidal and repellent properties

• Laryssa Ferreira do Nascimento Silva,
• Douglas Dourado,
• Thayse Silva Medeiros,
• Mariana Alice Gonzaga Gabú,
• Maria Cecilia Queiroga dos Santos,
• Daiane Rodrigues dos Santos,
• Mylena Lemos dos Santos,
• Gabriel Bezerra Faierstein,
• Rosângela Maria Rodrigues Barbosa and
• Fabio Rocha Formiga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1894–1913, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.132

• solubility, high volatility, and intrinsic oxidation sensitivity. Thus, the development of novel formulations to efficiently deliver bioactives represents an innovative approach for Aedes aegypti control. In this context, nanothecnology provides smart formulations with improved drug solubility, controlled

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agency approved the first nanomedicine, Doxil® (doxorubicin-loaded liposomes) for chemotherapy. Over the past 30 years, research and development in nanotechnology have expanded significantly, with more than 70 nanomedicines approved by FDA or EMA [83][84][85][86

Phytol-loaded soybean oil nanoemulsion as a promising alternative against Leishmania amazonensis

• Victória Louise Pinto Freire,
• Mariana Farias Alves-Silva,
• Johny W. de Freitas Oliveira,
• Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa,
• Alianda Maira Cornélio,
• Marcelo de Souza-Silva,
• Thayse Silva Medeiros and
• Arnóbio Antônio da Silva Junior

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1826–1836, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.126

• pharmaceutical application by reducing bioavailability [18]. To overcome these limitations, the incorporation of phytol into nanostructured delivery systems, has been proposed to improve its solubility, stability, and intracellular delivery efficiency [19]. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems that

• agents such as surfactants and co-surfactants, forming a kinetically stable system. With droplet sizes ranging from 20 to 500 nm, NEs can significantly enhance drug permeability and bioavailability [24][25][26][27]. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a nanoemulsion containing phytol, produced

• thermal degradation of sensitive compounds, as well as excessive loss of volatile substances such as PHYT [30]. The small droplet size results in a large surface area, which enables effective interaction with biological membranes and consequently enhances drug penetration and retention [31]. Key

Exploring the potential of polymers: advancements in oral nanocarrier technology

• Rousilândia de Araujo Silva,
• Igor Eduardo Silva Arruda,
• Luise Lopes Chaves,
• Mônica Felts de La Roca Soares and
• Jose Lamartine Soares Sobrinho

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1751–1793, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.122

• , Brazil 10.3762/bjnano.16.122 Abstract Polymers play a pivotal role in various drug delivery systems due to their versatility, with polymeric nanoparticles showing significant potential to overcome physiological barriers associated with oral administration. This review examines the current advancements

• permeability, critical factors for effective oral drug delivery, are discussed in detail. Furthermore, nanoparticle synthesis methods that enable controlled release profiles, optimized biodistribution, and improved therapeutic efficacy are also explored. Thus, polymers represent a dynamic platform for

• developing diverse nanocarriers for oral applications, and this review provides a valuable theoretical foundation for understanding the strategies currently employed in this field. Keywords: drug delivery; nanoparticle; oral administration; polymer; polymeric nanoparticle; Review 1 Introduction The oral

Advances of aptamers in esophageal cancer diagnosis, treatment and drug delivery

• Yang Fei,
• Hui Xu,
• Chunwei Zhang,
• Jingjing Wang and
• Yong Jin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1734–1750, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.121

• lifestyle-related risk factors. However, the discovery of aptamers and the development of nanocarriers bring great benefits to the diagnosis, treatment, and targeted drug delivery of EC. Aptamers or peptide aptamers as biosensors or therapeutic agents for the diagnosis or treatment of EC, aptamer–drug

• conjugates and aptamer-functionalized drug nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in esophageal cancer are reviewed in this paper. In addition, we expect investigators to pay special attention to improving aptamer permeability and stability to accelerate aptamer clinical transformation. In conclusion

• , leveraging the high target specificity of well-selected aptamers may bring new breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and drug delivery of EC. Keywords: aptamers; detection; drug delivery; esophageal cancer; esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; therapy; Review 1 Introduction Esophageal cancer (EC) is

Multifunctional anionic nanoemulsion with linseed oil and lecithin: a preliminary approach for dry eye disease

• Niédja Fittipaldi Vasconcelos,
• Almerinda Agrelli,
• Rayane Cristine Santos da Silva,
• Carina Lucena Mendes-Marques,
• Isabel Renata de Souza Arruda,
• Priscilla Stela Santana de Oliveira,
• Mércia Liane de Oliveira and
• Giovanna Machado

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1711–1733, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.120

• for therapeutic effectiveness. In contrast to traditional drug delivery systems (DDS), a functional ophthalmic nanoemulsion was specifically designed to alleviate symptoms of DED by leveraging its antioxidant and osmoprotective properties. The study evaluated the optimal concentration of lecithin

• disease cases [13]. Advances in nanomedicine have provided effective solutions, particularly for treating DED [1]. To address challenges in topical ocular drug delivery and to develop products that mimic tear film composition, ocular nanosystems (ONSs) with diameters ranging from 50 to 300 nm are being

• investigated as potential drug delivery technologies [14][15]. However, our formulation is not a drug delivery system (DDS) since it lacks pharmacological agents. Instead, it is a functional nanoemulsion designed to mimic the tear film’s properties and provide antioxidant and osmoprotective benefits, aiming to

Prospects of nanotechnology and natural products for cancer and immunotherapy

• Jan Filipe Andrade Santos,
• Marcela Bernardes Brasileiro,
• Pamela Danielle Cavalcante Barreto,
• Ligiane Aranha Rocha and
• José Adão Carvalho Nascimento Júnior

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1644–1667, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.116

• Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil 10.3762/bjnano.16.116 Abstract Nanotechnology is revolutionizing pharmaceutical industry and drug development by providing significant advantages in controlling drug release

• traditional therapies. Advances in cancer nanotechnology include the development of smart nanocarriers capable of responding to internal stimuli (such as pH, redox potential, and enzymes) and external stimuli (such as magnetic fields, heat, or ultrasound), enabling precise and controlled drug release [16][17

• , cellular absorption, and slow release of drugs [38]. Polymeric nanoparticles are colloidal polymer systems used as drug carriers for targeted therapies and diagnostics [39]. Gold nanoparticles have properties such as chemical reactivity, anti-inflammatory effects, and protein-binding abilities, while

Venom-loaded cationic-functionalized poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles for serum production against Tityus serrulatus scorpion

• Philippe de Castro Mesquita,
• Karla Samara Rocha Soares,
• Manoela Torres-Rêgo,
• Emanuell dos Santos-Silva,
• Mariana Farias Alves-Silva,
• Alianda Maira Cornélio,
• Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa and
• Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1633–1643, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.115

• vitro, creates a challenge for drug delivery systems aiming to effectively target affected tissues or cells [14][15]. Nanocarriers have been widely studied for enabling prolonged circulation and sustained drug release over time, depending on their structural properties [16][17]. Therefore, protein

• delivery through nanoparticles is an effective way to control drug release as well as to design an efficient protein delivery system [16]. Among different materials used for nanocarriers, several polymers have been investigated for producing cationic nanocarriers due to their ability to cross biological

Photocatalytic degradation of ofloxacin in water assisted by TiO₂ nanowires on carbon cloth: contributions of H₂O₂ addition and substrate absorbability

• Iram Hussain,
• Lisha Zhang,
• Zhizhen Ye and
• Jin-Ming Wu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1567–1579, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.111

• ; ofloxacin; photocatalytic degradation; TiO2 nanowires; wastewater treatment; Introduction Drug pollution in natural environments has become an increasingly serious issue as a result of the wide applications of drugs in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, anti-epidemic disinfection, aquaculture

• investigation, we extend the application to drug pollution treatments with OFL as a model molecule. Since H2O2 produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which promote the oxidation and degradation of OFL, H2O2 was introduced into the system to increase the photocatalytic efficiency, and the impacts of its

Transient electronics for sustainability: Emerging technologies and future directions

• Jae-Young Bae,
• Myung-Kyun Choi and
• Seung-Kyun Kang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1545–1556, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.109

• stimulators, and drug delivery vehicles, as well as environmentally benign electronics for soil or aquatic disposal. Despite their potential, key challenges remain in expanding the material set for diverse functionalities, achieving high-density integration for advanced operations, and enabling precise

• postoperative recovery period [10] (Figure 1c), and drug delivery vehicles developed to enable remotely triggered, programmable release of therapeutic agents, followed by complete degradation without the need for extraction [8][25]. Recent advances in minimally invasive delivery techniques have further expanded