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Search for "hydrophobic" in Full Text gives 427 result(s) in Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology. Showing first 200.
From shield to spear: Charge-reversible nanocarriers in overcoming cancer therapy barriers
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 159–175, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.10
- toxicity [52]. For example, a nanocarrier constructed by conjugating 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMA) and 3,3-dithiopropionic acid-modified doxorubicin (DTPA-DOX) onto poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ʟ-lysine) (PEG-b-PLL) encapsulates triptolide in its hydrophobic core. Under acidic tumour extracellular pH
Functional surface engineering for cultural heritage protection: the role of superhydrophobic and superoleophobic coatings – a comprehensive review
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 63–96, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.6
- ). The experimental coatings exhibited superior durability, being able to provide oleo/hydrophobic and anti-graffiti properties, also withstanding the action of bird excreta. Regarding the ICOM criteria, both studies demonstrate that the criteria of transparency and stability are satisfactorily achieved
- protecting wood (Castanea sativa, chestnut, and Quercus pubescens, oak) by developing a highly hydrophobic coating using environmentally friendly components. Their work focused on protection against the principal threat of water adsorption (which may cause swelling, warping, and structural weakening) by
Subdigital integumentary microstructure in Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkota): do those lineages with incipiently expressed toepads exclusively exhibit adhesive setae?
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 38–56, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.4
- putatively originally served as epidermal structures that facilitated shedding [26] and/or aided in maintaining skin hygiene thanks to their hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties [27][28]. The presence of setae is considered to be an adaptation associated with a scansorial (climbing), and especially
Internal 3D temperature mapping in biological systems using ratiometric light-sheet imaging and lipid-coated upconversion nanothermometers
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2306–2316, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.159
- mapping in living organisms. Materials and Methods Lipid-wrapped UCNPs Due to their highly hydrophobic nature, commercial NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ UCNPs (Sigma-Aldrich, No. 900556 1 ML) were coated with lipids to enhance their water dispersibility. This lipid coating (UCNPs@lipids) was applied using a modified
Ultrathin water layers on mannosylated gold nanoparticles
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2183–2198, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.151
- light scattering, and infrared spectroscopy. We probed particles adsorbed on hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy, both operated under variable air humidity. For AFM, we additionally tested hydrophilic and
- hydrophobic tips. While VSFG indicated preferential hydration of the dimannoside and proved conformational changes in the organic ligands, AFM provided sub-nanometer changes in particle topography due to water adsorption. In general, the dimannoside nanoparticles condense ultrathin water layers upon humidity
- hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces We assessed with SEM and AFM the aggregation tendency of the particles after adsorption. To this end, we determined water contact angles. The hydrophilic APDMES silicon gave 66 ± 3º. In contrast, on the hydrophobic octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) silicon, it was 92 ± 2º
Microplastic pollution in Himalayan lakes: assessment, risks, and sustainable remediation strategies
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2144–2167, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.148
- metabolic disturbance in aquatic life [114]. MPs also act as carriers of hydrophobic organic pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants, which are more harmful when ingested [23]. Trophic transfer issues are generated by the bioaccumulation of MPs in fish, with birds and
Quality by design optimization of microemulsions for topical delivery of Passiflora setacea seed oil
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2116–2131, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.146
- the oil phase, particularly the fatty acids in OPS, as well as the surfactants. In particular, the autoxidation of the polyoxyethylene (POE) chains in the hydrophilic head group of the PEG-30 castor oil and the hydrolysis of the surfactant hydrophobic tails may have contributed to the observed pH
Molecular and mechanical insights into gecko seta adhesion: multiscale simulations combining molecular dynamics and the finite element method
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2055–2076, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.141
- microscopy (AFM) experiments. Our investigation into how gecko keratin interacts with hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrates [12] supported the importance of the water-mediating effect [10] and elucidated mechanistic differences depending on surface chemistry. A particle-based mesoscale model of a single
- , and hydrophobic substrate at a loading rate of 1.88 × 1012 pN/s. We also examined adhesion forces and quantified spatula–substrate contacts, while comparing with qualitative and quantitative experimental results where available. We synchronously simulated 16 spatula–substrate contact sites via
- work [11]. These spatula models were coupled to the FE seta in two orthogonal orientations as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 2b. Smooth substrate We employed a simple particle-based model of a nonpolar (hydrophobic), smooth substrate as a baseline to remain consistent with the previously validated
Stereodiscrimination of guests in chiral organosilica aerogels studied by ESR spectroscopy
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2034–2054, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.140
- particularly interesting result was that better performance could be achieved if one attaches bulky, hydrophobic groups directly to the stereocenter. The effect of such neighboring groups on the enantioselectivity highly depends on the distance they have to the stereocenter. Keywords: chirality; confinement
- -AlaNH10oSil and, thus, a material containing a hydrophobic environment around the stereocenter. Characterization data are shown in Supporting Information File 1, Figure S9. Chiral spin probes in achiral hosts The enantiomerically pure nitroxides are not commercially available. Therefore, 3CP was prepared
- effects The choice of solvent is obviously a way to activate the difference in the interaction potentials. The latter reflects how one performs chromatography, which typically uses a gradient of solvents. Often, one starts with a hydrophobic solvent, and then the polarity of the mobile phase becomes more
Beyond the shell: exploring polymer–lipid interfaces in core–shell nanofibers to carry hyaluronic acid and β-caryophyllene
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2015–2033, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.139
- ) monolithic PLA, (b) HA/PLA, and (c) HA+NE2/PLA. All samples exhibited a hydrophobic surface, with contact angles ranging between 90° and 150°, attributed to the PLA surface. This result corroborates other characterizations demonstrating that the shell effectively coats the hydrophilic core. As expected, the
- an interconnected nanoarchitecture, forming a membrane with porosity that enhances surface hydrophobicity and promotes strong adhesion forces with water [61]. In core–shell nanofibers, the use of PLA as the shell inherently implies that the nanofibers will exhibit a hydrophobic surface due to the
PEGylated lipids in lipid nanoparticle delivery dynamics and therapeutic innovation
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1914–1930, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.133
- careful handling to mitigate possible safety risk [57][58]. For instance, a DBCO-functionalized PEG lipid was found to induce protein aggregation on the nanoparticle surface, primarily due to the hydrophobic nature of the DBCO group, leading to elevated complement activation. Excessive maleimide can react
- hydrophobic segment to act as a hydrophilic shield [80]. The rationale was that the highly water-soluble and flexible pSar chains could sterically block antibody access to the PEG domain, thereby reducing immune recognition. ELISA showed that the absorbance signal from anti-PEG IgG dropped from over 1.5 to
- 80% gene silencing in tumor cells, whereas PEG-LNP control was below 50% [91]. Linear polyglycerol (lPG) features a polyether backbone with hydroxy groups that reduce hydrophobic interactions and antibody binding. It was evaluated by replacing DMG-PEG2k in mRNA-loaded LNP formulations [92]. In a
Targeting the vector of arboviruses Aedes aegypti with nanoemulsions based on essential oils: a review with focus on larvicidal and repellent properties
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1894–1913, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.132
- [64]. Various classes of natural products and secondary metabolites have been evaluated, with a particular focus on plant essential oils and their constituents [65][66]. Essential oils in vector control Essential oils are hydrophobic, aromatic, volatile liquid compounds mainly secreted by glandular
Self-assembly and adhesive properties of Pollicipes pollicipes barnacle cement protein cp19k: influence of pH and ionic strength
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1863–1872, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.129
- to promote the formation of extended, needle-like fibrils by the cp19k protein. The β-amyloid nature of fibrils formed under these conditions and at high pH/low salt concentration was confirmed by Thioflavin T assay. Non-fibrillar cp19k adhered most effectively to hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces
- day) demonstrated relatively homogeneous staining on both hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials, indicating adhesion to the relevant surfaces (Figure 4a,b). Staining was noticeably more intense for protein samples incubated at pH 4.0 and 150 mM NaCl, followed by samples incubated at pH 8.0 and 0 mM
- ), and hydrophobic Nunc™ MicroWell™ 96-well untreated plates (Thermo Scientific™). Cell-Tak (Corning® Cell-Tak™, Fisher Scientific), containing a mixture of Mytilus edulis adhesive proteins mfp-1 and -2, and BSA were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Cell-Tak was prepared in 5% acetic
Current status of using adsorbent nanomaterials for removing microplastics from water supply systems: a mini review
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1837–1850, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.127
- conventional treatments removing only 40–70%, especially struggling with smaller particles. Based mainly on mechanisms like electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, pore filling, hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and surface complexation, adsorbent nanomaterials achieve over 90% removal of MPs and
- (MPs) related to public health and environmental risks have gained significant attention [1]. Because of their small size, high surface area, and hydrophobic properties, MPs can act as vectors for toxic chemicals, including heavy metals (lead, cadmium, or mercury) and persistent organic pollutants like
- general and MPs in particular. By using corncob biochar, Abdoul Magid et al. showed an adsorption of polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs) of about 19 mg·g−1. The main mechanisms of PSNP adsorption include increased surface area from pyrolysis and oxidation, hydrophobic interactions (fresh biochar), hydrogen
Exploring the potential of polymers: advancements in oral nanocarrier technology
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1751–1793, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.122
- , secreted or cell-bound, which form a viscoelastic gel through entanglement and cross-linking. These properties contribute to the protective and lubricating functions of mucus. These functions are performed through steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interactions with various substances [6]. Mucin is an
- , nanocapsules are particularly effective in encapsulating hydrophobic and lipophilic drugs due to the affinity of these compounds for the oily core. Drug release occurs through controlled diffusion across the polymeric layer and interaction with the core material. Conversely, nanospheres are capable of
- encapsulating either hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs, depending on the physicochemical compatibility between the drug and the polymeric matrix. The distribution of the drug within the matrix is influenced by drug–polymer interactions, as well as by the type of polymer and the manufacturing method employed
Advances of aptamers in esophageal cancer diagnosis, treatment and drug delivery
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1734–1750, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.121
- delivery of gene-silencing therapeutics; (2) direct intercalation of aptamers with small-molecule chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g., DOX), forming stable complexes; (3) co-encapsulation of aptamers and hydrophobic drugs into nanoparticles (e.g., liposomes or polymeric micelles) to improve drug solubility and
Multifunctional anionic nanoemulsion with linseed oil and lecithin: a preliminary approach for dry eye disease
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1711–1733, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.120
- addition to PFAs, phospholipids are notable for their structure, which includes a hydrophilic part (phosphate groups) and a hydrophobic part (fatty acid chains). This unique configuration allows phospholipids to interact at the interface between the lipid and aqueous layers of the tear film, increasing its
- micelles (single-layered lipid structures) [43]. The hydrophilic portion of lecithin consists of phospholipids, while the presence of unsaturated and/or saturated fatty acids determines its hydrophobic characteristics, thereby influencing its hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) values [44]. However
- its polar portions, and the length of its hydrophobic chain [49]. PPC values below 0.5 indicate the formation of monolayer micelles, whereas values between 0.5 and 1.0 favor liposome formation [49][50]. A value of p ≥ 0.5 has been reported for phosphatidylcholine, indicating that lecithin can form
Prospects of nanotechnology and natural products for cancer and immunotherapy
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1644–1667, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.116
- spontaneously from the organization of active or natural compounds, without the presence of a carrier material or excipients. Their stability is due to the presence of intermolecular interactions, such as electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and hydrophobic interactions [104][105]. Among the
- ) complex that targets the PD-L1 gene, a cell-penetrating peptide, and a tumor cell membrane derived from HepG2 cells. Characterization of the nanoparticles showed that the nanocomplex was stabilized by hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic forces. In addition, confocal microscopy, gene
Nanotechnology-based approaches for the removal of microplastics from wastewater: a comprehensive review
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1607–1632, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.114
- the process. The removal of MPs by adsorbents primarily relies on hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding, which are influenced by their surface characteristics. Among various adsorbents, activated carbon and biochar have gained wide attention for treating water
- hydrophobic nature make them highly effective in capturing various organic pollutants, including methylene blue, neutral red, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Notably, the unique hexagonal honeycomb crystal structure imparts exceptional stability, allowing them to perform efficiently under challenging
The role of biochar in combating microplastic pollution: a bibliometric analysis in environmental contexts
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1401–1416, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.102
- utilizing silica sand and corn straw biochar for 10 µm PS particles [38]. For particles larger than 75 µm, mechanisms such as hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions dominate, while smaller particles (<75 µm) are removed through π–π interactions between the benzene rings of PS and biochar surfaces
- of these two models are based on different mechanisms, as described in Figure 6. MP removal by BC filter columns is primarily facilitated by the fixation of particles through filtration effects, entanglement due to surface roughness and hydrophobic interactions [47]. The negatively charged surfaces
Enhancing the therapeutical potential of metalloantibiotics using nano-based delivery systems
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1350–1366, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.98
- ability to carry both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. These self-assembled vesicles consist of phospholipid bilayers that encapsulate an aqueous core, allowing for the entrapment of various therapeutic agents [57]. Liposomes can be designed to carry multiple types of drugs within the same system
- encapsulate a wide variety of therapeutic agents, from hydrophilic to hydrophobic compounds. Due to their biocompatibility and easy formulation, polymeric NPs can be engineered to offer precise control over drug release, stability, and targeting, making them ideal candidates in the treatment of infections [77
- copolymers, exhibit good stability and cargo-retention efficiency, making them ideal for cytosolic drug delivery [79]. Polymeric micelles, with a hydrophilic core and hydrophobic outer shell, protect aqueous drug cargo and improve circulation time, often being used for the delivery of cancer therapeutics [80
Ferroptosis induction by engineered liposomes for enhanced tumor therapy
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1325–1349, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.97
- hydrophobic phospholipid bilayer and a hydrophilic core. Depending on the physicochemical properties of the drug, this type of structure allows the entrapment of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs [1]. Liposomes, like other nanosystems, have many benefits, such as prolonged systemic blood circulation
- hydrophilic and hydrophobic therapeutic agents, they improve the solubility and efficacy of drugs, especially those with poor aqueous solubility. Liposomes reduce the impact on healthy tissue while delivering strong drug concentrations directly to the tumor, minimizing the harmful side effects of chemotherapy
- hydrophobic substances and offer additional advantages such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, lack of immunogenicity, and flexibility for chemical and structural modifications [142][143]. Recent developments in liposomes focus on modifying their chemical and structural properties to target
Better together: biomimetic nanomedicines for high performance tumor therapy
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1246–1276, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.92
- physicochemical and biological properties, and incredible potential of being therapeutic agent carriers for biomedical applications [10][11]. They are capable to deliver a range of therapeutics including genes, vaccines, biological macromolecules, hydrophobic/hydrophilic drugs, and proteins to certain organs such
- phospholipids and apolipoproteins [55]. Lipoproteins include, among others, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Due to the hydrophobic core and prolonged circulation, they have been used in drug delivery. The lipid core of the lipoprotein tend to load a variety of lipophilic drug
- cholesterol uptake, and induce ferroptosis of the cancer cells [67]. HDL presents many features that make it ideal for drug delivery applications including biocompatibility and biodegradability, long circulation, hydrophobic core, and small size. The main lipoprotein of HDL is alpha apolipoprotein (apo A-I
Functional bio-packaging enhanced with nanocellulose from rice straw and cinnamon essential oil Pickering emulsion for fruit preservation
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1234–1245, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.91
- of persimmons was maintained up to 63 days in cold storage [35]. The major challenge of using CEO is its hydrophobic nature, which prevents it from blending with the biopackaging casting solution, and its volatile and unstable structure, which can lead to significant loss of efficacy over time [36
Hydrogels and nanogels: effectiveness in dermal applications
Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1216–1233, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.90
- barriers and deliver therapeutic agents with high precision and efficiency [141][142][143]. Among the ultrasmall systems, cyclodextrin-based nanogels have attracted considerable attention. Cyclodextrins are oligosaccharides with a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic external surface, facilitating the
- as drug carriers to deliver hydrophobic [153] and hydrophilic [154] molecules as well as biomolecules, including proteins [155] and nucleic acids [156]. These nanocarriers can be obtained from biodegradable and biocompatible materials [157], showing singular properties, such as stimuli-responsiveness
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