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

• .16.10 Abstract In the coming decades, the development of nanocarriers (NCs) for targeted drug delivery will mark a significant advance in the field of pharmacology. NCs can improve drug solubility, ensure precise distribution, and enable passage across biological barriers. Despite these potential

• 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

• potential of NCs by reducing macrophage uptake and extending circulation time. These strategies pave the way for more effective and targeted drug delivery systems. 5 Innovative therapeutic strategies using NCs Recent advancements in NC technologies have highlighted their remarkable potential in targeting

Characterization of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GP258

• Prashantkumar Siddappa Chakra,
• Aishwarya Banakar,
• Shriram Narayan Puranik,
• Vishwas Kaveeshwar,
• C. R. Ravikumar and
• Devaraja Gayathri

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 78–89, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.8

• semiconductors. Also, ZnO NPs exhibit antimicrobial activity, targeted drug delivery, catalytic activity, and antidiabetic, larvicidal, acaricidal and anticancer activity in addition to their usage in different medical devices and pharmaceuticals [11][12][13]. We report the ecologically safe production of ZnO

Theoretical study of the electronic and optical properties of a composite formed by the zeolite NaA and a magnetite cluster

• Joel Antúnez-García,
• Roberto Núñez-González,
• Vitalii Petranovskii,
• H’Linh Hmok,
• Armando Reyes-Serrato,
• Fabian N. Murrieta-Rico,
• Mufei Xiao and
• Jonathan Zamora

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 44–53, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.5

• development of nanotechnology and the emergence of composite zeolite materials have opened up unprecedented opportunities for their application in nanomedicine [47]. The unique properties of magnetic nanoparticles allow them to be used for targeted drug delivery and visualization of internal organs [48

Mechanistic insights into endosomal escape by sodium oleate-modified liposomes

• Ebrahim Sadaqa,
• Satrialdi,
• Fransiska Kurniawan and
• Diky Mudhakir

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1667–1685, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.131

• mechanism, facilitating cytosolic delivery with reduced cytotoxicity. This approach offers a safer and more effective option for targeted drug delivery applications. Keywords: Aurein 1.2; endosomal escape; fusogenic effect; molecular dynamics simulation; sodium oleate; Introduction The quest for efficient

• systems. By presenting SO as a promising alternative endosomal escape agent, we aim to contribute to the advancement of targeted drug delivery strategies with improved therapeutic outcomes. Results and Discussion Characterization of liposomal formulations In our study, we meticulously formulated three

• new strategies in targeted drug delivery. Proposed mechanism of sodium oleate-enhanced endosomal escape in drug delivery In this study, we developed an innovative strategy to modify liposomes with SO to enhance their endosomal escape capabilities. By combining in vitro experiments with in silico MD

The round-robin approach applied to nanoinformatics: consensus prediction of nanomaterials zeta potential

• Dimitra-Danai Varsou,
• Arkaprava Banerjee,
• Joyita Roy,
• Kunal Roy,
• Giannis Savvas,
• Haralambos Sarimveis,
• Ewelina Wyrzykowska,
• Mateusz Balicki,
• Tomasz Puzyn,
• Georgia Melagraki,
• Iseult Lynch and
• Antreas Afantitis

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1536–1553, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.121

• ; read-across; QSPR; round-robin test; zeta potential; Introduction Nanotechnology, defined as the ability to manipulate matter at the nanoscale, has opened an array of possibilities for multiple applications that take advantage of the unique properties of nanomaterials (NMs). From targeted drug

• delivery to environmental sensing, the versatility of NMs makes them ideal candidates for a broad range of innovative applications [1]. However, the complexity and unique properties of these materials also present significant challenges, especially when it comes to the assessment of their potential adverse

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

• delivery system (Figure 7C,D). The venom delivery systems of Hymenoptera are precise and efficient, inspiring the design of microinjection systems and targeted drug delivery methods that minimize collateral damage to surrounding tissues [170]. Drawing inspiration from the precision and efficiency of

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 pharmacy are looking for such materials for DDSs because targeted drug delivery is becoming a vital way of carrying drugs. Traditional drug delivery methods including tablets, capsules, syrups, and ointments, have significant disadvantages such as low bioavailability and variability of drug levels

• sustain the medicine or gene effect in targeted tissues. This sustained release of medication extends the duration of the effect of the drug, ensuring optimal treatment efficacy. Additionally, biopolymeric nanoparticles can carry various functional groups on their surface enabling targeted drug delivery

When nanomedicines meet tropical diseases

• Eder Lilia Romero,
• Katrien Van Bocxlaer and
• Fabio Rocha Formiga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 830–832, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.69

• ]. Potentially beneficial properties of nanomedicines include enhanced drug solubility, improved bioavailability, targeted drug delivery, longer half-life, and reduced toxicity. This thematic issue covers pre-clinical research employing chemotherapeutic or prophylactic nanomedicines against NTDs in a concise

Classification and application of metal-based nanoantioxidants in medicine and healthcare

• Nguyen Nhat Nam,
• Nguyen Khoi Song Tran,
• Tan Tai Nguyen,
• Nguyen Ngoc Trai,
• Nguyen Phuong Thuy,
• Hoang Dang Khoa Do,
• Nhu Hoa Thi Tran and
• Kieu The Loan Trinh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 396–415, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.36

• atherosclerotic plaques [171]. One promising avenue involves the development of metal-based NPs for targeted drug delivery to atherosclerotic lesions. These NPs, often composed of biocompatible metals such as gold, silver, or iron, offer unique properties that enable precise drug delivery to affected areas while

• et al. demonstrated that biodegradable Mg scaffolds have shown promise in promoting vascular regeneration [188]. In brief, the use of metal-based nanomaterials in CVD treatment encompasses a range of innovative approaches from targeted drug delivery using NPs to the development of advanced metallic

Vinorelbine-loaded multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles as anticancer drug delivery systems: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro release study

• Zeynep Özcan and
• Afife Binnaz Hazar Yoruç

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 256–269, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.24

• anticancer drugs while mitigating the adverse effects of large dosage administration [6][7]. Additionally, it offers several advantages, such as controlled release, targeted drug delivery, and improved stability [8]. Moreover, nanoscale drug delivery systems hold great promise for specific cancer treatments

• ., cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), targeted drug delivery, photothermal therapy, gene therapy, and molecular and cellular monitoring [15][16]. Photothermal therapy (PTT), a treatment in which nanostructures are used, induces drug release or damages tumor cells with

• photothermal therapy capabilities, the PDA shell mitigates nanomaterial toxicity while increasing biocompatibility. The strategic integration of PEGylation into tumor-targeted drug delivery systems significantly amplifies passive tumor targeting and retention through the enhanced permeability and retention

Nanocarrier systems loaded with IR780, iron oxide nanoparticles and chlorambucil for cancer theragnostics

• Phuong-Thao Dang-Luong,
• Hong-Phuc Nguyen,
• Loc Le-Tuan,
• Xuan-Thang Cao,
• Vy Tran-Anh and
• Hieu Vu Quang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 180–189, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.17

• diagnoses, including tumor-targeted drug delivery, hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy, and imaging. Nanomedicines can be made from a variety of inert, biodegradable, and in vivo biocompatible materials. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) is one of the most biodegradable and biocompatible copolymers owing to its

Antibody-conjugated nanoparticles for target-specific drug delivery of chemotherapeutics

• Mamta Kumari,
• Amitabha Acharya and
• Praveen Thaggikuppe Krishnamurthy

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 912–926, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.75

• targeting capabilities [7]. Researchers focused their interest on understanding the obstructions that impede targeted drug delivery, and several advances have been made to develop NPs with enhanced ability to cross these barriers. Bio-pharmacological drugs, which include recombinant proteins, monoclonal

• antibodies (mAbs), and nucleic acid-based materials for targeted drug delivery, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cancer, arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, pemphigus vulgaris, and chronic urticaria [8]. Antibodies are the primary homing ligands in tumor-targeted

• drug delivery because of their high specificity, recognition ability, and intracellular stability [9][10]. The mAb-mediated targeted drug delivery specifically eradicates tumor cells without causing systemic toxicity associated with conventional chemotherapeutic agents [11]. Complete mAbs or just the

Quercetin- and caffeic acid-functionalized chitosan-capped colloidal silver nanoparticles: one-pot synthesis, characterization, and anticancer and antibacterial activities

• Akif Hakan Kurt,
• Elif Berna Olutas,
• Fatma Avcioglu,
• Hamza Karakuş,
• Mehmet Ali Sungur,
• Cansu Kara Oztabag and
• Muhammet Yıldırım

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 362–376, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.31

• Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria. More specifically, Ch/Q- and Ch/CA-Ag NPs exhibited a bit higher inhibitions against P. aeruginosa. Consequently, such combinations may provide several advantages in targeted drug delivery systems, such as minimal toxicity to normal cells and enhanced

Recent progress in cancer cell membrane-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications

• Qixiong Lin,
• Yueyou Peng,
• Yanyan Wen,
• Xiaoqiong Li,
• Donglian Du,
• Weibin Dai,
• Wei Tian and
• Yanfeng Meng

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 262–279, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.24

• hemisphere while efficiently reducing infarct volume and protecting nerves, resulting in significantly higher efficacy than that of the bare NPs (Figure 6) [26]. The ability of cancer cells to penetrate biological barriers has shown promise for targeted drug delivery in cerebrovascular disease. 3.4 Immune

Two-step single-reactor synthesis of oleic acid- or undecylenic acid-stabilized magnetic nanoparticles by thermal decomposition

• Mykhailo Nahorniak,
• Pamela Pasetto,
• Jean-Marc Greneche,
• Volodymyr Samaryk,
• Sandy Auguste,
• Anthony Rousseau,
• Nataliya Nosova and
• Serhii Varvarenko

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 11–22, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.2

• makes them ideal candidates for magnetic-assisted targeted drug delivery [12]. Nanoscale magnetite can be obtained through well-known synthesis routes, such as hydrothermal synthesis, thermal decomposition, or co-precipitation [10][11]. Each of these synthetic approaches has certain advantages and

Photothermal ablation of murine melanomas by Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle clusters

• Xue Wang,
• Lili Xuan and
• Ying Pan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 255–264, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.20

• MRI imaging, targeted drug delivery and hyperthermia therapy [8][9]. Hyperthermia therapy can be achieved by using either magnetic fields or NIR irradiation. Application of an external alternating magnetic field on these nanoparticles leads to the production of heat to mediate magnetic hyperthermia

Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity in vitro of surface-functionalized drug-loaded spinel ferrite nanoparticles

• Sadaf Mushtaq,
• Khuram Shahzad,
• Tariq Saeed,
• Anwar Ul-Hamid,
• Bilal Haider Abbasi,
• Nafees Ahmad,
• Waqas Khalid,
• Muhammad Atif,
• Zulqurnain Ali and
• Rashda Abbasi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1339–1364, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.99

• -assisted control of the behavior of MNPs makes them suitable candidates for targeted drug delivery, hyperthermia, biosensors, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic separation [9][10]. Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs), belonging to the spinel ferrite class, are the most extensively studied

Identifying diverse metal oxide nanomaterials with lethal effects on embryonic zebrafish using machine learning

• Richard Liam Marchese Robinson,
• Haralambos Sarimveis,
• Philip Doganis,
• Xiaodong Jia,
• Marianna Kotzabasaki,
• Christiana Gousiadou,
• Stacey Lynn Harper and
• Terry Wilkins

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1297–1325, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.97

• ; Introduction A variety of nanomaterial (NM)-enabled products have already been marketed [1][2] and there is considerable interest in the development of novel engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) for a variety of applications. Nanomedicine, including ENM-based therapeutic agents, nanocarriers (i.e., targeted drug

• delivery vehicles), diagnostic tools and medical devices, is a key application area [2][3]. However, as well as recognising the benefits associated with nanotechnology, it is also important to address potential negative impacts upon human health and the environment. Nanosafety concerns are reflected in

Use of nanosystems to improve the anticancer effects of curcumin

• Andrea M. Araya-Sibaja,
• Norma J. Salazar-López,
• Krissia Wilhelm Romero,
• José R. Vega-Baudrit,
• J. Abraham Domínguez-Avila,
• Carlos A. Velázquez Contreras,
• Ramón E. Robles-Zepeda,
• Mirtha Navarro-Hoyos and
• Gustavo A. González-Aguilar

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 1047–1062, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.78

• improved pharmacokinetics. Their hydrophobicity makes them promising to achieve controlled release and targeted drug delivery to the mononuclear phagocyte system [65]. Effects on the stability of SLN have been reported during storage, mostly due to loss of the solid crystalline structure, which can cause

The role of deep eutectic solvents and carrageenan in synthesizing biocompatible anisotropic metal nanoparticles

• Nabojit Das,
• Akash Kumar and
• Raja Gopal Rayavarapu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 924–938, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.69

• the use of carrageenan in nanobiotechnology, indicating that it is a safe approach in synthesizing biocompatible nanomaterials. Carrageenans were either used in synthesis as a capping agent or as functional molecule for nanoparticle stabilization and targeted drug delivery. In contrast, nanomaterials

Comprehensive review on ultrasound-responsive theranostic nanomaterials: mechanisms, structures and medical applications

• Sepand Tehrani Fateh,
• Lida Moradi,
• Elmira Kohan,
• Michael R. Hamblin and
• Amin Shiralizadeh Dezfuli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 808–862, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.64

• 200 nm as delivery vehicles in combination with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for targeted drug delivery in vivo. The small size of the liposomes allowed for the controlled release of the encapsulated drug. They reported that the application of HIFU (1.1 MHz) for 10 s could release ≈21% of

• are focused on a targeted tissue, the absorption of acoustic energy by the surrounding fluid or living tissue causes local hyperthermia [83]. In targeted drug delivery strategies, localized heating of the tumor tissue without excessive thermal damage to the surrounding normal tissues is an advantage

Recent progress in actuation technologies of micro/nanorobots

• Ke Xu and
• Bing Liu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 756–765, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.59

• contrast, micro/nanorobots can operate non-invasively in small, inaccessible spaces and play an important role in biomedicine and other fields, such as targeted drug delivery to treat cancer [1][2][3][4][5][6], nanosurgery [7][8], and environmental treatment [9][10][11]. In 1959, Feynman [12] first

• targeted drug delivery. Li et al. [19] designed a fish-like magnetic actuation micro/nanorobot with a passive gold segment as the head, two active nickel segments as the body, and one passive gold segment as the caudal fin, all connected by a flexible structure of porous silver. The swimming mode of the

• this, the new microrobot is expected to be used in targeted drug delivery and other biomedical fields. Si et al. [27] proposed a theoretical concept of a nanorobot consisting of a nanoparticle and four single-stranded DNAs placed on a quad-nanopore device for motion control. When an electric field is

Recent progress in magnetic applications for micro- and nanorobots

• Ke Xu,
• Shuang Xu and
• Fanan Wei

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 744–755, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.58

• magnetism to assist targeted drug delivery in vitro. They designed and manufactured wire-shaped magnetoelectric MNRs that could perform wireless locomotion and on-site triggered release of therapeutics under the action of a single external power source (i.e., a magnetic field). The designed hybrid

Fate and transformation of silver nanoparticles in different biological conditions

• Barbara Pem,
• Marija Ćurlin,
• Darija Domazet Jurašin,
• Valerije Vrček,
• Rinea Barbir,
• Vedran Micek,
• Raluca M. Fratila,
• Jesus M. de la Fuente and
• Ivana Vinković Vrček

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 665–679, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.53

• , which listed more than 100 AgNP-containing food products [4]. The biomedical use of AgNPs represents the largest proportion of the market share [1] encompassing antimicrobial coatings on medical devices (catheters, stents, implants), wound dressings, targeted drug delivery, cancer therapy and

The impact of molecular tumor profiling on the design strategies for targeting myeloid leukemia and EGFR/CD44-positive solid tumors

• Nikola Geskovski,
• Nadica Matevska-Geshkovska,
• Simona Dimchevska Sazdovska,
• Marija Glavas Dodov,
• Kristina Mladenovska and
• Katerina Goracinova

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 375–401, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.31