Synthetic-polymer-assisted antisense oligonucleotide delivery: targeted approaches for precision disease treatment

• Ana Cubillo Alvarez,
• Dylan Maguire and
• Ruairí P. Brannigan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 435–463, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.34

• Ana Cubillo Alvarez Dylan Maguire Ruairi P. Brannigan School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland 10.3762/bjnano.16.34 Abstract This review explores the recent advancements in polymer-assisted delivery systems for antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and their

• potential in precision disease treatment. Synthetic polymers have shown significant promise in enhancing the delivery, stability, and therapeutic efficacy of ASOs by addressing key challenges such as cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and reducing cytotoxicity. The review highlights key studies from the

• . Emerging strategies, including stimuli-responsive polymers and advanced nanoparticle systems, offer potential solutions to these challenges. The review underscores the transformative potential of polymer-enhanced ASO delivery in personalised medicine, emphasising the importance of continued innovation to

Biomimetics and bioinspired surfaces: from nature to theory and applications

• Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira,
• Thies H. Büscher,
• Manuela Rebora,
• Poramate Manoonpong,
• Zhendong Dai and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 418–421, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.32

• species. Other possible sources of bioinspiration have been extensively examined by a review on functional surfaces in Hymenoptera, which include bees, wasps, and ants [5]. This diverse group of insects offers a rich array of surfaces that are adapted to realize different tasks, providing insights into

Enhancing mechanical properties of chitosan/PVA electrospun nanofibers: a comprehensive review

• Nur Areisman Mohd Salleh,
• Amalina Muhammad Afifi,
• Fathiah Mohamed Zuki and
• Hanna Sofia SalehHudin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 286–307, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.22

• Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 10.3762/bjnano.16.22 Abstract This review examines strategies to enhance the mechanical properties of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanofibers, recognized for their biomedical and

• . Key strategies for improvement are analyzed, including material modifications through blending and structural modifications like fiber orientation and multilayer constructions, and surface modifications such as coating and functionalization. The review also covers advanced characterization methods to

• [9]. In this review, we focus on the background of the electrospinning process, the properties of chitosan/PVA electrospun nanofibers, and fabrication techniques, including the effects of various parameters and post-treatment methods. We also review the characterization of chitosan/PVA electrospun

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

• contaminants, making it a versatile option for environmental remediation across various water and air treatment applications. These features collectively make photocatalysis an attractive approach for addressing pollution challenges in diverse settings. In recent years, several significant review papers have

• lack of understanding about these processes and their practical limitations for large-scale commercial wastewater treatment. This review concentrates on semiconductor-based photocatalytic processes and their effectiveness in eliminating antibiotics while also addressing their practical constraints. The

• enhanced antibiotic degradation from contaminated water. The discussion also includes concluding remarks and future directions of emerging techniques for sustainable wastewater treatment. Review Sources of antibiotics The primary sources of antibiotics in surface water include animal husbandry and

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

• . The same was also confirmed in a systematic review related to the cell toxicity and immunological effects of CNs, in which the toxicity of CNs followed the order: fullerenes < carbon black nanoparticles < MWCNTs < SWCNTs < graphene [69]. Regarding the surface modification, findings from all studies

• detail explained in a recent review by Thabet et al. [96], emphasizing its role in DNA synthesis and repair mechanisms, gene expression, protection from oxidative stress, homocysteine regulation, collagen synthesis, and effect on enzymes, on one side, and the stimulation of nucleotide synthesis and

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

• the photothermal properties of these nanomaterials and their innovative therapeutic mechanisms. We review the latest research on photothermal nanomaterial-based treatments for various eye diseases. Additionally, we discuss the current challenges and future perspectives in this field, with a focus on

• enhancing global visual health. Keywords: multifunctional composite; ophthalmology; photothermal nanomaterial; thermal field distribution; vapor nanobubble; Review 1 Introduction The human eye, serving as a primary organ for information acquisition, is vulnerable to various diseases over a lifetime [1

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

• frameworks (MOFs) have gained recognition as MMM fillers for CO2 capture. Here, a review of the current state, recent advancements, and challenges in the fabrication and engineering of MMMs with MOFs for selective CO2 capture is proposed. Key considerations and promising research directions to fully exploit

• the gas separation potential of MOF-based MMMs in CO2 capture applications are highlighted. Keywords: CO2 capture; gas separation; inorganic filler; metal-organic framework (MOF); mixed matrix membrane (MMM); Review 1 Introduction The continuous rise in global CO2 emissions has unfolded an era of

• , metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received a growing focus in the past decade [5][12][23][24][25]. The MOFs play the role of versatile and porous dispersive fillers, providing a multitude of opportunities to fabricate highly efficient MOF-derived MMMs tailored for CO2 separation. The present review

Nanocarriers and macrophage interaction: from a potential hurdle to an alternative therapeutic strategy

• Naths Grazia Sukubo,
• Paolo Bigini and
• Annalisa Morelli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 97–118, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.10

• advantages, the interaction with many biological matrices, particularly with existing macrophages, must be considered. In this review, we will explore the dual role of macrophages in NC delivery, highlighting their physiological functions, the challenges posed by the mononuclear phagocyte system, and

• delve into the intriguing potential of nanomedicine in neurology and traumatology, associated with macrophage interaction, and the exciting possibilities it holds for the future. Keywords: drug delivery; macrophages; nanomedicine; polarization; RNA-based therapies; Review 1 Introduction In the vast

• ability to recognize and engulf NCs can impede the delivery of therapeutic agents to target tissues, it also opens avenues for novel strategies that exploit macrophage behavior for benefits, like targeted drug delivery and immunomodulation [2][7][8]. This review will explore the physiological functions of

Orientation-dependent photonic bandgaps in gold-dust weevil scales and their titania bioreplicates

• Norma Salvadores Farran,
• Limin Wang,
• Primoz Pirih and
• Bodo D. Wilts

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1–10, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.1

• our knowledge never conclusively for photonic crystals (for a review, see [21]). The iridescence effect was reversed when we turned the animal to the side (not shown); hence, the effect is likely not due to the material composition or lattice periodicity differences between the scales at the top and

Natural nanofibers embedded in the seed mucilage envelope: composite hydrogels with specific adhesive and frictional properties

• Agnieszka Kreitschitz and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1603–1618, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.126

• ], or to animal bodies, promoting epizoochory [31][32][33]. These distinct physical features make mucilage also an important substrate for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and food industries [11][15][19][20][21]. Here, we briefly review the basic composition and structure of mucilage, its frictional and

• adhesive properties, and ecological aspects associated with these properties. We also summarise and discuss the results of our studies from the last few years conducted on mucilage envelopes and summarise them to demonstrate the current state of knowledge on this topic (Figure 2). Review Spatial structure

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles derived from algae and their larvicidal properties to control Aedes aegypti

• Matheus Alves Siqueira de Assunção,
• Douglas Dourado,
• Daiane Rodrigues dos Santos,
• Gabriel Bezerra Faierstein,
• Mara Elga Medeiros Braga,
• Severino Alves Junior,
• Rosângela Maria Rodrigues Barbosa,
• Herminio José Cipriano de Sousa and
• Fábio Rocha Formiga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1566–1575, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.123

• cost and sustainable biosynthesis. In the perspective of using AgNPs in the development of novel insecticides for vector control, this review deals with the eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs through seaweed extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents. In addition, assessment of toxicity of these

• as phenols, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, polyphenolics, alkaloids, and terpenes, which could act as reducing agents [21]. This review focuses on AgNPs produced in a green and sustainable way through the use of natural products as reducing agents, namely seaweed extracts. The activity of AgNPs upon A

• . aegypti and their potential role for the control and prevention of arboviruses are presented. Finally, ecotoxicity and environmental risk assessment of AgNPs are further discussed. Review Synthesis of silver nanoparticles AgNPs are metallic nanoparticles in a size range between 1 and 100 nm with unique

Polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles for phytochemical delivery: challenges, progress, and future prospects

• Iqra Rahat,
• Pooja Yadav,
• Aditi Singhal,
• Mohammad Fareed,
• Jaganathan Raja Purushothaman,
• Mohammed Aslam,
• Raju Balaji,
• Sonali Patil-Shinde and
• Md. Rizwanullah

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1473–1497, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.118

• hybrid nanoparticles (PLHNPs) have emerged as a novel delivery system that combines the advantages of both polymeric and lipid-based nanoparticles to overcome these challenges. This review explores the potential of PLHNPs to enhance the delivery and efficacy of phytochemicals for biomedical applications

• advantageous for chronic conditions requiring long-term treatment, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders [22][23]. This review aims to discuss the ability of PLHNPs to improve the therapeutic delivery of phytochemicals for biomedical applications. In this review, we discuss

• the obstacles in the conventional delivery of phytochemicals, types of PLHNPs, different phytochemical-loaded PLHNPs for improved phytochemical delivery, challenges in clinical translation of PLHNPs, and future perspectives. Review Obstacles in the conventional delivery of phytochemicals The

Effect of radiation-induced vacancy saturation on the first-order phase transformation in nanoparticles: insights from a model

• Aram Shirinyan and
• Yuriy Bilogorodskyy

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1453–1472, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.117

• literature review reveals that the stability of materials under irradiation is influenced by numerous factors. Some of these characteristic factors include the elemental composition and chemical structure, the microstructure of the material (including grain boundaries, defects, dislocations, and interfaces

Nanotechnological approaches for efficient N2B delivery: from small-molecule drugs to biopharmaceuticals

• Selin Akpinar Adscheid,
• Akif E. Türeli,
• Nazende Günday-Türeli and
• Marc Schneider

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1400–1414, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.113

• drugs can be encapsulated into various drug delivery systems to enhance physicochemical characteristics and targeting success. Many preclinical data show that this strategy can effectively deliver biopharmaceuticals to the brain. Therefore, this review focuses on N2B delivery while giving examples of

• intranasal administration of biopharmaceuticals to target the brain. In addition, using DDSs to deliver biopharmaceuticals to the CNS can present additional advantages such as enhanced retention on the mucosal surface, drug stability, and bioavailability [35]. In this review, we focus on the recent

• in the last five years (2019–2024). We also enriched the review with different studies from the last decade to highlight important previous scholarly work. Review Nasal anatomy and intranasal drug delivery: advantages and limitations The nasal route of drug administration has gained attention over

A biomimetic approach towards a universal slippery liquid infused surface coating

• Ryan A. Faase,
• Madeleine H. Hummel,
• AnneMarie V. Hasbrook,
• Andrew P. Carpenter and
• Joe E. Baio

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1376–1389, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.111

• mean ± (standard deviation). Preparation of platelet-poor plasma and washed platelets Human blood samples were collected from volunteers at Oregon State University Student Health Services in accordance with an approved Institutional Review Board (IRB-2019-0271). Informed consent from four different

Hymenoptera and biomimetic surfaces: insights and innovations

• Vinicius Marques Lopez,
• Carlo Polidori and
• Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1333–1352, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.107

• morphological features and the principles behind their functionality, we aim to identify key characteristics that can inspire innovative materials and technologies. Review General features of body cuticle The cuticle of Hymenoptera exhibits several fascinating properties. Cuticle roughness The cuticle surfaces

Functional morphology of cleaning devices in the damselfly Ischnura elegans (Odonata, Coenagrionidae)

• Silvana Piersanti,
• Gianandrea Salerno,
• Wencke Krings,
• Stanislav Gorb and
• Manuela Rebora

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1260–1272, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.102

• old description of odonatan forelegs by St. Quentin [34] and some scattered observations of the grooming behavior in some odonatan species (review in [35]), no detailed study has been performed so far. This study aims to describe the grooming devices located on the forelegs of a damselfly that are

• used to clean the head and, especially, the eyes and the antennae. The microstructures were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the presence and distribution of resilin, an elastomeric protein that enhances cuticle deformability and flexibility (review in [36]), were analyzed using

• ] and thermo-hygroreceptors [44][45][46][47][48], which need frequent cleaning. Furthermore, the need to keep a clean eye surface to guarantee the functioning of the most advanced visual systems among insects ([35], review in [49]) requires the involvement of scraping forelegs with specialized cleaning

Realizing active targeting in cancer nanomedicine with ultrasmall nanoparticles

• André F. Lima,
• Giselle Z. Justo and
• Alioscka A. Sousa

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1208–1226, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.98

• actively targeted usNPs, revealing increased tumor accumulation and retention compared to non-targeted counterparts. In this review, we explore actively targeted inorganic usNPs, highlighting their biological properties and behavior, along with applications in both preclinical and clinical settings

• . Keywords: active targeting; cancer; nanoclusters; renal clearance; ultrasmall nanoparticles; Review 1 Introduction Nanotechnology has opened new avenues for tackling unmet challenges in medicine [1][2][3]. In the field of oncology, a notable application involves the use of engineered nanoparticles (NPs

• behavior, collectively addressing limitations associated with conventional large NPs (Figure 1). In this topical review, we begin by defining inorganic usNPs, highlighting their importance in cancer nanomedicine, and discussing the implementation of active targeting strategies. Then, we explore various

Local work function on graphene nanoribbons

• Daniel Rothhardt,
• Amina Kimouche,
• Tillmann Klamroth and
• Regina Hoffmann-Vogel

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1125–1131, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.91

• surfaces, all related to charge differences; for a review, see [14]. Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM), a method derived from scanning force microscopy (SFM), allows one to study the local work function difference of a sample with great accuracy and with atomic resolution [15][16][17][18][19][20]. In

Recent updates in applications of nanomedicine for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis

• Damai Ria Setyawati,
• Fransiska Christydira Sekaringtyas,
• Riyona Desvy Pratiwi,
• A’liyatur Rosyidah,
• Rohimmahtunnissa Azhar,
• Nunik Gustini,
• Gita Syahputra,
• Idah Rosidah,
• Etik Mardliyati,
• Tarwadi and
• Sjaikhurrizal El Muttaqien

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1105–1116, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.89

• enormous technological success also included various other target diseases, including hepatic fibrosis. This confirms the versatility of nanomedicine for improving therapeutic activity. In this review, we summarize recent updates of nanomedicine platforms for improving therapeutic efficacy regarding liver

• small interfering RNA) for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) [10]. Here, we describe the mechanism of nanomedicine-based drug delivery for liver fibrosis treatment. In the following review, we briefly summarize the basic physiology of liver fibrosis, the interaction between NPs and the liver

• . Review Liver fibrosis Among hepatic diseases, liver fibrosis has become a major global health burden. It accounts for approximately two million deaths per year worldwide with no clinically approved pharmacotherapy [11]. This disease is characterized by abnormal physiological constitution of the liver due

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

• and pharmaceutical fields. Many review papers describe applications of alginate in the drug delivery field. The current study covers the structural and physicochemical properties of alginate-based nanoparticles. The prospective applications of alginate-based nanomaterials in various domains are

• reviewed in this paper. Future research scopes highlight existing challenges and solutions. Keywords: alginate; biomedical sensing; polymer nanoparticle; smart drug delivery; Review Introduction Sensors have received a lot of attention in a variety of applications, including health, pharmacy, the

• applications in recent years (Figure 1). Figure 1 shows the increasing number of publications on alginate-based nanoparticles in sensing applications. Many review articles have been written so far to describe drug delivery applications of sodium alginate. Niculescu et al. reviewed recent applications of

Interface properties of nanostructured carbon-coated biological implants: an overview

• Mattia Bartoli,
• Francesca Cardano,
• Erik Piatti,
• Stefania Lettieri,
• Andrea Fin and
• Alberto Tagliaferro

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1041–1053, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.85

• can be achieved through several processes. Among them, the production of specialized coatings based on carbon-based materials stands very promising. The use of carbon coatings allows one to simultaneously fine-tune tribological, mechanical, and chemical properties. Here, we review applications of

• because of the efforts required for achieving a homogenous dispersion in an inorganic–organic matrix [22][23][24]. In this short review, we are discussing nanostructured and nanosized carbon-based materials used to improve the durability and physicochemical properties of biological implants as summarized

• in Figure 1. Review Nanostructured carbon-containing materials at biological interfaces Interfaces between artificial and biological environments play a critical role for the design and long-term performance of any artificial implant [25][26]. The interface between an implant and the biological

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

• -linking of glycolipids, such as Gb3, the receptor for Shiga toxin, or GM1, the receptor for cholera toxin, can induce transmembrane signaling and changes in intracellular transport and organelles; for a review, see [7]. Thus, NPs targeting glycolipids may cause similar changes. For therapeutic purposes

• diameter of clathrin-coated invaginations is about 100 nm, and it has a turnover of about 1 min; for a review, see [67]. A commonly used tool to interfere with this process is chlorpromazine, which affects clathrin in some cell types but not in others [68]. When trying to block CME one may use transferrin

Atomistic insights into the morphological dynamics of gold and platinum nanoparticles: MD simulations in vacuum and aqueous media

• Evangelos Voyiatzis,
• Eugenia Valsami-Jones and
• Antreas Afantitis

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 995–1009, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.81

• [53]. A combined molecular dynamics and X-ray diffraction analysis of gold NPs has been carried out by Kamiński et al. [54]. The dynamical stability and vibrational properties of Pt nanoclusters by ab initio methods were investigated by Maldonado et al. [55]. A comprehensive review of Pt NPs has been

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

• to detect a wide range of biomolecules, such as proteins, DNA, and antibodies. This article presents a comprehensive review of advancements in the architectures of FET-based biosensors aiming to enhance device performance in terms of sensitivity, detection time, and selectivity. The review

• FET-based biosensors. Finally, this article proposes intriguing avenues for further research on the topology of FET-based biosensors. Keywords: biomolecule detection; biosensors; charge modulation; dielectric modulation; field-effect transistor; Review 1 Introduction In recent years, biosensor

• ). 1.1 Motivation of this review The development of advanced bioelectronic technologies involves exploration of novel material systems as well as emerging device architectures. However, an accurate assessment of different device architectures and their design criteria requires a systematic modeling of