Environmental applications of silver nanoparticles: state-of-the-art review and emerging trends

• Soni Prajapati,
• Akash Kumar and
• Ranjana Singh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 697–736, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.49

• properties, making them a strong candidate for environmental applications in water, air, and soil. Indeed, various reviews are available, though a significant gap persists in addressing all environmental pollutants. This review comprehensively and critically analyses the advancement in AgNP research spanning

• applications for heavy metal immobilisation, organic pollutant degradation, plant disease management, and growth promotion are assessed alongside their ecotoxicological implications. Besides remediation, environmental monitoring capabilities of AgNP-based sensing platforms are systematically reviewed across

• five transduction modalities, including colourimetric/UV–vis LSPR, SERS, electrochemical, fluorometric, and gas sensing, covering a broad range of analytes considered as environmental pollutants. Key challenges, including nanoparticle aggregation, long-term colloidal instability, synthesis

Molecular engineering of individual dye-based nanoparticle photostability for ultrabright two-photon fluorescence

• Eleonore Kurek,
• Sasha Cooper,
• Alexandre Clausolles,
• Karen Perronet,
• Jonathan Daniel,
• Mireille Blanchard-Desce and
• François Marquier

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 688–696, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.48

• higher surface-to-volume ratios and increased exposure of dye molecules to environmental interactions. We previously demonstrated a counterintuitive result: 14 nm NIR-emitting dFONs (fluorescence quantum yield Φ ≈ 0.01) were ten times more photostable in SPT than larger 43 nm green-emitting dFONs (Φ

Protein-based custom-designed molecular nanotraps for biomedical applications

• Devid Maniglio,
• Alice Marinangeli and
• Alessandra Maria Bossi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 683–687, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.47

• . The scalability and environmental friendliness of this approach, together with the inherent biodegradability of the natural polymers, support their translational potential. At a critical perspective, while the use of proteins for the preparation of bioMIPs could prove competitive with established

Cellulose as a photocatalyst support material: extraction, structural features, and environmental applications

• Yee Teng Lim,
• Nur Farhana Jaafar,
• Azizul Hakim Lahuri and
• Endang Tri Wahyuni

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 635–652, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.44

• photocatalytic systems, improving its performance under a wide range of light sources. Moreover, cellulose-supported systems often show enhanced recyclability and mechanical durability, making them suitable for repeated use in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. The relationship between

• cellulose’s structural properties and photocatalytic functionality offers a green and efficient solution to pressing environmental challenges. Overall, this review underscores the importance of cellulose not only as a raw material but also as an active component in next-generation, eco-friendly photocatalytic

• and disadvantages. Acid hydrolysis is a traditional approach that helps preserve cellulose’s crystalline structure; however, it relies on non-biodegradable chemicals and generates acidic wastewater, which raises environmental concerns and complicates wastewater management [8]. As a result, researchers

Two-step laser synthesis of Ag@TiO₂ nanomaterials for the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B

• Marija Kovačević,
• Miloš Tošić,
• Rafaela Radičić,
• Vladimir Rajić,
• Nikša Krstulović,
• Miloš Momčilović and
• Sanja Živković

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 622–634, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.43

• suppression of electron–hole recombination, allowing for more effective utilization of the solar spectrum. Accordingly, Ag@TiO2 nanostructures, especially those obtained through controlled synthesis, represent highly promising candidates for photocatalytic environmental remediation processes induced by

• , chemical stability and photostability, and high solubility in water. However, its widespread application and persistent nature raise serious environmental and health concerns. Once released into aquatic environments, RhB resists natural degradation processes, leading to long-term accumulation. It disrupts

• factors, RhB is considered a high-priority contaminant, and developing efficient, sustainable degradation technologies for its removal remains a key goal in environmental science [3][18][19][20]. The main objective of this study was to synthesize silver-modified titanium dioxide (Ag@TiO2) photocatalysts

Recent progress in enhancing built-in electric fields of perovskite solar cells via junction engineering

• Tong Xiao and
• Ke Xu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 602–621, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.42

Probing tribological evolution in atomically thin MoS₂ at different scales

• Xingzhong Zeng and
• Miao Zhang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 586–597, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.40

• constant ±5% for all tests), (2) normal and lateral forces were calibrated via the non-contact method [20] to quantify absolute force values, (3) all tests were performed under ambient conditions (20–30 °C, 30–40% relative humidity) to avoid environmental interference, and (4) all friction measurements

Synthesis of Cu–Mo/TiO₂ and Co–Mo/TiO₂ photocatalysts for the efficient degradation of organic pollutants in water

• Ilse Acosta,
• Brenda Zermeño,
• Edgar Moctezuma,
• Luis F. Garay-Rodríguez and
• Isaías Juárez-Ramírez

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 559–570, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.37

• . Unfortunately, water quality is negatively impacted by the increasing population, industrial operations, and agricultural activities. Therefore, it is essential to develop technologies to conserve and remediate contaminated water. A significant environmental challenge in water remediation is the presence of

• most organic compounds [2]. Among AOPs, TiO2 photocatalysis is one of the most viable environmental technologies due to its low cost and the stability of TiO2. Limitations of TiO2 in photocatalysis applications come from rapid charge recombination and the wide bandgap [3]. Various strategies have been

• environmental remediation processes. This research project reports the synthesis and characterization of two photocatalyst systems not reported before for water remediation, namely, co-doped photocatalysts Cu–Mo/TiO2 and Co–Mo/TiO2 synthesized by the sol–gel method. The structural, optical, and morphological

Advances in nanotechnology applied to natural products

• Douglas Dourado,
• Fábio Rocha Formiga,
• Éverton do Nascimento Alencar and
• Franceline Reynaud

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 555–558, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.36

• , hybrid, and inorganic platforms, reflecting the interdisciplinarity of the field, from nanosystem synthesis and physicochemical characterization to biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and environmental applications. Among the nanostructures, lipid-based carriers, including nanoemulsions, microemulsions

• , pharmaceutical, cosmetic, dental, environmental, and other technological applications. We hope this thematic issue will stimulate further research, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and inspire innovative nanotechnology-based solutions that can expand and consolidate the use of natural products across

Electrochemical determination of ciprofloxacin using a MIL-101/reduced graphene oxide-modified electrode

• Nguyen Quang Man,
• Nguyen Ngoc Nghia,
• Nguyen Vinh Phu,
• Vo Thi Khanh Ly,
• Le Lam Son,
• Pham Khac Lieu,
• Le Thi Hong Phong,
• Nguyen Dinh Luyen and
• Dinh Quang Khieu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 541–554, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.35

• , yielding acceptable recoveries. These results indicate that the MIL-101/rGO-modified electrode provides a promising and efficient platform for the electrochemical sensing of CPR in pharmaceutical and environmental analysis. Keywords: ciprofloxacin; electrochemical analysis; MIL-101; reduced graphene oxide

• ; Introduction Ciprofloxacin (C17H18FN3O3, CPR) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic widely used in human and veterinary medicine to treat various bacterial infections [1]. Due to its high usage, incomplete metabolism, and environmental persistence, CPR residues are often found in pharmaceutical products, biological

• fluids, and aquatic environments [2][3]. The uncontrolled presence of ciprofloxacin not only poses risks to human health but also promotes the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, raising significant environmental and public health concerns [4]. Therefore, developing sensitive, selective, and

Upcycling agroindustrial waste into graphene oxide supports for gold nanoparticles: toward sustainable nanomaterials

• Juan Marcos Castro-Tapia,
• Selene Acosta,
• Hiram Joazet Ojeda-Galván,
• Elsie Evelyn Araujo-Palomo,
• Edgar Giovanni Villabona-Leal and
• Mildred Quintana

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 489–504, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.32

• effective, these methods have significant drawbacks; they are time-consuming, require substantial energy input, and involve the use of highly reactive and toxic chemical reagents. Additionally, they generate large volumes of hazardous liquid waste, raising environmental and safety risks, especially when

• waste are abundant, renewable, and often underutilized. Biomass has a high carbon content and aromatic structures, making it suitable for carbonization. This approach not only contributes to waste minimization but also promotes environmental sustainability by converting abundant biowaste into valuable

• precursor and the processing conditions. This tunability provides a powerful means to tailor the structural and optical properties of AuNP@GO hybrids. Beyond its alignment with environmental sustainability goals, this approach provides a versatile, customizable platform for precisely modulating nanomaterial

Defects and defect-mediated engineering of two-dimensional materials: challenges and open questions

• Arkady V. Krasheninnikov,
• Matthias Batzill,
• Anouar-Akacha Delenda,
• Marija Drndić,
• Chris Ewels,
• Katharina J. Franke,
• Mahdi Ghorbani-Asl,
• Alexander Holleitner,
• Ado Jorio,
• Ute Kaiser,
• Daria Kieczka,
• Hannu-Pekka Komsa,
• Jani Kotakoski,
• Manuel Längle,
• David Lamprecht,
• Yun Liu,
• Steven G. Louie,
• Janina Maultzsch,
• Thomas Michely,
• Katherine Milton,
• Anna Niggas,
• Hanako Okuno,
• Joshua A. Robinson,
• Marika Schleberger,
• Bruno Schuler,
• Alexander Shluger,
• Kazu Suenaga,
• Kristian S. Thygesen,
• Richard A. Wilhelm,
• E. Harriet Åhlgren and
• Carla Bittencourt

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 454–488, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.31

• defects in 2D materials under various environmental conditions [187][188][189][190][191][192]. Despite its strengths, XPS has several limitations that must be addressed for accurate defect characterization. One major challenge is surface contamination, which can obscure defect signals. Hydrocarbon

First-principles study on elastic properties of Cu, (Cu_1−x,Ni_x)₃Sn and interfacial mechanical properties of (Cu_1−x,Ni_x)₃Sn/Cu in the lead-free solder joint

• Guomin Hua

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 428–439, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.29

• alloying strategies to meet the requirements for electronic device miniaturization and harsh environmental applications. Keywords: ductility; elastic modulus; interfacial toughness; lead-free solder; work of adhesion; Introduction Due its toxicity, lead has caused serious problems in human health and

• environmental pollution; thus, the use of lead-containing solder in electronic device packaging has been restricted by legislation [1]. In the last few decades, aiming to replace lead-containing solders, great efforts have been dedicated to develop lead-free solder with respect to cost-effectiveness

Nanoinformatics: spanning scales, systems and solutions

• Iseult Lynch,
• Diego S. T. Martinez,
• Kunal Roy and
• Georgia Melagraki

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 423–427, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.28

• Iseult Lynch Diego S. T. Martinez Kunal Roy Georgia Melagraki School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, United Kingdom Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory (LNNano), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials

• artificial intelligence (AI) and ML approaches to nanomaterials disease therapy, environmental remediation, and to support implementation of the framework for Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD); and (iv) infrastructure and tools to underpin the implementation of nanoinformatics. Given the heterogeneity of

• nanomaterials, thus helping to fill the current gap in the toxicity data for zebrafish [8]. A major driver of the development of nanomaterials, nanoinformatics and ML/AI is the potential for solutions to real-world issues, whether in nanomedicine, nano-enabled agriculture, or environmental remediation

Interconnection morphology effects on the radio frequency response of carbon nanotube sponges

• Manuela Scarselli,
• Javad Rezvani,
• Zeno Zuccari,
• Mattia Scagliotti and
• Simone Tocci

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 343–351, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.23

• being lighter and more resistant to a broad range of environmental and harsh operating conditions, while maintaining sufficient electrical conductivity. Among them, CNTs [10][11] proved to be well-performing materials in electronics and optoelectronic applications. CNT-based antennas have been realized

Beam shaping techniques for pulsed laser ablation in liquids: Unlocking tunable control of nanoparticle synthesis in liquids

• Sergio Molina-Prados,
• Nadezhda M. Bulgakova,
• Alexander V. Bulgakov,
• Jesus Lancis,
• Gladys Mínguez Vega and
• Carlos Doñate-Buendia

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 309–342, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.22

• controlling NP size and shape but often require reducing agents and stabilising or capping agents to ensure colloidal stability, which may introduce impurities and raise environmental concerns. Biological routes for synthesising nanomaterials, such as those based on plant extracts, bacteria, or fungi, are

• indeed eco-friendly and offer advantages like low toxicity and reduced environmental impact; however, they generally offer less control over NP properties. Moreover, other physical methods such as milling, pyrolysis, sputtering, and arc discharge, or gas-phase processes such as flame spray pyrolysis or

• yield, demonstrating that scale-up is feasible and cost-effective [14]. Figure 1 provides a comparative overview of these methods, considering the key factors: elemental flexibility, environmental friendliness, synthesis purity, health and safety, productivity, process complexity, and degree of remote

Advancing nanolithography: a comprehensive review of materials for local anodic oxidation with AFM

• Matteo Lorenzoni

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 275–291, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.19

• surfaces), and environmental factors, such as humidity, which can impact reproducibility. LAO-grown oxide is less dense than thermally grown oxide, and mechanical stress between the substrate and oxide layer may lead to defects. In addition, the insulating nature of SiO2 limits its versatility compared to

• such pattering capabilities is reported in Figure 6 showing a 35 nm constriction fabricated on few-layer WSe2, before and after etching in water. Additionally, the environmental sensitivity of TMDs, such as the anisotropic oxidation of 1T′ MoTe2 under humid conditions, has been exploited to achieve

• , emphasizing scalability and environmental considerations. This precise control has significant implications for applications in photonics, nanoelectronics, and quantum computing. However, challenges remain, including the influence of humidity on patterning reproducibility and the need to mitigate structural

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

• antimicrobial properties. It was officially recognized in 2008 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the first metallic antimicrobial agent, highlighting its potential for broad-spectrum antibacterial applications [12]. Since then, copper has been extensively studied for its ability to

• culture (4 mL·cm−2 of fabric). Afterwards, the fabrics were deposited on top of a glass microscope slide (Fisher Brand) and covered with a second glass slide. This setup helped to prevent environmental contamination while the fabrics were exposed to sunlight. Two sample groups were evaluated to determine

Comparative study on 3D morphologies of delignified, single tracheids and fibers of five wood species

• Helen Gorges,
• Felicitas von Usslar,
• Cordt Zollfrank,
• Silja Flenner,
• Imke Greving,
• Martin Müller,
• Clemens F. Schaber,
• Chuchu Li and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 239–250, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.16

• environmental conditions and their different functional requirements. For instance, larger lumina typically form in earlywood during optimal environmental conditions, while latewood tracheids develop narrower lumina as a response to limited growth resources [35][36]. It seems that larger lumina in earlywood

• fibers, in general, show wider lumina than softwood tracheids. Environmental factors, such as higher environmental temperatures and less compact, well-aerated soils also promote the development of fibers and tracheids with larger lumina [37][38], which very likely result from high evaporation, as well as

• suitable environmental conditions for growth. In brief, tracheid dimensions are not static; they vary within individual trees or between species and are influenced by multiple factors, including environmental conditions and seasonal growth patterns [37][39]. Using 3D models, we additionally showed pit

Gold nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide as a highly effective catalyst for the selective α,β-dehydrogenation of N-alkyl-4-piperidones

• Brenda Flore Kenyim,
• Mihir Tzalis,
• Marilyn Kaul,
• Robert Oestreich,
• Aysenur Limon,
• Chancellin Pecheu Nkepdep and
• Christoph Janiak

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 218–238, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.15

• coated with strong ligands that provide initial stability over time, ligand desorption, ligand exchange, or environmental factors such as pH and ionic strength can weaken the protective layer, leading to nanoparticle aggregation or structural degradation [14][15]. An important aspect of expensive noble

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

• surfaces of any living organism constantly engage with the environment and face a wide range of challenges. To meet these challenges, the surfaces of any organism must often simultaneously fulfil multiple functions and adapt to various environmental pressures, which involve complex interactions between

• varying environmental parameters. For terrestrial animals, adhesive systems usually provide temporary adhesion and do not make use of cements. A study on the evolution of subdigital microstructures in Cyrtodactylus geckos by Ginal et al. [16] addressed how adhesive microstructures (setae) have

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

• Georgia Melagraki Hellenic Military Academy, Vari, Greece 10.3762/bjnano.17.11 Abstract Nanotechnology is revolutionizing different sectors such as medicine, energy, defence, and environmental science by enabling the development of materials and technologies with exceptional precision and

• , 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

• , engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been employed for environmental applications, such as water purification and pollutant removal, addressing some of the most pressing ecological challenges [4][5]. Nanotechnology has significant applications in defence [6], particularly in the development of lightweight

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

• performance in targeted and controlled drug delivery (Table 1). The detailed mechanism of CRNs in response to various environmental stimuli is described in Figure 3. 2.1 pH-responsive charge-reversible nanocarriers When exposed to the acidic cancer microenvironment (pH 6.5–6.8), CRNs undergo a pH-sensitive

• groups and the need for precise control over physicochemical characteristics further increase manufacturing costs and delay clinical development. Maintaining stability during storage is another critical concern, as environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and light exposure may induce

• and clinical evaluation processes. Ethical and environmental considerations further complicate their translation, as the degradation of by-products and long-term accumulation of synthetic nanomaterials in ecosystems necessitate thorough investigation [101]. To address these limitations, current

Functional surface engineering for cultural heritage protection: the role of superhydrophobic and superoleophobic coatings – a comprehensive review

• Giuseppe Cesare Lama,
• Marino Lavorgna,
• Letizia Verdolotti,
• Federica Recupido,
• Giovanna Giuliana Buonocore and
• Bharat Bhushan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 63–96, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.6

• Ohio State University, 201 W 19th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA 10.3762/bjnano.17.6 Abstract The preservation of cultural heritage sites and objects faces critical challenges due to natural aging, environmental degradation, and human-induced damage such as vandalism and graffiti. This review article

• article is to critically examine the most recent studies and materials innovations relevant to cultural heritage site preservation. First the assessment of substrate vulnerabilities and environmental threats is presented, followed by a detailed analysis of coating types and compositions. It concludes with

• emerging trends, challenges, and future perspectives, offering a valuable resource for researchers, conservators, and materials scientists committed to the long-term safeguarding of historical artifacts and monuments. Keywords: cultural heritage preservation; environmental degradation; functional

Quantitative estimation of nanoparticle/substrate adhesion by atomic force microscopy

• Aydan Çiçek,
• Markus Kratzer,
• Christian Teichert and
• Christian Mitterer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 1–14, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.1

• arising from the difference of the tip’s radius of curvature and NP diameter. Further, NP deformation and possible tip-on-NP gliding may result in additional/altered forces. The relative contribution of those additional effects is the stronger the weaker the particle adheres. Environmental factors, such

• strength provides a practical framework for characterizing NP/substrate interactions. Such understanding is essential for developing reliable NP coatings, where adhesion directly influences coating stability, uniformity, and functional performance under varying environmental and mechanical stress

• conditions during the use of functional devices or surfaces. Future studies should focus on the effects of environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, and the exploration of alternative NP/substrate combinations to expand the understanding of the adhesion mechanisms at the nanoscale. Schematics