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

• nanoparticles act against viruses involves the interaction with the surface of the NPs, leading to adhesion and inactivation, thereby preventing the virion from entering the host cell. NPs release ions or transfer them to microorganisms, inducing oxidative stress. Given these possible mechanisms, viral

• leaves of some plants are water- or dust-repellent, and these repellent properties can be transferred to textiles by modifying the components involved in these mechanisms [24]. Among the physicochemical methods used for fabric functionalization with nanomaterials are coatings, electrospinning, assembling

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

• inspiration from biological solutions for technology [3]. By studying multiscale structures and mechanisms in biological systems, biomimetics enables the translation of the fundamental principles into technological solutions for practical uses. In this context, bioinspired nanotechnology plays a vital role in

Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging of contaminant species in chemical vapour deposited graphene on copper

• Barry Brennan,
• Vlad-Petru Veigang-Radulescu,
• Philipp Braeuninger-Weimer,
• Stephan Hofmann and
• Andrew J. Pollard

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 200–213, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.13

• substrate, depending on processing conditions employed and the chemical species present on the surface. This has implications for the gas permeation barrier properties of this material, graphene transfer mechanisms, as well as the effectiveness of using the oxidation of the copper foil as a rapid graphene

• directly under the graphene after post-growth exposure to atmosphere. This could have implications for better understanding transfer mechanisms that rely on oxidation of the Cu substrate [39][40], defect characterisation [41], or the heat dissipation ability of graphene on Cu [42]. Methods CVD graphene

• the same areas of the samples as in Figure 1. ToF-SIMS depth profile images of graphene grown on copper foils utilising different graphene growth mechanisms from the first 50 nm of the sample, for (a) back side oxidation + Ar annealed (BO), (b) Ar:H2 annealed (Ar:H2), (c) electro-polished + Ar:H2

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

• the molecular assembly governs birefringence in PAZO remains incomplete, leaving open questions about the fundamental mechanisms driving the observed photoresponsive behavior. This knowledge gap serves as the primary motivation for the present study. Here, we investigate the optical properties of PAZO

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

• , relying on animal tests that measure outcomes such as mortality without explaining the underlying mechanisms, is effectively a “black box.” In contrast, using AI and XAI can provide mechanistic insights, leading to greater transparency for regulators and improved protection for the public [69]. Increasing

• technologies – particularly those incorporating real-time sensor data – enables adaptive feedback mechanisms that support proactive decision making. This comprehensive integration of data standards, explainable AI, and digital twins has the potential to not only optimize product development cycles but also to

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

• Cancer remains a foremost global health challenge, characterized by uncontrolled cellular proliferation and the ability to invade and metastasize to distant sites. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells bypass regulatory mechanisms to form tumours and spread via lymphatic or circulatory systems, such as

• distinct edge over conventional nanocarriers, representing a significant leap toward more precise and efficient cancer treatments [16]. This review aims to present an in-depth analysis of charge-reversible nanocarriers (CRNs) in cancer treatment, emphasising their underlying mechanisms, benefits, and

• through pH-sensitive or neutral/zwitterionic designs enhances therapeutic precision, circulation stability, and biocompatibility by enabling controlled drug release while minimising immune recognition and cytotoxicity. CRNs exhibit diverse mechanisms, applications, and advantages that enhance their

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

• may stem from the incomplete understanding of factors affecting the NLs optimal delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of NLs transport across the BBB and the impact of NLs properties as well as the disease pathophysiology is crucial for improving

• systems behave in biological environments is limited, and further research is needed to explore the fundamental mechanisms of nano–bio interactions and develop strategies for their manipulation. In order to obtain valuable insights into the behavior of nanodelivery systems, as well as the nano–bio

• especially in the context of brain-related disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, thus providing useful starting point for testing potential therapies and understanding disease mechanisms [12][13]. Hence, proper cell line selection and optimized experimental conditions help predicting in vivo

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

• cancer, but there are cellular mechanisms of resistance, such as membrane transporters, which lower the therapeutic response rate. However, when the treatment with 5-FU was evaluated, associated with photodynamic therapy using Foslip® as a liposomal system, it was found that this treatment was effective

• is a semi-empirical model that encompasses release profiles of drugs through polymeric chains when the governing mechanism is a combination of Fickian and non-Fickian mechanisms: where Q is the amount of dose released at time t, k is the release rate constant, and n is the exponent. 2.3.5 Atomic

• analyses provide strong evidence of liposome functionalization. The transition from a smooth surface in HSPC-50-R-PE to a rougher HSPC-IM-R-PE topography is likely to impact biological interactions such as cellular uptake mechanisms, biodistribution, clearance by the reticuloendothelial system, and even

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

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

• 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

Internal 3D temperature mapping in biological systems using ratiometric light-sheet imaging and lipid-coated upconversion nanothermometers

• Dannareli Barron-Ortiz,
• Enric Pérez-Parets,
• Rubén D. Cadena-Nava,
• Emilio J. Gualda,
• Jacob Licea-Rodríguez,
• Juan Hernández-Cordero,
• Pablo Loza-Álvarez and
• Israel Rocha-Mendoza

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2306–2316, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.159

• ability to map temperature with high spatial resolution is a critical tool for probing disease mechanisms, potentially aiding in diagnostics and therapeutic evaluation. To address these limitations, luminescent nanomaterial-based thermometers (LNTs) have emerged as promising alternatives for biological

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

• generate heat through Brownian and Néel relaxation mechanisms [4]. The heat generation capacity of these nanoparticles is often quantified by the specific absorption rate (SAR), which represents the power dissipated as heat per gram of nanoparticles under the influence of an alternating magnetic field. The

Geometry-controlled engineering of the low-temperature proximity effect in normal metal–superconductor junctions

• Munisa A. Tomayeva,
• Vyacheslav D. Neverov,
• Andrey V. Krasavin,
• Alexei Vagov and
• Mihail D. Croitoru

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2265–2273, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.155

• geometric variations modify the amplitude and spatial profile of the Cooper pair wave function, as well as the effective barrier potential at the interface. These geometric effects influence the balance between Andreev reflection and quasiparticle scattering, modulate pair-breaking mechanisms, and thus

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

• cPNSs. As a traceless chiral agent, CPL holds great potential for integration with nanofabrication technologies. In this review, we will summarize the progress made in fabricating cPNSs using CPL. We will discuss the mechanisms involved in the CPL-based fabrication process and share our insights

• the advances in the fabrication of cPNSs using CPL. Section 1 will present a brief background that summarizes representative fabrication technologies for cPNSs, which employ various strategies. Section 2 will explore the mechanisms by which CPL leads to the formation of cPNSs and summarize the

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

• use, affordability, and enhanced performance [29][30]. The current study critically reviews the newest findings on the mechanisms and designing principles of different optical sensing systems for sensitive and selective detection of VB12 in various media and real-world samples. Present limitations and

• (e.g., metformin) and bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine), and patients with inherited disorders such as deficiency of the non-glycosylated protein of transcobalamin II (TC-II) [2][10][45][46][47][48]. Pathways of vitamin B12 absorption and metabolism Two principal mechanisms exist for the

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

• properties on particle size and shape has been demonstrated for particle sizes in the 1–100 nm range and on biological interfaces [7]. Limited biocompatibility and high tendency to aggregate in solution inspired new mechanisms of particle biofunctionalization with proteins, lipids, or carbohydrates. Coupling

• identify if the increase in the maximum height of single particles was merely driven by the adsorption of water layers on top of the dimannose residues or by other mechanisms such as swelling, that is, the incorporation of water into the NP shell. As in the previously introduced cases, the particles

Microplastic pollution in Himalayan lakes: assessment, risks, and sustainable remediation strategies

• Sameeksha Rawat,
• S. M. Tauseef and
• Madhuben Sharma

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2144–2167, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.148

• mechanisms and deposition of MPs into sensitive environments in perspective [18][19]. 3.1 Sources and pathways of microplastics in lakes MPs come from various sources and are carried to high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas through several routes. The major sources of pollution are improper disposal of

• glacial retreat zones, affirming meltwater pathways. Where Himalayan-specific data is sparse, mechanisms are inferred from analogous systems such as the Swiss Alps and Andean lakes. Seasonal MP dynamics in the Himalayan lakes are controlled by environmental factors such as glacier melting and monsoonal

• mechanisms, efficiency, and experimental conditions. To improve clarity and compare functional mechanisms, the nanomaterials are grouped based on their primary MP removal strategy, that is, adsorption, photocatalysis, and magnetic/hybrid systems. Tables 4–6 highlight that adsorption and photocatalysis are

Electron transport through nanoscale multilayer graphene and hexagonal boron nitride junctions

• Aleksandar Staykov and
• Takaya Fujisaki

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2132–2143, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.147

• differentiate the electron transport mechanisms between graphene and h-BN at the nanoscale and compare them to their macroscopic properties. The role of several common defects on the electron transport will be elucidated, which is an important transition from pristine models to realistic applications. Methods

• tunneling currents and is not related to the electronic properties of the materials. For four to six layers of thickness, the transport mechanisms differ between graphene and h-BN, where we have ballistic transport through quantum levels in graphene with linear dependence on the thickness and tunneling

Quality by design optimization of microemulsions for topical delivery of Passiflora setacea seed oil

• Daniel T. Pereira,
• Douglas Dourado,
• Danielle T. Freire,
• Dayanne L. Porto,
• Cícero F. S. Aragão,
• Myla L. de Souza,
• Guilherme R. S. de Araujo,
• Ana Maria Costa,
• Wógenes N. Oliveira,
• Anne Sapin-Minet,
• Éverton N. Alencar and
• Eryvaldo Sócrates T. Egito

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2116–2131, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.146

• the complex biological processes involved in wound healing. Specifically, it does not evaluate critical mechanisms such as cell migration, proliferation, extracellular matrix remodeling, or the modulation of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, future investigations should incorporate complementary

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

• , cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes [11][12]. Historically known especially for its antimicrobial properties, silver has been used since ancient times. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are synthesized by different synthesis mechanisms; they are non-toxic to eukaryotic cells, including human cells, but highly toxic

• cells. A comprehensive understanding of the fundamental mechanisms governing this selective activity against cancer cell lines necessitates further investigation. Elucidating the specific molecular interactions and signaling pathways between NCs and malignant cells may provide an alternative therapeutic

• with AgNPs, supporting oxidative stress as a key factor in nanoparticle-induced cell death [48]. Therefore, it is plausible that the cytotoxic effects of AgSbS2 NCs observed in this study are at least partially mediated through ROS-dependent apoptotic mechanisms. Future investigations focusing on

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

• . Moreover, these nanocarriers can bypass cancer cell resistance mechanisms, thereby enhancing overall drug efficacy. Targeted drug delivery aims at overcoming the side effects and limitations of traditional cancer treatment, like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery, though effective in some

• healthy tissues. Toxicity remains one of the most significant concerns associated with CNMs. Their unique physical and chemical properties, while advantageous for drug delivery, can also contribute to harmful effects. Potential mechanisms of toxicity include the generation of reactive oxygen species

Multifrequency AFM integrating PeakForce tapping and higher eigenmodes for heterogeneous surface characterization

• Yanping Wei,
• Jiafeng Shen,
• Yirong Yao,
• Xuke Li,
• Ming Li and
• Peiling Ke

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2077–2085, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.142

• Figure 1, the probe is exposed to two excitation mechanisms: (i) The piezoelectric driver PD-I induces sinusoidal vibrations at a frequency significantly below the cantilever’s first eigenmode frequency, typically in the range of 0.5–2 kHz on our instrument. This action propels the probe to engage and

• excite the probe in our innovative multifrequency AFM mode. The efficacy of this approach relies on two synergistic mechanisms. First, when the probe contacts the sample surface, tip–sample interaction forces induce a rapid resonance frequency shift and amplitude attenuation in the higher eigenmodes

Molecular and mechanical insights into gecko seta adhesion: multiscale simulations combining molecular dynamics and the finite element method

• Yash Jain,
• Saeed Norouzi,
• Tobias Materzok,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Florian Müller-Plathe

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2055–2076, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.141

• detachment, thereby enhancing adhesion strength. The computed pull-off forces and observed mechanisms are consistent with atomic force microscopy measurements and previous simulations. These results align with existing experimental and computational studies. They also overcome scale and resolution

• ][20] are necessary to capture both large-scale geometry and local molecular interactions at the adhesive interface. There have been several pure finite element studies of gecko adhesion, which examine mechanisms like peeling from and pushing (loading) onto a substrate [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28

• geometry was sufficient as a first step in validating our concurrent MD–FEM approach and extracting fundamental insights about contact formation, load transfer, and spatula detachment mechanisms. Simulating each spatula in its own MD simulation, while coupling them all with the seta FEM model, becomes

Stereodiscrimination of guests in chiral organosilica aerogels studied by ESR spectroscopy

• Sebastian Polarz,
• Yasar Krysiak,
• Martin Wessig and
• Florian Kuhlmann

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2034–2054, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.140

• extensive description of the enormous progress of liquid chromatography with chiral, stationary phases made over several decades [18]. The author analyzes that a molecular understanding of the recognition mechanisms on chiral surfaces is still scarce, particularly regarding dynamic aspects. Meanwhile

The cement of the tube-dwelling polychaete Sabellaria alveolata: a complex composite adhesive material

• Emilie Duthoo,
• Aurélie Lambert,
• Pierre Becker,
• Carla Pugliese,
• Jean-Marc Baele,
• Arnaud Delfairière,
• Matthew J. Harrington and
• Patrick Flammang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1998–2014, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.138

• material; Polychaeta; protein phosphorylation; Introduction Many invertebrate marine organisms have adhesive mechanisms that allow them to firmly attach to various substrates in a wet and salty environment [1][2]. This remarkable ability has raised the interest of scientists in developing bio-inspired

• in the largest spheroids). The occurrence of expanded inclusions in some samples, although it may be an artifact of preparation, could mimic intermediate states between inclusions and hollow spheroids. Time-lapse experiments on extracted secretory granules could help decipher the mechanisms behind