Ultrathin water layers on mannosylated gold nanoparticles

• Maiara A. Iriarte Alonso,
• Jorge H. Melillo,
• Silvina Cerveny,
• Yujin Tong and
• Alexander M. Bittner

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2183–2198, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.151

• properties on particle size and shape has been demonstrated for particle sizes in the 1–100 nm range and on biological interfaces [7]. Limited biocompatibility and high tendency to aggregate in solution inspired new mechanisms of particle biofunctionalization with proteins, lipids, or carbohydrates. Coupling

• identify if the increase in the maximum height of single particles was merely driven by the adsorption of water layers on top of the dimannose residues or by other mechanisms such as swelling, that is, the incorporation of water into the NP shell. As in the previously introduced cases, the particles

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

• mechanisms and deposition of MPs into sensitive environments in perspective [18][19]. 3.1 Sources and pathways of microplastics in lakes MPs come from various sources and are carried to high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas through several routes. The major sources of pollution are improper disposal of

• glacial retreat zones, affirming meltwater pathways. Where Himalayan-specific data is sparse, mechanisms are inferred from analogous systems such as the Swiss Alps and Andean lakes. Seasonal MP dynamics in the Himalayan lakes are controlled by environmental factors such as glacier melting and monsoonal

• mechanisms, efficiency, and experimental conditions. To improve clarity and compare functional mechanisms, the nanomaterials are grouped based on their primary MP removal strategy, that is, adsorption, photocatalysis, and magnetic/hybrid systems. Tables 4–6 highlight that adsorption and photocatalysis are

Electron transport through nanoscale multilayer graphene and hexagonal boron nitride junctions

• Aleksandar Staykov and
• Takaya Fujisaki

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2132–2143, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.147

• differentiate the electron transport mechanisms between graphene and h-BN at the nanoscale and compare them to their macroscopic properties. The role of several common defects on the electron transport will be elucidated, which is an important transition from pristine models to realistic applications. Methods

• tunneling currents and is not related to the electronic properties of the materials. For four to six layers of thickness, the transport mechanisms differ between graphene and h-BN, where we have ballistic transport through quantum levels in graphene with linear dependence on the thickness and tunneling

Quality by design optimization of microemulsions for topical delivery of Passiflora setacea seed oil

• Daniel T. Pereira,
• Douglas Dourado,
• Danielle T. Freire,
• Dayanne L. Porto,
• Cícero F. S. Aragão,
• Myla L. de Souza,
• Guilherme R. S. de Araujo,
• Ana Maria Costa,
• Wógenes N. Oliveira,
• Anne Sapin-Minet,
• Éverton N. Alencar and
• Eryvaldo Sócrates T. Egito

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2116–2131, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.146

• the complex biological processes involved in wound healing. Specifically, it does not evaluate critical mechanisms such as cell migration, proliferation, extracellular matrix remodeling, or the modulation of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, future investigations should incorporate complementary

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

• , cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes [11][12]. Historically known especially for its antimicrobial properties, silver has been used since ancient times. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are synthesized by different synthesis mechanisms; they are non-toxic to eukaryotic cells, including human cells, but highly toxic

• cells. A comprehensive understanding of the fundamental mechanisms governing this selective activity against cancer cell lines necessitates further investigation. Elucidating the specific molecular interactions and signaling pathways between NCs and malignant cells may provide an alternative therapeutic

• with AgNPs, supporting oxidative stress as a key factor in nanoparticle-induced cell death [48]. Therefore, it is plausible that the cytotoxic effects of AgSbS2 NCs observed in this study are at least partially mediated through ROS-dependent apoptotic mechanisms. Future investigations focusing on

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

• . Moreover, these nanocarriers can bypass cancer cell resistance mechanisms, thereby enhancing overall drug efficacy. Targeted drug delivery aims at overcoming the side effects and limitations of traditional cancer treatment, like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery, though effective in some

• healthy tissues. Toxicity remains one of the most significant concerns associated with CNMs. Their unique physical and chemical properties, while advantageous for drug delivery, can also contribute to harmful effects. Potential mechanisms of toxicity include the generation of reactive oxygen species

Multifrequency AFM integrating PeakForce tapping and higher eigenmodes for heterogeneous surface characterization

• Yanping Wei,
• Jiafeng Shen,
• Yirong Yao,
• Xuke Li,
• Ming Li and
• Peiling Ke

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2077–2085, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.142

• Figure 1, the probe is exposed to two excitation mechanisms: (i) The piezoelectric driver PD-I induces sinusoidal vibrations at a frequency significantly below the cantilever’s first eigenmode frequency, typically in the range of 0.5–2 kHz on our instrument. This action propels the probe to engage and

• excite the probe in our innovative multifrequency AFM mode. The efficacy of this approach relies on two synergistic mechanisms. First, when the probe contacts the sample surface, tip–sample interaction forces induce a rapid resonance frequency shift and amplitude attenuation in the higher eigenmodes

Molecular and mechanical insights into gecko seta adhesion: multiscale simulations combining molecular dynamics and the finite element method

• Yash Jain,
• Saeed Norouzi,
• Tobias Materzok,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Florian Müller-Plathe

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2055–2076, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.141

• detachment, thereby enhancing adhesion strength. The computed pull-off forces and observed mechanisms are consistent with atomic force microscopy measurements and previous simulations. These results align with existing experimental and computational studies. They also overcome scale and resolution

• ][20] are necessary to capture both large-scale geometry and local molecular interactions at the adhesive interface. There have been several pure finite element studies of gecko adhesion, which examine mechanisms like peeling from and pushing (loading) onto a substrate [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28

• geometry was sufficient as a first step in validating our concurrent MD–FEM approach and extracting fundamental insights about contact formation, load transfer, and spatula detachment mechanisms. Simulating each spatula in its own MD simulation, while coupling them all with the seta FEM model, becomes

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

• extensive description of the enormous progress of liquid chromatography with chiral, stationary phases made over several decades [18]. The author analyzes that a molecular understanding of the recognition mechanisms on chiral surfaces is still scarce, particularly regarding dynamic aspects. Meanwhile

The cement of the tube-dwelling polychaete Sabellaria alveolata: a complex composite adhesive material

• Emilie Duthoo,
• Aurélie Lambert,
• Pierre Becker,
• Carla Pugliese,
• Jean-Marc Baele,
• Arnaud Delfairière,
• Matthew J. Harrington and
• Patrick Flammang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1998–2014, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.138

• material; Polychaeta; protein phosphorylation; Introduction Many invertebrate marine organisms have adhesive mechanisms that allow them to firmly attach to various substrates in a wet and salty environment [1][2]. This remarkable ability has raised the interest of scientists in developing bio-inspired

• in the largest spheroids). The occurrence of expanded inclusions in some samples, although it may be an artifact of preparation, could mimic intermediate states between inclusions and hollow spheroids. Time-lapse experiments on extracted secretory granules could help decipher the mechanisms behind

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

• liquids; laser irradiation; nanofabrication; nanoparticles; shape control; Perspective 1 Introduction: Mechanisms and key parameters influencing the morphology of laser-produced NPs The precise control and tailoring of NP parameters has long been an aim of the laser ablation synthesis in liquids

• progress in the pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) field has been achieved by getting new insights into the process of laser ablation, its stages, and mechanisms allowing to significantly boost the productivity and reach gram-scale NP production [1][4]. Another direction of the research is the control

• achieved. Despite recent advances, there is still a gap in understanding the routes for shape control of the forming nanomaterials hindered by the limited information about the mechanisms of laser ablation process in liquids. The demand for anisotropic nanomaterials is growing, associated with the rapid

Evaluating metal-organic precursors for focused ion beam-induced deposition through solid-layer decomposition analysis

• Benedykt R. Jany,
• Katarzyna Madajska,
• Aleksandra Butrymowicz-Kubiak,
• Franciszek Krok and
• Iwona B. Szymańska

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1942–1951, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.135

• decomposition mechanisms are proposed. Studies have been conducted on ion–molecule interactions in both solid and gas phases. Ultrahigh vacuum experiments on a few monolayers of FIBID precursors, such as [Ru(CO)4I2], [(η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2Re(CO)5], and [Fe(CO)5], have been used to elucidate decomposition pathways

• analysis of nanostructures [33]. Finally, we determined the quantitative chemical composition of the formed metal-rich deposits (structures). While the decomposition of precursor layers presents a significant challenge compared to gas-phase deposition driven by differing mechanisms, our approach of layer

• versus the metal content determined using our ion-beam-based decomposition method. It is seen that, on average, there is a relation between these two values of the metal content. Independently of the different mechanisms governing layer decomposition under ion beam irradiation and gas-phase deposition in

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

• an energy much higher than the thermal energy, the quantum absorption mechanism is already realized, and the real absorption picture becomes much more complicated [19]. It is necessary to take into account many other parameters and relaxation mechanisms. An example of the thermalization process of a

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

• activation in different mechanisms [57][65][66][67]. Although the immunogenicity of PEG lipids can be beneficial in certain cases to modulate immune responses for enhanced therapeutic outcomes, such applications are minimal compared to the well-documented downsides in LNP delivery function. Given this

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

• compared to that of free EOs, in both activities. However, the repellent activity has been less explored, present in only three of the studies evaluated, in the last 10 years. Correlatingh with this, other aspects such as botanical species of EOs, mechanisms of action, composition, and characteristics of

• to the larvae, and enzymatic analysis showed that thymol nanoemulsion inhibited 83.48% of acetylcholinesterase, while oil inhibited 53.62%, suggesting multiple mechanisms of action. Gupta et al. (2022) investigated the larvicidal efficacy of a Thymus vulgaris essential oil nanoemulsion against Ae

• of the enzymes α-esterase, β-esterase, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the larvae, suggesting interference in the detoxification mechanisms and indicating the involvement of enzymatic pathways in the larvicidal action. Almadiy and Nenaah (2022) developed an oil-in-water nanoemulsion containing

Self-assembly and adhesive properties of Pollicipes pollicipes barnacle cement protein cp19k: influence of pH and ionic strength

• Shrutika Sawant,
• Anne Marie Power and
• J. Gerard Wall

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1863–1872, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.129

• , ship hulls, and even other organisms [1]. These bioadhesives function under challenging aquatic conditions, including high and fluctuating salinity, and constant turbulence. Unlocking the molecular mechanisms behind their ability to achieve robust, long-term adhesion under wet and dynamic conditions

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

• properties. Only a minority of studies investigated mechanisms of action (18.9%; n = 16) or addressed the scalability and reproducibility of the synthesis process (17.6%; n = 15), which are crucial for industrial and clinical translation. Comparisons with conventional treatments or commercial products were

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

• efficiency of MPs in water supply systems, as well as the mechanisms and performance when applying these materials for treatment. In addition, the related risk of adsorbent nanomaterials is also considered. Microplastics from land-based sources and wastewater plants persist in water supplies, with

• conventional treatments removing only 40–70%, especially struggling with smaller particles. Based mainly on mechanisms like electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, pore filling, hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and surface complexation, adsorbent nanomaterials achieve over 90% removal of MPs and

• mechanisms and performance; and (iii) risk assessments and associated problems when applying adsorbent nanomaterials. In addition, it is important to identify critical gaps regarding large-scale applications and insufficient integration into existing systems. By expanding the scope of the research to

Phytol-loaded soybean oil nanoemulsion as a promising alternative against Leishmania amazonensis

• Victória Louise Pinto Freire,
• Mariana Farias Alves-Silva,
• Johny W. de Freitas Oliveira,
• Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa,
• Alianda Maira Cornélio,
• Marcelo de Souza-Silva,
• Thayse Silva Medeiros and
• Arnóbio Antônio da Silva Junior

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1826–1836, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.126

• incorporation of poloxamer 407 increased the viscosity of the external aqueous phase, thereby reducing Brownian motion and droplet collision frequency – mechanisms that are often associated with delayed creaming and phase separation [42][43]. Taken together, these compositional strategies demonstrate the

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

• instead arise from triboelectric, electrochemical, or mechanochemical contributions. (2) Confusion of mechanisms: Different studies attribute performance improvements either to symmetry breaking (ultrathin LDH, loss of inversion centers, piezoelectrical properties), to defects (oxygen vacancies and

• carrier localization effects), or to interfacial electronic interactions that facilitate charge transfer. While these mechanisms may coexist, many publications lack the necessary control experiments (e.g., mechanical stimulation without light/oxidant, photocatalysis without stress, or defect-free samples

Electrical, photocatalytic, and sensory properties of graphene oxide and polyimide implanted with low- and medium-energy silver ions

• Josef Novák,
• Eva Štěpanovská,
• Petr Malinský,
• Vlastimil Mazánek,
• Jan Luxa,
• Ulrich Kentsch and
• Zdeněk Sofer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1794–1811, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.123

• properties of the modified materials. In our previous studies, light ions such as Cu [1][2] and C [3] were implanted into GO, PI, and other polymers. In contrast, the implantation of heavier ions like Ag interacts with the target material through different mechanisms. Owing to its higher mass, Ag has a

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

• , along with the mechanisms of active substance internalization and release within the body. Special attention is given to how PNs have been applied to enhance the oral delivery of peptides, nucleic acids, poorly soluble drugs, and small molecules. Additionally, current strategies for administration and

• preformed polymers are the most commonly used techniques. Methods based on the polymerization of monomers include emulsion polymerization, miniemulsion, microemulsion, and interfacial polymerization, which differ in initiation mechanisms and stabilization strategies. Emulsion polymerization, for instance

• suitability for safe and effective oral nanoparticle delivery [44][51][56]. 3 Polymers and their absorption mechanisms in the body 3.1 Physical properties of polymers and their relationship with biodegradation in the body Analyzing the Greek etymology of the word “polymer” provides insight into its definition

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

• /mTOR/S6 pathway [5], and SOX2/miR-30e/USP4/SMAD4/CK2 pathway [6] are important mechanisms promoting the malignant phenotype of cancer cells. Some of the pathogenesis and risk factors of ESCC and EAC are shown in Figure 1. The initial clinical manifestations of both conditions are often nonspecific and

• limitation. By exploring deeper spatial patterns of gene expression [60], combined with single-cell RNA sequencing [61], it increases our understanding of the full range of ESCC mechanisms. Genomic studies of ESCC and EAC [62] revealed significant differences in marker expression, possibly indicating

• evolution of ligands by SELEX; (3) validate binding affinity and functional modulation in vitro and in vivo models; and (4) elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms (Figure 4). At present, significant progress has been made in peptide aptamers targeting SOX2 protein or its binding partner, aptamers

Beyond the bilayer: multilayered hygroscopic actuation in pine cone scales

• Kim Ulrich,
• Max David Mylo,
• Tom Masselter,
• Fabian Scheckenbach,
• Sophia Fischerbauer,
• Martin Nopens,
• Silja Flenner,
• Imke Greving,
• Linnea Hesse and
• Thomas Speck

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1695–1710, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.119

• integrate high-resolution computed tomography-based geometries to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying hygroscopic actuation. This integrative approach will bridge experimental findings with computational modeling and advance plant biomechanics and biomimetic transfer. Keywords: digital volume

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

• operando. With IRRAS, vibrational information is available, which greatly complements the electronic information obtained by photoelectron spectroscopy. This combination enables a more complete picture of surface reaction mechanisms. The examples discussed here focus on “model catalysts”, that is, systems

• and mechanisms in single-atom catalysis. 2D confined catalysis Confined catalysis is an emerging field that investigates how spatial constraints can influence the efficiency, selectivity, and performance of catalytic reactions. This approach leverages the principles of confinement within various

• application is photocatalytic water splitting for green hydrogen production. Urpelainen and colleagues clarified the mechanisms of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in a new prospective model system, the Ni@NiO/NiCO3 photocatalyst, under dark and illuminated conditions at 1 mbar of H2O [45