Engineered PEG–PCL nanoparticles enable sensitive and selective detection of sodium dodecyl sulfate: a qualitative and quantitative analysis

• Soni Prajapati and
• Ranjana Singh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 385–396, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.29

• surfactants such as CTAB, SDS, Tween 20, and Triton X-100 at a concentration of 0.1%. These ions and surfactants were chosen due to their relevance in environmental samples, and are example of common pollutants. The study found that while these heavy metal ions and other surfactants were present, the PEG–PCL

Emerging strategies in the sustainable removal of antibiotics using semiconductor-based photocatalysts

• Yunus Ahmed,
• Keya Rani Dutta,
• Parul Akhtar,
• Md. Arif Hossen,
• Md. Jahangir Alam,
• Obaid A. Alharbi,
• Hamad AlMohamadi and
• Abdul Wahab Mohammad

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 264–285, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.21

• Emirates 10.3762/bjnano.16.21 Abstract In the constantly growing field of environmental sustainability, the threat of newly discovered pollutants, particularly antibiotics, has become a crucial concern. The widespread presence of these pharmaceutical substances in water sources presents a complex hazard

• degradation and solid–liquid separation are also commonly used in making the pollutants non-toxic or non-hazardous [13][23]. It should be noted that many of the conventional methods fail in degrading antibiotics completely since most antibiotics are very complex in structure and are even resistant to

• semiconductor-based photocatalysts for the degradation of antibiotics (Figure 1). The appeal of photocatalysis lies in its potential to achieve extensive mineralization, converting organic pollutants into harmless mineral compounds. Furthermore, its nonselective nature enables it to address a broad spectrum of

A review of metal-organic frameworks and polymers in mixed matrix membranes for CO₂ capture

• Charlotte Skjold Qvist Christensen,
• Nicholas Hansen,
• Mahboubeh Motadayen,
• Nina Lock,
• Martin Lahn Henriksen and
• Jonathan Quinson

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 155–186, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.14

Clays enhanced with niobium: potential in wastewater treatment and reuse as pigment with antibacterial activity

• Silvia Jaerger,
• Patricia Appelt,
• Mario Antônio Alves da Cunha,
• Fabián Ccahuana Ayma,
• Ricardo Schneider,
• Carla Bittencourt and
• Fauze Jacó Anaissi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 141–154, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.13

• ; Introduction The most found dye pollutants in wastewater on a global scale originate from textile, plastic, paper, food, cosmetics, mineral, and pharmaceutical industries, among others, resulting in significant environmental impacts [1]. Dyes, as chemical compounds that impart color to different materials

• , play a crucial role in industries requiring coloring, such as textile, food, cosmetics, rubber, printing, paper, and plastic. Globally, an estimated 7 × 105 tons of dyes are produced, with 10–15% typically disposed of as wastewater pollutants [2]. Among the most used dyes, methylene blue (MB) is an

• residues from the original organic matter, thus avoiding the disposal of sludge [8]. This approach allows the removal of various organic pollutants, including textile dyes, using solid semiconductors (e.g., NbOPO4 and Nb2O5) and photons (with energy greater than the bandgap energy of the semiconductor) to

Modeling and simulation of carbon-nanocomposite-based gas sensors

• Roopa Hegde,
• Punya Prabha V,
• Shipra Upadhyay and
• Krishna S B

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 90–96, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.9

• nanocomposites, like high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and chemical stability, make them ideal candidates for the development of high-performance CO gas sensors. Carbon-nanocomposite gas sensors find their application in detecting pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2

Facile synthesis of size-tunable L-carnosine-capped silver nanoparticles and their role in metal ion sensing and catalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol

• Akash Kumar,
• Ridhima Chadha,
• Abhishek Das,
• Nandita Maiti and
• Rayavarapu Raja Gopal

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1576–1592, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.124

• with various contaminants. Keywords: catalysis; heavy metals; ʟ-carnosine; p-nitrophenol; silver nanoparticles; Introduction The persistent rise in environmental pollution, notably from heavy metal ions and organic pollutants, has propelled the development of innovative and efficient environmental

• biomagnification [1]. Similarly, organic pollutants such as p-nitrophenol (P-NP), from agricultural and industrial processes, are of significant concern because of their toxicity and resistance to degradation [2]. Consequently, detection and removal of these contaminants have become crucial for environmental

• pollutants [4][5][6]. Biomolecule-capped silver nanoparticles, particularly those stabilized by naturally occurring peptides such as ʟ-carnosine, have shown exceptional sensing and catalytic degradation capabilities. ʟ-Carnosine, a dipeptide consisting of β-alanine and histidine, stabilizes the nanoparticle

Nanoarchitectonics with cetrimonium bromide on metal nanoparticles for linker-free detection of toxic metal ions and catalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol

• Akash Kumar and
• Raja Gopal Rayavarapu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1312–1332, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.106

• , India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India 10.3762/bjnano.15.106 Abstract Heavy metal ions and organic pollutants, such as 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), pose significant environmental and human health threats. Addressing these challenges necessitates using advanced

• and silver) nanoprobes are emerging as versatile colorimetric and spectrophotometric nanosensors for rapid detection/degradation of heavy metal ions and toxic pollutants that pose a serious challenge to environment and human health. Globally, acceleration of industrial growth and urbanization led to

• the increased release of pollutants into the environment, causing health concerns to humans. Untreated industrial effluents are released, and most heavy metal ions accumulate in water higher than the permissible limits, pollute drinking water, and are non-biodegradable. Heavy metal ions are

Interaction of graphene oxide with tannic acid: computational modeling and toxicity mitigation in C. elegans

• Romana Petry,
• James M. de Almeida,
• Francine Côa,
• Felipe Crasto de Lima,
• Diego Stéfani T. Martinez and
• Adalberto Fazzio

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1297–1311, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.105

• , phototransformation, and degradation [8]. Furthermore, because of the presence of sites for different types of interaction mechanisms (i.e., hydrogen bonding, van der Waals interaction, and π–π stacking), its structure favors the adsorption of different molecules (i.e., biomolecules and organic pollutants) and metal

Mn-doped ZnO nanopowders prepared by sol–gel and microwave-assisted sol–gel methods and their photocatalytic properties

• Cristina Maria Vlăduț,
• Crina Anastasescu,
• Silviu Preda,
• Oana Catalina Mocioiu,
• Simona Petrescu,
• Jeanina Pandele-Cusu,
• Dana Culita,
• Veronica Bratan,
• Ioan Balint and
• Maria Zaharescu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1283–1296, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.104

• proven to be efficient compounds for the photodegradation of organic pollutants from water, but this approach becomes really valuable when a green energy source (solar light) is used. Furthermore, photomineralization of aqueous pollutants is fully desirable because no harmful intermediates remain. In

• photocatalytic properties of SG and MW. Based on these preliminary results, it is fully desirable to develop such engineered materials [57] for the removal of organic pollutants. It is important to expand the activity range of the materials from UV to visible light by tailoring the manganese addition to ZnO and

Introducing third-generation periodic table descriptors for nano-qRASTR modeling of zebrafish toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles

• Supratik Kar and
• Siyun Yang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1142–1152, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.93

• of safer nanomedicines. MONPs are also being utilized in environmental remediation efforts to remove pollutants from water and soil. The insights gained from this study can help in selecting nanoparticles that are effective in remediation without posing significant risks to aquatic life and

Unveiling the potential of alginate-based nanomaterials in sensing technology and smart delivery applications

• Shakhzodjon Uzokboev,
• Khojimukhammad Akhmadbekov,
• Ra’no Nuritdinova,
• Salah M. Tawfik and
• Yong-Ill Lee

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1077–1104, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.88

• early diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes [98]. In environmental monitoring, alginate nanoparticles have been employed for the detection of pollutants and contaminants in water and air, helping to ensure environmental safety [99]. The main factor for the sensing ability of alginate is the surface

• alginate from marine sources adds to its appeal as a sustainable and renewable material for nanoparticle synthesis [103]. These nanoparticles have demonstrated potential in sensing applications, including temperature, humidity, water level, and various environmental pollutants. Heavy metal and volatile

• environmental monitoring. Accurate detection and measurement of H2O2 levels is vital for understanding its role in biological processes, diagnosing diseases, and monitoring environmental pollutants [114]. Alginate-based nanoparticles have depicted great potential in hydrogen peroxide sensing. A silver/poly(3

Recent progress on field-effect transistor-based biosensors: device perspective

• Billel Smaani,
• Fares Nafa,
• Mohamed Salah Benlatrech,
• Ismahan Mahdi,
• Hamza Akroum,
• Mohamed walid Azizi,
• Khaled Harrar and
• Sayan Kanungo

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 977–994, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.80

• water bodies. Therefore, the detection of harmful pollutants in the environment is a critical issue. Numerous works have reported on the application of biosensors for environmental monitoring, especially those based on optical or electrochemical transduction platforms [10][11][12][13]. Moreover

Intermixing of MoS₂ and WS₂ photocatalysts toward methylene blue photodegradation

• Maryam Al Qaydi,
• Nitul S. Rajput,
• Michael Lejeune,
• Abdellatif Bouchalkha,
• Mimoun El Marssi,
• Steevy Cordette,
• Chaouki Kasmi and
• Mustapha Jouiad

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 817–829, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.68

• cost-effective technology. By harnessing impinging photons, the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants takes place at the interface between the photocatalyst surface and the MB-contaminated electrolyte. The photon energy is the driving force for breaking down the MB compound leading to its removal [9

• pollutants is often driven by reactive agents, such as superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals, or photo-induced holes produced from either the conduction or valence bands [41][42]. The mechanism of the PD of MB under visible light excitation consists of several steps: Initially, the MB dye molecules are

• build up on the VB to generate the oxidization of OH− (see Figure 10), resulting in the formation of •OH. Despite the slow oxidative hydrolysis kinetics, the oxidative radical species remain crucial to drive the photodegradation of organic pollutants [24][25]. Using the Nernst equation [45], the

Green synthesis of biomass-derived carbon quantum dots for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

• Dalia Chávez-García,
• Mario Guzman,
• Viridiana Sanchez and
• Rubén D. Cadena-Nava

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 755–766, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.63

• ][12][13][14]. Researchers are exploring innovative approaches, such as advanced oxidation processes, nanotechnology-based methods, and biological treatment systems, which show promise in effectively removing pollutants from wastewater [14][15][16]. In this research, we focus on the synthesis of carbon

Aero-ZnS prepared by physical vapor transport on three-dimensional networks of sacrificial ZnO microtetrapods

• Veaceslav Ursaki,
• Tudor Braniste,
• Victor Zalamai,
• Emil Rusu,
• Vladimir Ciobanu,
• Vadim Morari,
• Daniel Podgornii,
• Pier Carlo Ricci,
• Rainer Adelung and
• Ion Tiginyanu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 490–499, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.44

• pollutants from the atmosphere and from water, in other catalytic processes, including photocatalytic water splitting, in energy production and storage, in microfluidic systems, in drug delivery and other biomedical applications, in sensing, in electronic, photoelectronic, optoelectronic and nanophotonic

Prediction of cytotoxicity of heavy metals adsorbed on nano-TiO₂ with periodic table descriptors using machine learning approaches

• Joyita Roy,
• Souvik Pore and
• Kunal Roy

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 939–950, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.77

• living cells, and their cytotoxicity may inhibit cell growth cycles, leading to death of organisms. Considering this fact, the cytotoxicity of TiO2 in combination with other pollutants has been evaluated. TiO2 is the most commonly manufactured nanoparticle material. It is assumed that because of the

• considerably high exposure TiO2 NPs may enter the food chain. Because of current industrialization processes, organisms are also exposed to heavy metal pollutants [7]. Emitted NPs may interact with the pollutants, and this may subsequently lead to bioaccumulation. The contamination of water and soil with heavy

• cause co-exposure effects on living organisms. The extensive use of heavy metals in areas such as medicine and agriculture increased the negative impact of heavy metals on environment and living organisms, raising the need for risk assessment. Unlike other pollutants, heavy metals do not decompose

Silver-based SERS substrates fabricated using a 3D printed microfluidic device

• Phommachith Sonexai,
• Minh Van Nguyen,
• Bui The Huy and
• Yong-Ill Lee

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 793–803, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.65

• excellent analytical performance of the PS@Ag SERS substrate, making it a promising tool for detecting environmental pollutants and ensuring food safety. Photograph of the as-fabricated droplet-based microfluidic device. Images and absorbance spectra of Ag NPs synthesized using silver nitrate and sodium

Silver nanoparticles loaded on lactose/alginate: in situ synthesis, catalytic degradation, and pH-dependent antibacterial activity

• Nguyen Thi Thanh Tu,
• T. Lan-Anh Vo,
• T. Thu-Trang Ho,
• Kim-Phuong T. Dang,
• Van-Dung Le,
• Phan Nhat Minh,
• Chi-Hien Dang,
• Vinh-Thien Tran,
• Van-Su Dang,
• Tran Thi Kim Chi,
• Hieu Vu-Quang,
• Radek Fajgar,
• Thi-Lan-Huong Nguyen,
• Van-Dat Doan and
• Thanh-Danh Nguyen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 781–792, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.64

• catalytic performance in degrading the pollutants methyl orange and rhodamine B. The antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite is pH-dependent, related to the alterations in surface properties of the nanocomposite at different pH values. At pH 6, the nanocomposite demonstrated the highest antibacterial

• ) under atmospheric conditions from 25 to 800 °C with a heating rate of 10 °C/min. Catalytic activity for degradation of contaminants Catalytic activity of the synthetic nanocomposite was evaluated through the degradation of pollutants (MO and RhB) in the presence of excess amounts of NaBH4 [51]. In a

Cross-sectional Kelvin probe force microscopy on III–V epitaxial multilayer stacks: challenges and perspectives

• Mattia da Lisca,
• José Alvarez,
• James P. Connolly,
• Nicolas Vaissiere,
• Karim Mekhazni,
• Jean Decobert and
• Jean-Paul Kleider

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 725–737, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.59

• (radius < 25 nm) with a conductive Pt/Ir coating at a resonance frequency of 75 kHz were used. During KPFM measurements under ambient conditions, tip contamination is likely to occur because of pollutants that may be present on the sample surface causing a variation of ϕtip [18]. Hence, ϕtip was evaluated

• considered. In particular, contamination of the tip is likely to occur due to pollutants (e.g., nano- and/or micrometre-size dust grains), which may be present on the sample surface leading to a variation of the tip surface potential. The tip-averaging effect represents an important aspect of KPFM under

Nanomaterials for photocatalysis and applications in environmental remediation and renewable energy

• Viet Van Pham and
• Wee-Jun Ong

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 722–724, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.58

• persistent organic pollutants (POPs) also contributes to water pollution, increasing global environmental pollution. Recently, the reduction and conversion of CO2 into fuel as valuable hydrocarbon products has been drawing attention from scientists in materials science, chemical engineering, nanotechnology

• appropriate for treating pollutants, even in atmospheric conditions [9][10][11]. Moreover, the photocatalysis method is also a potential solution for environmental remediation, carbon emission reduction, and renewable energy production [12][13][14]. Combining photocatalysts and sunlight irradiation is a

• photocatalysis mechanism outlining several possible targets (i.e., NOx degradation, water splitting, degradation of organic pollutants, and enhancement of electron generation in a solar-cell application). This Thematic Issue highlights recent experimental and theoretical developments in using light harvesting by

Metal-organic framework-based nanomaterials as opto-electrochemical sensors for the detection of antibiotics and hormones: A review

• Akeem Adeyemi Oladipo,
• Saba Derakhshan Oskouei and
• Mustafa Gazi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 631–673, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.52

• substances such as antibiotics and hormones are considered emerging pollutants. Antibiotic overuse and misuse that leads to antimicrobial resistance pose an urgent threat to global public health, killing more than 36,000 people in the United States and being linked to over five million deaths globally in

Bismuth-based nanostructured photocatalysts for the remediation of antibiotics and organic dyes

• Akeem Adeyemi Oladipo and
• Faisal Suleiman Mustafa

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 291–321, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.26

• polluted areas because of the detrimental effects on human health and aquatic ecosystems. The improper disposal of industrial and agricultural pollutants (such as organic dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues) in water systems is becoming more and more of a global health threat. Over two billion

• geopolitical factors. Nevertheless, there is a growing need for the efficient removal of environmental pollutants and the proper treatment of industrial wastes to allowable discharge limits, which are crucial for preserving human life and protecting the environment. Numerous techniques have been employed to

• techniques has demonstrated varying levels of effectiveness and drawbacks that restrict their widespread use. For instance, due to deficiencies such as the formation of harmful by-products and incomplete removal of organic pollutants, traditional water treatment methods such as sedimentation, filtration, and

Combining physical vapor deposition structuration with dealloying for the creation of a highly efficient SERS platform

• Adrien Chauvin,
• Walter Puglisi,
• Damien Thiry,
• Cristina Satriano,
• Rony Snyders and
• Carla Bittencourt

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 83–94, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.10

• sensors are promising for various applications in chemical (e.g., explosive [3] or chemical warfare agents [4]) or biological (e.g., lipid or protein [5]) sensing, environmental monitoring [6] as well as in food safety through the detection of pollutants such as phenol [3][7] or rhodamine [8]. The SERS

• straightforward synthesis together with the easy operability of this platform make it very promising for practical applications such as detection of low concentrations of pollutants or biomolecules. Experimental Synthesis of Ag–Al thin films The synthesis approach of Ag–Al thin films and the dealloying procedure

Non-stoichiometric magnetite as catalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of phenol and 2,6-dibromo-4-methylphenol – a new approach in water treatment

• Joanna Kisała,
• Anna Tomaszewska and
• Przemysław Kolek

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1531–1540, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.126

• halogenated aromatic pollutants. The particularly high degradation efficiency regarding halogen-containing DBMP molecules and the yield of bromide ions indicate that DBMP degradation follows a mixed reduction–oxidation mechanism. DBMP molecules interact with the magnetite surface, enabling them to react with

• the available electrons, and, as a result, bromide ions can be released. The results confirm that magnetite is an effective photocatalyst in the degradation of halogenated aromatic pollutants. Keywords: magnetite; ozonolysis; persistent organic pollutants; photocatalysis; water treatment

• , ozonation, Fenton chemistry, and photocatalysis have been successfully used to remove persistent organic pollutants (POPs) or as a pre-treatment in conventional or biological methods [10]. Ozonation is an AOP technique that has been widely used to remove organic compounds such as drugs, pesticides

A TiO₂@MWCNTs nanocomposite photoanode for solar-driven water splitting

• Anh Quynh Huu Le,
• Ngoc Nhu Thi Nguyen,
• Hai Duy Tran,
• Van-Huy Nguyen and
• Le-Hai Tran

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1520–1530, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.125

• reactions. As a wide-bandgap (ca. 3.2 eV) semiconductor, TiO2 is a promising photocatalyst for degrading a massive range of high-molecular-weight organic pollutants under UV radiation [1]. Because of high specific surface, nanoscale TiO2 as grains or tubes can absorb UV light more substantially than