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

• bandgap of 2.77 eV. The research community has shown significant interest in zero-dimensional Bi2WO6 quantum dots and one-dimensional Bi2WO6 nanofibers. Bismuth tungstate exhibits excellent thermal and chemical stability in addition to its activity in visible light. It is typically synthesized through

Radiosensitizing properties of dual-functionalized carbon nanostructures loaded with temozolomide

• Radmila Milenkovska,
• Nikola Geskovski,
• Dushko Shalabalija,
• Ljubica Mihailova,
• Petre Makreski,
• Dushko Lukarski,
• Igor Stojkovski,
• Maja Simonoska Crcarevska and
• Kristina Mladenovska

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 229–251, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.18

• nanostructures; cytotoxicity; glioblastoma multiforme; radiosensitizing properties; temozolomide; Introduction Carbon-based nanostructures (CNs) such as graphene and its derivatives, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), fullerenes, carbon quantum dots, carbon nanohorns and nanodiamonds (NDs), and their hybrids are becoming

• . Despite the beneficial properties, CNs have not been extensively researched as inherent drugs or drug/TMZ carriers for the treatment of GBM. In two papers, a hybrid made of carbon quantum dots functionalized with chitosan, polyethylene oxide, and carboxymethyl cellulose–polyvinyl alcohol provided

• release was also provided through loading TMZ in a hybrid compound of carbon quantum dots, chitosan, polyethylene oxide, and carboxymethyl cellulose–polyvinyl alcohol (CS-PEO-CQDs/CMC-PVA) via coaxial spinning, and a transport system of CMC-PVA coating and CS-PEO-CQDs core was formed [41][42]. In a study

Recent advances in photothermal nanomaterials for ophthalmic applications

• Jiayuan Zhuang,
• Linhui Jia,
• Chenghao Li,
• Rui Yang,
• Jiapeng Wang,
• Wen-an Wang,
• Heng Zhou and
• Xiangxia Luo

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 195–215, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.16

• heat (see below in Figure 2d) [57]. The presence of a high density of loosely bound electrons and the narrow energy level spacing of the π electrons endow carbon materials (such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon quantum dots, and fullerenes) and polymer materials (like polydopamine, polyaniline

• narrowing of the bandgap, thereby enhancing visible light absorption [83]. For example, pristine TiO2 hardly absorbs visible light with wavelengths greater than 400 nm, while N-doped TiO2 quantum dots exhibit significant visible light absorption between 400 and 1000 nm [84]. Semiconductors that rely on

• ablate the injected collagen opacities [122]. Cationic carbon quantum dots, known for their robust light absorption across a broad spectrum of wavelengths, have also been proven effective in breaking down collagen fibers and vitreous opacities through the VNBs generated by low-flux pulsed lasers [69][123

Biomimetic nanocarriers: integrating natural functions for advanced therapeutic applications

• Hugo Felix Perini,
• Beatriz Sodré Matos,
• Carlo José Freire de Oliveira and
• Marcos Vinicius da Silva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1619–1626, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.127

• differences in key characteristics. The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) emphasizes that nanomaterials hold promising potential across various fields of knowledge [1][5]. Materials such as liposomes, nanoparticles, polymer–drug conjugates, inorganic noble metals, and quantum dots may improve

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

Entry of nanoparticles into cells and tissues: status and challenges

• Kirsten Sandvig,
• Tore Geir Iversen and
• Tore Skotland

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1017–1029, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.83

• . However, if binding to the cell surface and cross-linking plasma membrane lipids or proteins, they may even induce their own uptake [61][62]. For instance, cross-linking of receptors by quantum dots (QDs) with Tat proteins can induce Rac activation and macropinocytosis [61]. Similarly, cross-linking

• advantages of producing NPs consisting of endogenous lipids or albumin, or having other substances that are degraded and excreted. Although the so-called quantum dots have been found useful for basic studies of cells and small animals, they are too toxic to be approved for human use [90][102]. It should be

A review on the structural characterization of nanomaterials for nano-QSAR models

• Salvador Moncho,
• Eva Serrano-Candelas,
• Jesús Vicente de Julián-Ortiz and
• Rafael Gozalbes

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 854–866, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.71

• external substituents, can be categorized into two parts, the core and the shell compositions. This approach was employed in a study of quantum dots [30], which does not use numerical descriptors for the composition, but directly uses a Bayesian network with categorical descriptions of both the core and

• the shell. These are determined by empirical formulas of either a single inorganic salt or a mixture. Additionally, a distinct category has been designated for quantum dots lacking a specific shell composition, labeled as “non-coated” [41]. Substituents and modifiers (b): The consideration of

• [41]. Similarly, categories for the ligands are used in a quasi-SMILES-related model for single core–shell quantum dots [55]. Alternatively, other authors combined all components in a single fingerprint without differentiating the composition of core and coating [32]. Size and nanoshape (c): The most

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

• . This study introduces an innovative approach to mitigate water pollution through the synthesis of nanomaterials using biomass-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from grape pomace and watermelon peel. Utilizing the hydrothermal method at temperatures between 80 and 160 °C over periods ranging from 1 to

• quantum dots (CQDs) through a hydrothermal method using biomass from watermelon peels and grape pomace. This method is chosen for its ease of production, low cost, and scalability. We aim to evaluate the potential of CQDs as catalysts in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in

• equipment, our approach uses green synthesis with biomass, aligning with eco-friendly principles [19][20][21]. Carbon quantum dots are valued for their easy synthesis, good solubility, photostability, nontoxic properties, and versatile applications. They can be synthesized using various methods, including

Simultaneous electrochemical determination of uric acid and hypoxanthine at a TiO₂/graphene quantum dot-modified electrode

• Vu Ngoc Hoang,
• Dang Thi Ngoc Hoa,
• Nguyen Quang Man,
• Le Vu Truong Son,
• Le Van Thanh Son,
• Vo Thang Nguyen,
• Le Thi Hong Phong,
• Ly Hoang Diem,
• Kieu Chan Ly,
• Ho Sy Thang and
• Dinh Quang Khieu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 719–732, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.60

• , Hue University, Vietnam The University of Danang, University of Science and Education, Vietnam Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Vietnam Kien Giang University, Vietnam Dong Thap University, Vietnam 10.3762/bjnano.15.60 Abstract A TiO2/graphene quantum dots

• urine samples with acceptable recovery rates. Keywords: graphene quantum dots; hypoxanthine; peroxo titanium complexes; uric acid; Introduction Uric acid (7,9-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6,8(3H)-trione, URI) is the primary final product of the purine metabolism in humans. High concentrations of URI in serum

• properties. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are zero-dimensional graphene derivatives consisting of one to few layers of graphene sheets with a size of less than 20 nm in width [11]. The missing bandgap results in an absence of luminescence in pristine graphene. However, a bandgap can be generated in GQDs

Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light by cobalt ferrite nanoparticles/graphene quantum dots

• Vo Chau Ngoc Anh,
• Le Thi Thanh Nhi,
• Le Thi Kim Dung,
• Dang Thi Ngoc Hoa,
• Nguyen Truong Son,
• Nguyen Thi Thao Uyen,
• Nguyen Ngoc Uyen Thu,
• Le Van Thanh Son,
• Le Trung Hieu,
• Tran Ngoc Tuyen and
• Dinh Quang Khieu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 475–489, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.43

• synthesize cobalt ferrite nanoparticles/graphene quantum dots (CF/GQDs). The material was prepared from a homogeneous mixture of iron nitrate, cobalt nitrate, and starch at 140, 180 and 200 °C in a 24 h thermal hydrolysis process. The obtained materials were characterised by using X-ray diffraction, scanning

• graphene quantum dots formed directly at 200 °C. Stacking GQDs sheets onto the CF nanoparticles resulted in CF/GQDs nanoparticles. The nanocomposite exhibits satisfactory fluorescent and superparamagnetic properties, which are vital for catalytic applications. The CF/GQDs catalyse significantly the

• degradation and other dyes. Keywords: cobalt ferrite; graphene quantum dots; methylene blue; Introduction Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have unique properties, including photoluminescence, biocompatibility, slight chemical toxicity, inertness, and excellent photostability [1][2]. Graphene quantum dots

CdSe/ZnS quantum dots as a booster in the active layer of distributed ternary organic photovoltaics

• Gabriela Lewińska,
• Piotr Jeleń,
• Zofia Kucia,
• Maciej Sitarz,
• Łukasz Walczak,
• Bartłomiej Szafraniak,
• Jerzy Sanetra and
• Konstanty W. Marszalek

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 144–156, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.14

• was determined. The resistivity of the layers was determined using impedance spectroscopy. Simulations (General-Purpose Photovoltaic Device Model) showed a performance improvement in the cells with quantum dots of 0.36–1.45% compared to those without quantum dots. Keywords: efficiency; luminescence

• ; organic solar cells; quantum dots; Introduction Organic solar cells have been intensively developed in recent years as the third generation [1][2] of photovoltaic cells, next to dye-synthesized solar cells and perovskite cells. One of the relatively novel concepts of organic solar cells that yield higher

• outstanding excitation and optimum charge transport in the mixture. Small-molecule materials, dyes, polymers, fullerenes, and ligands have been introduced as a third component so far. Quantum dots (QDs) are also beneficial materials for ternary solar cells. QDs and nanoparticles as zero-dimensional materials

Nanoarchitectonics of photothermal materials to enhance the sensitivity of lateral flow assays

• Elangovan Sarathkumar,
• Rajasekharan S. Anjana and
• Ramapurath S. Jayasree

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 988–1003, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.82

• because of their remarkable ability to absorb light across a broad spectrum and their high PCE. The main classes of photothermal carbon-based nanomaterials are carbon nanotubes, graphene-based nanomaterials, carbon quantum dots, and carbon-based composite materials. Among these, carbon nanotubes have the

• –105.2%) [88]. The integration of multiple modalities in a nanocomposite enhances the detection capabilities of LFAs, offering a promising approach for disease diagnosis and other analytical applications. Shao et al. reported excellent photothermal properties of black phosphorous quantum dots and

A graphene quantum dots–glassy carbon electrode-based electrochemical sensor for monitoring malathion

• Sanju Tanwar,
• Aditi Sharma and
• Dhirendra Mathur

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 701–710, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.56

• Sanju Tanwar Aditi Sharma Dhirendra Mathur Centre of Nanotechnology, Rajasthan Technical University, Kota, Rajasthan, India Materials Research Centre, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India 10.3762/bjnano.14.56 Abstract Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were made via a

• spectroscopy; electrochemical sensor; graphene quantum dots; malathion; Introduction Global population growth makes food production more challenging, and pesticides are therefore used in agriculture in greater quantities than in the past to maintain and increase crop yields [1][2]. Pesticides containing

• lowers the detection limit [18]. In an effort to combine the properties of carbon dots and graphene, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with a size smaller than 100 nm and only a few layers of graphene (3 to 10 layers) have been developed as a new class of carbon nanomaterials [19]. Scientists have explored

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

• researchers have published a number of nanomaterial-based (quantum dots, carbon-based, and metal-based) sensors for the detection of various analytes [1][2][7][9][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38]. A review paper that offers a comprehensive analysis of current developments based on metal-organic

Observation of multiple bulk bound states in the continuum modes in a photonic crystal cavity

• Rui Chen,
• Yi Zheng,
• Xingyu Huang,
• Qiaoling Lin,
• Chaochao Ye,
• Meng Xiong,
• Martijn Wubs,
• Yungui Ma,
• Minhao Pu and
• Sanshui Xiao

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 544–551, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.45

• levels, similar to the quantization of electronic states in quantum dots. Each quantized BIC mode has its specific bulk mode profile and radiation pattern. Combining a photonic bandgap perimeter with the finite-size BIC cavity could significantly prevent transverse leakage, thus giving rise to ultrahigh

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

• bismuth, other semiconductors can be used with it to achieve better performance. In a recent study, Chava et al. [167] synthesised bismuth quantum dots anchored to 1-D cadmium sulfide as a plasmonic photocatalyst using a facile solvothermal procedure. To create heterostructure nanorods, Schottky contacts

• between 1-D CdS and 0-D Bi components were developed. The bandgap values were altered, and the absorption in the visible-to-infrared range was enhanced after the deposition of Bi quantum dots on CdS. To degrade the antibiotic tetracycline, a Bi/CdS heterostructure photocatalyst was used. The optimised

Nanotechnology – a robust tool for fighting the challenges of drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer

• Filip Gorachinov,
• Fatima Mraiche,
• Diala Alhaj Moustafa,
• Ola Hishari,
• Yomna Ismail,
• Jensa Joseph,
• Maja Simonoska Crcarevska,
• Marija Glavas Dodov,
• Nikola Geskovski and
• Katerina Goracinova

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 240–261, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.23

• , gold nanoshells, and microbots) and imaging contrast nanoparticles (quantum dots and iron oxide), after homing into the tumor environment [113]. Xu et al. described an injectable nanoparticle generator (iNPG) showing substantial natural tumor tropism designed as aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES

Structural, optical, and bioimaging characterization of carbon quantum dots solvothermally synthesized from o-phenylenediamine

• Zoran M. Marković,
• Milica D. Budimir,
• Martin Danko,
• Dušan D. Milivojević,
• Pavel Kubat,
• Danica Z. Zmejkoski,
• Vladimir B. Pavlović,
• Marija M. Mojsin,
• Milena J. Stevanović and
• Biljana M. Todorović Marković

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 165–174, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.17

• , 11000 Belgrade, Serbia 10.3762/bjnano.14.17 Abstract Carbon quantum dots as a novel type of carbon nanomaterials have attracted the attention of many researchers because of their unique optical, antibacterial, and anticancer properties as well as their biocompatibility. In this study, for the first

• time, carbon quantum dots were prepared from o-phenylenediamine dissolved in toluene by a solvothermal route. Subsequently, the prepared carbon quantum dots were encapsulated into polyurethane films by a swelling–encapsulation–shrink method. Analyses of the results obtained by different

• oxygen species production, and showed low dark cytotoxicity. By investigating the cellular uptake, it was established that these dots penetrated the HeLa cells and could be used as probes for bioimaging. Keywords: antibacterial; bioimaging; carbon quantum dots; precursor; reactive oxygen species

Near-infrared photoactive Ag-Zn-Ga-S-Se quantum dots for high-performance quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

• Roopakala Kottayi,
• Ilangovan Veerappan and
• Ramadasse Sittaramane

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1337–1344, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.110

• Roopakala Kottayi Ilangovan Veerappan Ramadasse Sittaramane Department of Physics, Kanchi Mamunivar Govt. Institute for PG Studies and Research, Puducherry-605008, India 10.3762/bjnano.13.110 Abstract The high light-harvesting ability of quantum dots (QDs) plays an eminent role in the performance

• performance studies. The fabricated QDSC have superior electrochemical activity with a photoconversion efficiency of 4.91%. Keywords: alloyed QDs; photoconversion efficiency; photovoltaic performance; quantum dots; Introduction Human life depends on various forms of energy. Approximately 13 terawatts of

Recent trends in Bi-based nanomaterials: challenges, fabrication, enhancement techniques, and environmental applications

• Vishal Dutta,
• Ankush Chauhan,
• Ritesh Verma,
• C. Gopalkrishnan and
• Van-Huy Nguyen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1316–1336, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.109

• simple hydrothermal technique was applied by Liu et al. to modify BiVO4 heterojunctions with carbon quantum dots [106]. Exceptional photocatalytic performance for the degradation of RhB dye under visible light was exhibited by CNQDs-ms/tz-BiVO4 and NCQDs-ms/tz-BiVO4 composites. The reason for their

• increased photocatalytic efficiency was the formation of heterojunctions together with the loading of quantum dots, which enhanced the light-harvesting efficiency and promoted the separation and migration of photogenerated carriers. The fabricated composites followed the S-scheme charge transfer mechanism

Studies of probe tip materials by atomic force microscopy: a review

• Ke Xu and
• Yuzhe Liu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1256–1267, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.104

• ]. In particular, metal nanoclusters exhibit excellent photostability, large Stokes shifts, and low toxicity compared to quantum dots and organic dyes. Researchers increasingly use them in analytical detection fields such as metal ions, small biological molecules, drug delivery, and bioimaging [22][23

• -cdse/ZnS quantum dots. This type of tracer has a significant signal amplification effect. Vesicle composite probes were generated using aptamer-labeled SSB/L-QD and nanogold (Au-Apt). Since Au-aptas receptors burst the signal of SSB/L-QD, this type of probe cannot fluoresce "off". To solve this problem

• vesicle probes have a strong signal amplification ability. More quantum dots can be labeled within the double phosphorus lipid membrane. The detection process is straightforward and does not require pretreatment. The fluorescence signal can be easily switched from "off" to "on" after the target is added

Recent advances in green carbon dots (2015–2022): synthesis, metal ion sensing, and biological applications

• Aisha Kanwal,
• Naheed Bibi,
• Sajjad Hyder,
• Arif Muhammad,
• Hao Ren,
• Jiangtao Liu and
• Zhongli Lei

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1068–1107, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.93

• quantum dots; green synthesis; plant growth promotion; sensing; Introduction Carbon dots (CDs) are a carbon-based nanomaterial with a few nanometers feature sizes. CDs consist of a carbon core, the surface of which is functionalized with various groups. Xu et al. accidentally discovered fluorescent

• materials, are summarized in Table 4. Natural polymer-based CDs Numerous natural polymers, including proteins and polysaccharides, have been used to obtain CDs (Table 5). Chen and co-workers used starch as a source to synthesize graphene quantum dots (CDs) via a one-pot hydrothermal method. They also

• the recombination of trapped excitons causes the redshifted emission. Liu et al. reported the synthesis of highly photoluminescent CDs, which were then further separated into yellow emitting crystalline graphene quantum dots and green emitting amorphous carbon nanodots using a silica gel column. Even

Spindle-like MIL101(Fe) decorated with Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles for enhanced degradation of chlortetracycline under visible-light irradiation

• Chen-chen Hao,
• Fang-yan Chen,
• Kun Bian,
• Yu-bin Tang and
• Wei-long Shi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1038–1050, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.91

• use carbon nanotubes or carbon quantum dots to modify MIL101(Fe) to enhance its conductivity and broaden its visible-light response [37][38]. Another strategy is to construct MIL101-based heterostructures with the aid of narrow-gap semiconductors to promote the separation and transfer of

• an octahedron shape, and its size increases compared with that of pristine MIL101(Fe). In previous reports, graphene quantum dots changed the balance of organic ligands, which led to the change of MIL101(Fe) size [38]. In addition, Liao et al. reported that morphology or size of MOFs are dependent on

Analytical and numerical design of a hybrid Fabry–Perot plano-concave microcavity for hexagonal boron nitride

• Felipe Ortiz-Huerta and
• Karina Garay-Palmett

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1030–1037, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.90

• (e.g., quantum dots [12], molecules [13]) by a process known as two-photon polymerization (2PP) [14] where a photopolymer resist is illuminated with a focused laser at 780 nm and absorbs two photons simultaneously, which triggers a corresponding chemical reaction that solidifies the material to build

Comparing the performance of single and multifrequency Kelvin probe force microscopy techniques in air and water

• Jason I. Kilpatrick,
• Emrullah Kargin and
• Brian J. Rodriguez

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 922–943, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.82

• resolution [13][15][16][17][18][19]. These advances have enabled investigations mapping light-induced surface potential dynamics [20], ferroelectric domains [19], individual quantum dots [21][22], and even submolecular charge distributions [23][24][25][26][27]. These applications demonstrate that KPFM is