Missing links in nanomaterials research impacting productivity and perceptions

• Santosh K. Tiwari and
• Nannan Wang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2168–2176, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.149

• proliferation. Otherwise, excessive production of nanomaterials for academic prestige and numerous hit-and-miss experimental works without delivering meaningful benefits may expose humanity to severe health risks, including cancer and other life-threatening diseases [24]. We are fully aware that enforcing such

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

• study is the first to investigate the cytotoxic effects of these NCs on human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), colon cancer cell lines (HT-29), and fibroblast cell lines (L929). Additionally, the antibacterial properties of the NCs against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and

• , particularly on cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and HT-29), in a dose-dependent manner over a 24 h period. These findings highlight the potential of the NCs as anticancer agents. Furthermore, the synthesized NCs demonstrated potent antibacterial properties against the tested microorganisms and notable antioxidant

• effects by efficiently eliminating DPPH activity. This research highlights the potential of AgSbS2 NCs as versatile agents with applications in biomedical and environmental domains, including cancer therapy, antimicrobial strategies, and free radical neutralization. Keywords: AgSbS2 nanocrystals

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

• enhancing therapeutic delivery, particularly in areas such as cancer treatment. This perspective highlights critical considerations in the development of CNM-based nanocarriers, spanning from initial design to clinical implementation. Keywords: carbon nanomaterials (CNMs); carbon nanoparticles (CNPs); drug

• -consuming production, and a lack of standardised methods for their characterisation. Nevertheless, growing research into CNM-based nanoformulations continues to address key challenges, underscoring their promise in enhancing therapeutic delivery; particularly in cancer treatment, where the global burden

• translational hurdles, extend broadly across therapeutic contexts. Regardless of indication, many of the key challenges in standardising CNM-based drug delivery systems remain largely the same. Using carbon nanocarrier to address the global burden of cancer Cancer, a group of diseases characterised by

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

• maleimide groups are effective for ligand attachment to LNP surface and targeted delivery [40][41]. A dual-targeted LNP system composed of two functionalized PEG lipids was created for ligand-mediated targeting of DNA-loaded LNPs to breast cancer cells [42]. DSPE-PEG-folate was directly incorporated into

• the LNP formulation as a targeting ligand for folate receptor-positive breast cancer cells [43]. The other ligand, anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody Herceptin, was first thiolated using N-succinimidyl S-acetylthioacetate and then conjugated to DSPE-PEG-maleimide at a 1:4 molar ratio, with unreacted

• maleimide groups quenched by adding ʟ-cysteine [42][44]. The dual-targeted LNPs exhibited enhanced performance in vitro across breast cancer cell lines including MCF7, MDA-mb453, and SKBR3. In HER2-overexpressing SKBR3 cells, the dual-targeted LNPs achieved 75% transfection efficiency and significantly

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

• demonstrated that these nanoparticles exhibit low toxicity, effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, and strong colloidal stability, ensuring long-term dispersion [26][27]. Additionally, they exhibit antioxidant activity and selective cytotoxic effects on tumor cells, including oral cancer

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

• a viable option for oral administration of the hepatitis B vaccine. Stability is a challenge in vaccine development, especially for cancer vaccines. RNA, the key element in this process, encodes antigens responsible for humoral immunity but is inherently unstable due to its single-stranded structure

• genes respectively induce apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis in cancer. Following oral PN administration in tumor-bearing mice, tumor regression was observed, attributed to the synergistic effects of the two RNAs in inhibiting cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Since nucleic acids are

• widely utilized in cancer therapy due to their specific ability to regulate the expression of any associated gene [141] the findings of Han et al. [117] represent an effective approach for synergistic therapy via oral RNA delivery. Moreover, these findings open new possibilities for the application of

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

• Yang Fei Hui Xu Chunwei Zhang Jingjing Wang Yong Jin School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China 10.3762/bjnano.16.121 Abstract Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract with poor prognosis and high mortality. The early

• conjugates and aptamer-functionalized drug nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in esophageal cancer are reviewed in this paper. In addition, we expect investigators to pay special attention to improving aptamer permeability and stability to accelerate aptamer clinical transformation. In conclusion

• , 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

Prospects of nanotechnology and natural products for cancer and immunotherapy

• Jan Filipe Andrade Santos,
• Marcela Bernardes Brasileiro,
• Pamela Danielle Cavalcante Barreto,
• Ligiane Aranha Rocha and
• José Adão Carvalho Nascimento Júnior

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1644–1667, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.116

• , enhancing stability, and reducing adverse effects. Concurrently, natural products are being extensively researched for their anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. This patent review aims to analyze publications that integrate nanotechnology with natural products to develop cancer treatments and

• agents. Consequently, the combination of natural products with nanotechnology holds significant therapeutic potential. Keywords: cancer; immunotherapy; nanotechnology; natural products; patent; review; Introduction Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells

• , which have the ability to invade neighboring tissues and to metastasize to distant organs [1] (Figure 1). This pathology results from accumulated genetic alterations in proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair-related genes [2]. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer

Nanomaterials for biomedical applications

• Iqra Zainab,
• Zohra Naseem,
• Syeda Rubab Batool,
• Filippo Pierini,
• Seda Kizilel and
• Muhammad Anwaar Nazeer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1499–1503, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.105

• promote the healing of damaged tissues or organs [5]. Photothermal treatments are also possible with nanomaterials, as specially prepared particles can heat up and destroy cancer cells when exposed to light [6]. Moreover, nanomaterials can be incorporated into implants and prosthetics for enhanced

• membranes [8]. They can carry both water-soluble and fat-soluble drugs, shielding them from breaking down and extending their circulation time. Certain liposome-based drugs have already been approved for therapeutic use, especially in cancer therapy, where they may protect nearby healthy cells from toxicity

• effectively treat brain cancer cells. These nanocarriers helped drugs stay longer in the body, get to the brain tumor by crossing protective barriers, and directly target cancer cells [13]. However, carbon nanotubes require further investigation before being implanted into the human body due to their toxicity

Laser processing in liquids: insights into nanocolloid generation and thin film integration for energy, photonic, and sensing applications

• Akshana Parameswaran Sreekala,
• Pooja Raveendran Nair,
• Jithin Kundalam Kadavath,
• Bindu Krishnan,
• David Avellaneda Avellaneda,
• M. R. Anantharaman and
• Sadasivan Shaji

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1428–1498, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.104

Enhancing the therapeutical potential of metalloantibiotics using nano-based delivery systems

• Alejandro Llamedo,
• Marina Cano,
• Raquel G. Soengas and
• Francisco J. García-Alonso

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1350–1366, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.98

• copolymers, exhibit good stability and cargo-retention efficiency, making them ideal for cytosolic drug delivery [79]. Polymeric micelles, with a hydrophilic core and hydrophobic outer shell, protect aqueous drug cargo and improve circulation time, often being used for the delivery of cancer therapeutics [80

• that the pore size can be precisely controlled during synthesis, MSiNPs are widely applied for delivering drugs to targeted sites, particularly in cancer and infectious diseases [88][89]. In addition, MSiNPs can be further enhanced by surface modifications, such as the attachment of polyethyleneimine

Ferroptosis induction by engineered liposomes for enhanced tumor therapy

• Alireza Ghasempour,
• Mohammad Amin Tokallou,
• Mohammad Reza Naderi Allaf,
• Mohsen Moradi,
• Hamideh Dehghan,
• Mahsa Sedighi,
• Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi and
• Fahimeh Lavi Arab

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1325–1349, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.97

• tumor therapy. It also highlights the fascinating outcome of liposome-mediated ferroptosis in overcoming the obstacles to cancer therapy, along with the limitations and possible future directions. Keywords: cancer; ferroptosis; liposome; nanomedicine; stimuli-responsive; Review 1 Introduction Cancer

• is defined by irregularities in the processes that control cell division, leading to the survival and rapid spread of cancerous cells. Despite significant advances in medical science and technology, cancer is still a disease with limited therapeutic options. Metastasis and recurrence of cancer lead

• to high disability and mortality, and the exact mechanisms are still unclear. Current chemotherapy faces challenges, including non-specificity, toxicity to healthy cells, the development of stem-like cells, and the progression of multidrug resistance [1]. Drug resistance is a major obstacle in cancer

Better together: biomimetic nanomedicines for high performance tumor therapy

• Imran Shair Mohammad,
• Gizem Kursunluoglu,
• Anup Kumar Patel,
• Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq,
• Cansu Umran Tunc,
• Dilek Kanarya,
• Mubashar Rehman,
• Omer Aydin and
• Yin Lifang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1246–1276, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.92

• 38040, Turkey Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China 10.3762/bjnano.16.92 Abstract The emergence of nanotechnology offers a promising avenue for enhancing cancer treatment outcomes. In this context, biomimetic nanoparticles have

• utility, biomimetic nanoparticles hold great promise for advancing the field of cancer treatment. Keywords: biomimetic nanoparticles; homotypic binding; nanomaterials; targeted drug delivery; tumor therapy; Introduction Cancer is a complex disease, which involves numerous cells and their crosstalk with

• systems [1][2]. Cancer treatment has been revolutionized, yet cancer is treated with traditional methods, that is, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical intervention, accompanied by several lethal implications along with low solubility, poor bioavailability, and fatal off-target effects [3][4]. In

Hydrogels and nanogels: effectiveness in dermal applications

• Jéssica da Cruz Ludwig,
• Diana Fortkamp Grigoletto,
• Daniele Fernanda Renzi,
• Wolf-Rainer Abraham,
• Daniel de Paula and
• Najeh Maissar Khalil

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1216–1233, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.90

• optimized nanogel-MTX combines the characteristics of biocompatibility, sustained systemic release, safety, and efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in a single system [193]. Nanogels and hydrogels applied to skin cancer therapy Therapy against skin cancer has been a major focus for the

• application of hydrogels and nanogels (Table 2), which aim to optimize site-specific drug targeting in the tumor cells [192][195][209]. Skin cancer arises through the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells forming skin tissue. The skin cells are arranged in layers and, according to the affected layers

• , different types of cancer can be discerned. Skin cancers are divided into three main types, which include squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The most common are basal and squamous cell carcinomas. More rare and lethal than carcinomas, melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin

Investigation of the solubility of protoporphyrin IX in aqueous and hydroalcoholic solvent systems

• Michelly de Sá Matsuoka,
• Giovanna Carla Cadini Ruiz,
• Marcos Luciano Bruschi and
• Jéssica Bassi da Silva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1209–1215, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.89

• ; protoporphyrin IX; shake-flask; solubility test; Introduction Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising therapeutic modality that has raised keen interest in the treatment of various conditions including cancer and microbial infections [1][2]. This non-invasive treatment combines a photosensitizer (PS), a

Fabrication of metal complex phthalocyanine and porphyrin nanoparticle aqueous colloids by pulsed laser fragmentation in liquid and their potential application to a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy

• Taisei Himeda,
• Risako Kunitomi,
• Ryosuke Nabeya,
• Tamotsu Zako and
• Tsuyoshi Asahi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1088–1096, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.80

• against cancer cells was reported. However, conventional methods of producing nanoparticle colloids require organic solvents and excessive amounts of organic adjuvants, which may have other implications for research in pharmacological, photochemical, and medical applications, and also may interfere with

Piezoelectricity of hexagonal boron nitrides improves bone tissue generation as tested on osteoblasts

• Sevin Adiguzel,
• Nilay Cicek,
• Zehra Cobandede,
• Feray B. Misirlioglu,
• Hulya Yilmaz and
• Mustafa Culha

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1068–1081, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.78

• [30][31]. The piezoelectric property of 2D hBN arises from its noncentrosymmetric structure, supported by these van der Waals interactions [32]. The excellent biocompatibility of hBN makes it attractive for diverse applications, including cosmetics, drug delivery, cancer treatment, orthopedic implants

A calix[4]arene-based supramolecular nanoassembly targeting cancer cells and triggering the release of nitric oxide with green light

• Cristina Parisi,
• Loredana Ferreri,
• Tassia J. Martins,
• Francesca Laneri,
• Samantha Sollima,
• Antonina Azzolina,
• Antonella Cusimano,
• Nicola D’Antona,
• Grazia M. L. Consoli and
• Salvatore Sortino

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1003–1013, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.75

• cancer cells that overexpress the choline transporters, and it can be visualized thanks to the fluorescent tag. The fluorogenic unit also acts as a green light harvesting center, making the nanoassembly a photo-nanoreactor able to encapsulate a hydrophobic nitric oxide (NO) photodonor, otherwise

• interest is due to its crucial role as a gaseous signaling molecule in the human body [16][17][18][19][20][21] and its great potential as an unconventional therapeutic to fight important diseases, including cancer, bacterial infections, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders [22][23][24][25][26

• purpose, we report the design and synthesis of the cationic calix[4]arene 1 and its supramolecular nanoassembly with the blue-light-activatable nitroso-derivative NOPD 2 (Scheme 1). We show that (i) 1 self-assembles in water medium into nanoaggregates able to internalize into cancer cells selectively and

Structural and magnetic properties of microwave-synthesized reduced graphene oxide/VO₂/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite

• Sumanta Sahoo,
• Ankur Sood and
• Sung Soo Han

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 921–932, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.70

• increased, which would result in a higher concentration of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. These composites could be applied in many areas of biomedicine, including contrast agents for MR imaging, cancer theragnostics, and tissue engineering. Conclusion In conclusion, a ternary NC consisting of α-Fe2O3, VO2, and rGO

Synthesis and magnetic transitions of rare-earth-free Fe–Mn–Ni–Si-based compositionally complex alloys at bulk and nanoscale

• Shabbir Tahir,
• Tatiana Smoliarova,
• Carlos Doñate-Buendía,
• Michael Farle,
• Natalia Shkodich and
• Bilal Gökce

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 823–836, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.62

• applications such as magnetic hyperthermia, where NPs are used in cancer therapy to induce localized heating when exposed to an alternating magnetic field [34]. However, producing CCAs at the nanoscale presents significant challenges. Traditional wet chemistry approaches often fail because of elemental

Serum heat inactivation diminishes ApoE-mediated uptake of D-Lin-MC3-DMA lipid nanoparticles

• Demian van Straten,
• Luuk van de Schepop,
• Rowan Frunt,
• Pieter Vader and
• Raymond M. Schiffelers

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 740–748, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.57

• Integrated DNA Technologies and were annealed in-house for 5 min at 97 °C. siRNA sequence: Sense: ‘5-GGA CGA GGU GCC UAA AGG AdCdG-3’ Antisense: ‘5-UCC UUU AGG CAC CUC GUC CdCdG-3’. FCS was obtained from Gibco, Biowest and Lonza. Cell culture Brain cancer cell line U87-MG (ATCC) and breast cancer cell line

• which is financed by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and Dutch Cancer Society (KWF).

Efficiency of single-pulse laser fragmentation of organic nutraceutical dispersions in a circular jet flow-through reactor

• Tina Friedenauer,
• Maximilian Spellauge,
• Alexander Sommereyns,
• Verena Labenski,
• Tuba Esatbeyoglu,
• Christoph Rehbock,
• Heinz P. Huber and
• Stephan Barcikowski

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 711–727, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.55

• particle surface and quantified regarding feedstock mass concentration and nutraceutical type. Cytotoxicity in HepG2 cancer cells was significantly reduced in cells treated with laser-processed curcumin in comparison to unirradiated curcumin controls, and antioxidant effects were proven, ensuring high

• molecules [75][76]. The effect of curcumin on cancer cells has been frequently examined, and two potentially contradictory effects are frequently discussed. On the one hand, curcumin nanoparticles are said to be more cytotoxic to cancer cells like HepG2 than the corresponding microparticle formulations [77

• effects when laser-fragmented curcumin particles are exposed to cancer cell lines, which is well in line with other curcumin formulations but highlights that LFL is a promising comminution strategy to generate bioactive curcumin in the absence of additional stabilizing ligands and additives. Experimental

Colloidal few layered graphene–tannic acid preserves the biocompatibility of periodontal ligament cells

• Teissir Ben Ammar,
• Naji Kharouf,
• Dominique Vautier,
• Housseinou Ba,
• Nivedita Sudheer,
• Philippe Lavalle and
• Vincent Ball

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 664–677, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.51

• metal ion chelation. Chromatin contains copper ions, which readily participate in redox reactions and bind strongly to DNA. These ions can form complexes with TA. Within cancer cells, for instance, this interaction can trigger ROS production and DNA damage [17]. However, when TA is complexed with

• research indicating that TA coatings markedly enhanced the adhesion and proliferation of human liver cancer cells, specifically HepG2, on the PDMS substrate when compared to pristine PDMS [37]. TA may possibly play a role in cellular adhesion mechanisms, potentially through surface protein interactions

Aprepitant-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: a novel approach to enhance oral bioavailability

• Mazhar Hussain,
• Muhammad Farooq,
• Muhammad Asad Saeed,
• Muhammad Ijaz,
• Sherjeel Adnan,
• Zeeshan Masood,
• Muhammad Waqas,
• Wafa Ishaq and
• Nabeela Ameer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 652–663, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.50

• . Therefore, the optimal SLN formulation APT-CD-NP4 is a promising tool for oral administration with sustained release to improve the bioavailability of the BCS class-IV drug APT. Keywords: aprepitant; β-cyclodextrin; pharmacokinetic study; poloxamer; solid lipid nanoparticles; Introduction Cancer is a

• major health problem worldwide, and cancer patients are treated by using conventional strategies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, alone or in combination [1]. Chemotherapy is the basis of pharmacological cancer treatments [2]. The most common adverse effects in cancer patients induced by

• chemotherapy are nausea and vomiting (chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, CINV), which occurs in 60–80% of cancer patients with negative impacts on the quality of life and patients’ treatment outcomes [3]. About 79% of patients face postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), with 10–40% anticipatory

Polyurethane/silk fibroin-based electrospun membranes for wound healing and skin substitute applications

• Iqra Zainab,
• Zohra Naseem,
• Syeda Rubab Batool,
• Muhammad Waqas,
• Ahsan Nazir and
• Muhammad Anwaar Nazeer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 591–612, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.46

• and differentiation to repair damaged neural tissue [171]. They are also widely used for cancer treatments such as photothermal and photodynamic therapy, where light activation creates heat or reactive oxygen species to severely damage and kill cancer cells while reducing the harm done to healthy

• growth [175]. Zhou et al. focused on the fabrication of a novel composite membrane suitable for photothermal cancer therapy based on black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets because of their high biocompatibility and photothermal efficacy. SF was used as an exfoliating agent in stable liquid exfoliation with

• power. These membranes were shown to ablate HepG2 cancer cells in vitro, revealing the prospect for localized cancer treatment [176]. Lv et al. created a new light-sensitive shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) by using micro/nanofibers of polydopamine (PDA)-coated poly(ε-caprolactone). The aim of this