Defects and defect-mediated engineering of two-dimensional materials: challenges and open questions

• Arkady V. Krasheninnikov,
• Matthias Batzill,
• Anouar-Akacha Delenda,
• Marija Drndić,
• Chris Ewels,
• Katharina J. Franke,
• Mahdi Ghorbani-Asl,
• Alexander Holleitner,
• Ado Jorio,
• Ute Kaiser,
• Daria Kieczka,
• Hannu-Pekka Komsa,
• Jani Kotakoski,
• Manuel Längle,
• David Lamprecht,
• Yun Liu,
• Steven G. Louie,
• Janina Maultzsch,
• Thomas Michely,
• Katherine Milton,
• Anna Niggas,
• Hanako Okuno,
• Joshua A. Robinson,
• Marika Schleberger,
• Bruno Schuler,
• Alexander Shluger,
• Kazu Suenaga,
• Kristian S. Thygesen,
• Richard A. Wilhelm,
• E. Harriet Åhlgren and
• Carla Bittencourt

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 454–488, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.31

• been addressed, and the results of these investigations are presented in hundreds of research papers and review articles. However, the challenges and open questions that still remain in the field have received relatively little attention. These topics were recently addressed at the symposium “Defect

• papers have been published. The findings have been summarized in several review articles [2][3][6][7][8][9][10]. However, the challenges and open questions that still remain in the field have received relatively little attention. In May 2025, these topics were addressed at the symposium “Defect-mediated

Nanoinformatics: spanning scales, systems and solutions

• Iseult Lynch,
• Diego S. T. Martinez,
• Kunal Roy and
• Georgia Melagraki

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 423–427, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.28

• perspectives, and one review paper) that provide a snapshot of recent exciting developments in nanoinformatics, and is an output from the Beilstein Nanotechnology symposium [1] of the same name, held in October 2022. The advances presented are clustered around four key needs, including (i) prediction of

Biomimetic nanoparticles in cancer photodynamic therapy: a review of targeted delivery systems and therapeutic outcomes

• Valentina I. Gorbacheva,
• Alexey S. Grabovoy,
• Polina S. Marukhina,
• Anastasiia O. Syrocheva and
• Ekaterina P. Kolesova

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 396–422, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.27

• generation, and boosting antitumor immunity by promoting immunogenic cell death and working synergistically with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review details recent progress in BNP-based strategies for targeted PS delivery, ROS production enhancement, hypoxia modulation, and immune system activation

• treatments. Keywords: biomimetic nanoparticles; immunogenic cell death; nanocarriers; photodynamic therapy; targeted drug delivery; tumor hypoxia modulation; Review Introduction Cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies that balance efficacy with

• ). Furthermore, biomimetic platforms can synergize PDT with immunomodulation by promoting immunogenic cell death (ICD) and checkpoint inhibitor co-delivery [14][15][16]. By leveraging biomimicry, these systems seek to overcome biological barriers, increase treatment efficacy, and reduce side effects. This review

Beam shaping techniques for pulsed laser ablation in liquids: Unlocking tunable control of nanoparticle synthesis in liquids

• Sergio Molina-Prados,
• Nadezhda M. Bulgakova,
• Alexander V. Bulgakov,
• Jesus Lancis,
• Gladys Mínguez Vega and
• Carlos Doñate-Buendia

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 309–342, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.22

• shaping have demonstrated their potential to revolutionise pulsed laser ablation in liquids by enabling more precise energy deposition and modified nanoparticle production dynamics. This review highlights the critical role of beam shaping, encompassing spatial shaping of the beam to influence laser

• highlighted, offering a comprehensive perspective on the future of this dynamic field. Keywords: green nanoparticles synthesis; PLAL; production upscale; pulsed laser ablation in liquids; size control; spatial beam shaping; temporal beam shaping; Review Introduction Pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL

• combination, as shown in Figure 3. As a general strategy for imaging and material processing, beam shaping technologies represent a research field covered in numerous reviews [98][99]. In the subsequent sections, this review offers a more detailed discussion of beam-shaping methodologies for nanoparticle

Advancing nanolithography: a comprehensive review of materials for local anodic oxidation with AFM

• Matteo Lorenzoni

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 275–291, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.19

• technique for nanoscale patterning, leveraging the precision of scanning probe microscopy, relying specifically on atomic force microscopy. This review explores the materials utilized in LAO experiments, including semiconductors, metals, insulators, two-dimensional (2D) materials, and emerging

• provide a comprehensive understanding of material selection in LAO and its implications for advancing nanotechnology. Keywords: local anodic oxidation; nanofabrication; scanning probe lithography; Review 1 Introduction Advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of numerous nanoscale

• implemented through a dual-pass technique or by controlling the electronic and ionic contributions to the total current [17][18]. While dynamic mode LAO does not eliminate tip wear [19], it significantly reduces its impact. As new materials continue to emerge in the field of nanotechnology, this review also

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

• independently evolved multiple times in this group in a comparative morphological framework with phylogenetically informed analyses. Other sources for potential bioinspiration have been discussed in a review on the composite hydrogel-like mucilages of plant seeds by Kreitschitz and Gorb [18]. The mucilage

• al. [24] presented a thorough review on the most recent scientific literature on techniques, materials, and processes used in the production of coatings for cultural heritage protection with particular attention to the generation of superhydrophobic surfaces. The challenges for cultural heritage

• biological surface features to improve transport and effects of drugs, biological systems can be suitable templates for recognition of biomolecules. The review by Gharibzahedi and Altintas [27] provides a timely and comprehensive overview of recent advances in optical biosensing technologies for the

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

• , which enhances drug targeting while reducing off-target effects. These carriers leverage triggers such as changes in pH, enzymatic activity, redox conditions, temperature, light, ultrasound, X-rays, and magnetic fields to enable intelligent and controlled release of therapeutics. This review examines

• therapies (e.g., immunotherapy) underscore the transformative potential of charge-reversible nanocarriers in revolutionising cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes. Keywords: cancer; charge reversible nanocarriers; nanocarriers; targeted therapy; tumour microenvironment; Review 1 Introduction

• 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

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

• Ohio State University, 201 W 19th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA 10.3762/bjnano.17.6 Abstract The preservation of cultural heritage sites and objects faces critical challenges due to natural aging, environmental degradation, and human-induced damage such as vandalism and graffiti. This review article

• , pollutants, and oily substances. These functional surfaces, often based on coatings consisting of polymeric, ceramic, and composite materials, can provide durable, non-invasive protection tailored to specific substrate weaknesses and exposure environments (indoor and outdoor). Objective of this review

• authenticity”. With the cultural heritage preservation principles written in this way, each person carries a strong collective responsibility to preserve the authenticity of historical testimony. As proof of this heightened perception, since then, more than 9000 scientific papers, review papers, and books have

Terahertz-range on-chip local oscillator based on Josephson junction arrays for superconducting quantum-limited receivers

• Fedor V. Khan,
• Lyudmila V. Filippenko,
• Andrey B. Ermakov,
• Mikhail Yu. Fominsky and
• Valery P. Koshelets

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2296–2305, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.158

• at the peak to the total radiated power, including noise and parasitic modes) in the PLL mode should exceed 90%. In this paper we will show that newly fabricated samples meet these criteria. The paper is divided into four sections. In the first section we briefly review the topology and the

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

• regarding the outstanding questions related to cPNSs produced by CPL. Additionally, we will outline common techniques for characterizing the chiroptic effects of cPNSs in both the far field and the near field. Last, we will review the various applications of cPNSs and highlight the most promising

• near field of cPNSs can also improve the enantioselectivity of photochemical transformations. Likewise, the superchiral field of cPNSs holds great potential for amplifying the selectivity of specific photophysical processes in solid-state materials. This review article aims to provide an overview of

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

• emerging trends in a wide range of optical sensing systems of VB12 in analyzing food and pharmaceutical products are also highlighted. Review Nutritional requirements of vitamin B12 The recommended daily intakes (RDIs) of VB12 in the UK and the US are 2.4 µg and 1.5 µg, respectively, which should be

• ][69], erythrocyte folate < 160 μg/L (SCVs) [65], and creatinine > 97 μmol/L (>1.1 mg/dL) for women as well as >124 μmol/L (>1.4 mg/dL) for men (SCVs) [32][65]. In an intriguing review, Aparicio-Ugarriza et al. highlighted the varying cut-off levels for defining VB12 deficiency used in studies from

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

• isolated locations is, however, limited by factors such as harsh climatic conditions, logistical challenges, and the need for expert analytical techniques like microscopy and spectroscopy. The present review considers sources, pathways, and ecological impacts of microplastics in Himalayan lakes compared to

• other sensitive aquatic ecosystems. The review describes existing remediation technologies, categorizing these into physical, chemical, and biological interventions, and takes into account emerging sustainable approaches, including biofilm-mediated degradation and nanotechnology-based solutions. The

• threats. This review addresses the imperatives of enhanced governance, monitoring, legislation, and community-based mitigation measures. This research makes a contribution by integrating region-specific data, defining priority research needs, and provoking sustainable, multidisciplinary solutions specific

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

• h [17]. In another study, the antibacterial effects of Ag, Ag2S, and Ag2Se NCs on gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria were investigated [15]. As a result of the literature review, biomedical applications of silver-based NCs were exemplified above. As can be seen from these studies, biomedical

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

• safety. Insights from these studies guide further optimisation of the delivery system, which may involve adjusting particle size, surface chemistry, or drug-loading strategies. Once optimised and evaluated, the system enters regulatory review, requiring preclinical safety and efficacy data to meet

• researchers to rely heavily on review articles that quickly become outdated, cannot be maintained, and are often non-comprehensive. Efforts are underway to improve the current standards in nomenclature and classification; several organisations, such as the ISO and the American Society for Testing and

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

• established technique, an obvious advantage is that countless compounds contain NMR-active nuclei, and the interested reader is referred to one of the excellent review articles by Kärger and coworkers [21][22][23]. However, the solvents and the matrix of the porous host can also be NMR-active, which makes

Laser ablation in liquids for shape-tailored synthesis of nanomaterials: status and challenges

• Natalie Tarasenka

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1963–1997, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.137

Quantum circuits with SINIS structures

• Mikhail Tarasov,
• Mikhail Fominskii,
• Aleksandra Gunbina,
• Artem Krasilnikov,
• Maria Mansfeld,
• Dmitrii Kukushkin,
• Andrei Maruhno,
• Valeria Ievleva,
• Mikhail Strelkov,
• Daniil Zhogov,
• Konstantin Arutyunov,
• Vyacheslav Vdovin,
• Vladislav Stolyarov and
• Valerian Edelman

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1931–1941, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.134

• , technology with wet etching) that are promising for detectors and electron coolers. More details on various technologies and specific features of the fabrication of tunnel structures are provided in a review publication [29]. Aharonov–Bohm interferometer The Aharonov–Bohm interferometer is a hybrid

PEGylated lipids in lipid nanoparticle delivery dynamics and therapeutic innovation

• Peiyang Gao

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1914–1930, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.133

• nanoparticle formulation is polyethylene glycol-modified (i.e., PEGylated) lipids (PEG lipids), which can significantly influence the stability, cell interactions, and overall effectiveness of LNP delivery vehicles. This review collates insights into the role of PEG lipids in LNPs by illustrating how the PEG

• address PEGylation associated immunogenicity. By conducting a critical analysis of the recent literature and identifying potent candidates for PEGylation strategies or PEG-free platforms, this review aims to provide insights and support the advancement of LNP mediated delivery. Keywords: functionalized

• PEG; immunogenicity; lipid nanoparticles; PEG alternatives; PEG lipids; therapeutic delivery; Review Introduction Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have become a promising platform in modern nanomedicine, especially for delivering genetic payloads such as mRNA and siRNA. These nanoscale particles can

Targeting the vector of arboviruses Aedes aegypti with nanoemulsions based on essential oils: a review with focus on larvicidal and repellent properties

• Laryssa Ferreira do Nascimento Silva,
• Douglas Dourado,
• Thayse Silva Medeiros,
• Mariana Alice Gonzaga Gabú,
• Maria Cecilia Queiroga dos Santos,
• Daiane Rodrigues dos Santos,
• Mylena Lemos dos Santos,
• Gabriel Bezerra Faierstein,
• Rosângela Maria Rodrigues Barbosa and
• Fabio Rocha Formiga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1894–1913, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.132

• release, and protection against degradation. Nanoemulsions are colloidal systems with droplets of 20 to 500 nm, which improve the dispersion of the compounds, protect their active properties, and enhance their efficacy. This review addresses the potential of nanoemulsions as efficient carriers of EOs, and

• nanoemulsions are discussed. In addition, this review highlights challenges and perspectives on pharmaceutical nanotechnology towards nanoemulsions as safe, effective, and eco-friendly tools for controlling Ae. Aegypti. Keywords: Aedes aegypti; arboviruses; mosquito vector; nanoemulsion; nanotechnology

• review focuses on mapping nanoemulsions based on essential oils and their potential as an innovative strategy for controlling Aedes aegypti and consequently related arboviruses. Review Aedes aegypti: General aspects and control strategies Insects are important vectors in the transmission of bacteria and

On the road to sustainability – application of metallic nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis in dentistry: a scoping review

• Lorena Pinheiro Vasconcelos Silva,
• Joice Catiane Soares Martins,
• Israel Luís Carvalho Diniz,
• Júlio Abreu Miranda,
• Danilo Rodrigues de Souza,
• Éverton do Nascimento Alencar,
• Moan Jéfter Fernandes Costa and
• Pedro Henrique Sette-de-Souza

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1851–1862, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.128

• , particularly in dentistry. This scoping review examines the rising focus on these nanoparticles regarding their antimicrobial, regenerative, and therapeutic potential in dental applications. Among the metals studied, silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles dominate because of their broad-spectrum antimicrobial

• content. Despite promising results, gaps remain, such as the predominance of in vitro studies (68.7%) and insufficient cytotoxicity assessments (47.8%), underscoring the need for translational research. This review highlights the transformative potential of green-synthesized nanoparticles in dentistry

• materials or applied to prosthetic and restorative surfaces [8][25][26]. Despite the potential for application in dentistry, there is a lack of reviews integrating recent advances in the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles in this field. Therefore, this scoping review employed the “population, concept

Current status of using adsorbent nanomaterials for removing microplastics from water supply systems: a mini review

• Nguyen Thi Nhan and
• Tran Le Luu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1837–1850, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.127

• sustainable strategies to deal with this matter. Many studies have shown that adsorbent nanomaterials have potential for the removal of MPs from water. This review evaluates the current status of using adsorbent nanomaterials in removing MPs from water supply systems. It discusses the occurrences and removal

• stability but also human health over the long term. These risks highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to mitigate MP pollution in both environmental and water supply systems. While numerous review papers have been conducted to evaluate the status of MP pollution, most of these papers have

• [25][26]. To deal with current gaps, this review aims to provide aspects relating to (i) the occurrences of MPs in water supply systems and the effectiveness of MP removal throughout the treatment processes; (ii) the potential of adsorbent nanomaterials for MP removal, focusing on adsorption

Piezoelectricity of layered double hydroxides: perspectives regarding piezocatalysis and nanogenerators

• Evgeniy S. Seliverstov,
• Evgeniya A. Tarasenko and
• Olga E. Lebedeva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1812–1817, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.124

• is still in its infancy and this review explores its recent advances. The discussion encompasses LDH-based piezoelectric nanogenerators, piezocatalytic and piezo-photocatalytic properties of LDHs, and composite material synergies that enhance the overall electroactive performance. Looking to the

• future, systematic research into the effects of LDHs’ composition and structure on piezoelectric properties will be crucial to unlock their full potential. This mini-review aims to inspire the audience with valuable ideas for the development of new LDH-based piezoelectric materials, thereby contributing

• the topics of piezoelectricity and layered double hydroxides in bibliographic systems and publishers such as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Royal Society of Chemistry, American Society of Chemistry, and MDPI. Our review is limited to articles published up to and including January 2025. Review Key

Exploring the potential of polymers: advancements in oral nanocarrier technology

• Rousilândia de Araujo Silva,
• Igor Eduardo Silva Arruda,
• Luise Lopes Chaves,
• Mônica Felts de La Roca Soares and
• Jose Lamartine Soares Sobrinho

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1751–1793, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.122

• , Brazil 10.3762/bjnano.16.122 Abstract Polymers play a pivotal role in various drug delivery systems due to their versatility, with polymeric nanoparticles showing significant potential to overcome physiological barriers associated with oral administration. This review examines the current advancements

• developing diverse nanocarriers for oral applications, and this review provides a valuable theoretical foundation for understanding the strategies currently employed in this field. Keywords: drug delivery; nanoparticle; oral administration; polymer; polymeric nanoparticle; Review 1 Introduction The oral

• methacrylates. Strategies to enhance drug entrapment and improve interactions with biological systems often combine synthetic and natural polymers, with the latter serving as a coating to protect against degradation [21]. Considering the advantages of nanoparticulate systems in drug delivery, this review

Advances of aptamers in esophageal cancer diagnosis, treatment and drug delivery

• Yang Fei,
• Hui Xu,
• Chunwei Zhang,
• Jingjing Wang and
• Yong Jin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1734–1750, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.121

• , leveraging the high target specificity of well-selected aptamers may bring new breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and drug delivery of EC. Keywords: aptamers; detection; drug delivery; esophageal cancer; esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; therapy; Review 1 Introduction Esophageal cancer (EC) is

• therapeutics and targeted delivery agents to provide more accurate, efficient and safer diagnosis and treatment options for EC patients. Initially, this review describes the high selectivity and binding ability of aptamers to specific EC markers, showing great potential for early detection of EC and monitoring

• ) selection, synthesis, and technical details of aptamers and their applications are described in detail in the article. The exclusion criteria are: (1) review, letter, news; (2) comment of a conference or seminar; (3) case report; or (4) irrelevant research topic of the article. Eventually, 17 original

Ambient pressure XPS at MAX IV

• Mattia Scardamaglia,
• Ulrike Küst,
• Alexander Klyushin,
• Rosemary Jones,
• Jan Knudsen,
• Robert Temperton,
• Andrey Shavorskiy and
• Esko Kokkonen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1677–1694, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.118

• restricted to ultrahigh vacuum. This review highlights the capabilities and scientific impact of APXPS at the MAX IV Laboratory, the world’s first fourth-generation synchrotron light source. With the APXPS beamlines SPECIES and HIPPIE, MAX IV offers state-of-the-art instrumentation for in situ and operando

• ; batteries; catalysis; corrosion; Review Ambient pressure XPS Electron spectroscopy has significantly contributed to the understanding of chemical and physical processes that govern the complex interactions between a solid surface and its environment. These processes play crucial roles in phenomena such as

• –gas, solid–liquid, and liquid–gas interfaces in situ and under operando conditions. In this review, we highlight exemplary APXPS experiments conducted in different environments to study solid–gas and solid–liquid interfaces. APXPS at MAX IV is making a considerable contribution in various scientific