Tailoring of physical properties of RF-sputtered ZnTe films: role of substrate temperature

• Kafi Devi,
• Usha Rani,
• Arun Kumar,
• Divya Gupta and
• Sanjeev Aggarwal

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 333–348, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.25

• ). The Rq value only gives information about the vertical fluctuation in height on a surface. To get more insight into possible surface growth mechanisms and variations in surface roughness, both vertically and laterally power spectral density (PSD) analyses were carried out. In PSD analysis, the surface

• accountable for morphological changes on the surface of ZnTe films grown on quartz substrate at different substrate temperatures. Values of b equal to 1, 2, 3, and 4 represent four surface growth mechanisms, that is, viscous flow, evaporation–condensation, volume diffusion, and surface diffusion, respectively

Graphene oxide–chloroquine conjugate induces DNA damage in A549 lung cancer cells through autophagy modulation

• Braham Dutt Arya,
• Sandeep Mittal,
• Prachi Joshi,
• Alok Kumar Pandey,
• Jaime E. Ramirez-Vick,
• Govind Gupta and
• Surinder P. Singh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 316–332, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.24

• use autophagy pathways for survival through activation of complex DNA damage repair (DDR) mechanisms. In the present study, we demonstrated the genotoxicity induced in A549 lung cancer cells by exposure to the GO–Chl nanoconjugate and elucidated the role of autophagy modulation in harnessing the DNA

• ; nanoconjugates; SQSTM1/p62; Introduction Despite of advances in basic and clinical research, an increased mortality rate is seen worldwide in cancer-associated deaths [1]. The heterogeneous and complex tumor microenvironment along with intrinsic and/or acquired drug resistance mechanisms, such as increased drug

• genotoxicity in cancer cells in a ROS-dependent manner [59]. The results indicate that induction of DNA damage in GO–Chl-exposed A549 lung cancer cells could possibly be due to alteration in/failure of DNA-damage response mechanisms. Role of autophagy machinery in inducing DNA damage in GO–Chl-exposed A549

Fabrication and evaluation of BerNPs regarding the growth and development of Streptococcus mutans

• Tuyen Huu Nguyen,
• Hong Thanh Pham,
• Kieu Kim Thanh Nguyen,
• Loan Hong Ngo,
• Anh Ngoc Tuan Mai,
• Thu Hoang Anh Lam,
• Ngan Thi Kim Phan,
• Dung Tien Pham,
• Duong Thuy Hoang,
• Thuc Dong Nguyen and
• Lien Thi Xuan Truong

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 308–315, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.23

• partial degradation of the proteins [33]. In this study, FE-SEM analysis further confirmed that one of the mechanisms by which BerNPs kill S. mutans involves the disruption and damage of the bacterial membrane. Inhibition of biofilm formation Streptococcus mutans is the primary cause of dental caries [34

• ]. It contributes to tooth damage through two main mechanisms, namely, dental erosion due to acid production and the formation of biofilms that produce plaque on teeth [35]. Berberine has been reported to inhibit biofilm formation of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus [36][37]. In this study

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

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

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

• -linking [176][177], which often employs toxic chemicals. An example of physical cross-linking is heat treatment, which has been extensively used to cross-link PVA [178]. Figure 10 illustrates the mechanisms of cross-linking in chitosan/PVA composites. In one study, electrospun chitosan/PVA nanofibers were

• utilized in various specialized applications, such as scaffolds in tissue engineering [185], controlling drug release mechanisms through the manipulation of core and shell compositions [186], and protecting sensitive biomolecules in food packaging [187]. The combination of core–shell chitosan-based

Emerging strategies in the sustainable removal of antibiotics using semiconductor-based photocatalysts

• Yunus Ahmed,
• Keya Rani Dutta,
• Parul Akhtar,
• Md. Arif Hossen,
• Md. Jahangir Alam,
• Obaid A. Alharbi,
• Hamad AlMohamadi and
• Abdul Wahab Mohammad

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 264–285, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.21

• improve the performance and scalability for wider use in real-world situations. Keywords: antibiotics; degradation pathways; heterojunctions; mechanisms; photocatalysts; semiconductor; Introduction Antibiotics are chemical substances used to treat bacterial infections in humans, animals, aquaculture

• mechanisms of how these materials or processes degrade antibiotics. They do not address the entry of antibiotics into the environment, their adverse impact on human health and the environment, or the effects of each treatment process in relation to established industrial applications. As a result, there is a

• scope includes discussions on antibiotic sources, pollution risks and impacts, removal challenges, and influential factors. This study aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and mechanisms underlying semiconductor-based photocatalysts and their modification for

Preferential enrichment and extraction of laser-synthesized nanoparticles in organic phases

• Theo Fromme,
• Maximilian L. Spiekermann,
• Florian Lehmann,
• Stephan Barcikowski,
• Thomas Seidensticker and
• Sven Reichenberger

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 254–263, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.20

• to the two simultaneously occurring and commonly accepted nanoparticle formation mechanisms happening during the plume phase of LAL (picosecond to longer nanosecond time scale) [57][58]. Recent spatiotemporal, large-scale molecular dynamic simulations show that the thermal history of nanoparticles

Radiosensitizing properties of dual-functionalized carbon nanostructures loaded with temozolomide

• Radmila Milenkovska,
• Nikola Geskovski,
• Dushko Shalabalija,
• Ljubica Mihailova,
• Petre Makreski,
• Dushko Lukarski,
• Igor Stojkovski,
• Maja Simonoska Crcarevska and
• Kristina Mladenovska

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 229–251, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.18

• surrounding, high levels and different mechanisms of drug resistance and radiation tolerance, as well as a blocking effect of the blood–brain–tumor barrier (BBTB) for drug permeation into the brain extracellular matrix lead to high recurrence rates (in up to 90% of patients) even when complete treatment is

• limited efficacy (due to the high level of DNA repair by MGMT and other mechanisms of resistance) [34]. In addition, the high hydrolytic instability of TMZ at pH ≥ 7 limits its efficacy, because the formed MTIC exhibits high systemic toxicity and cannot pass the BBTB and accumulate in the GBM, unlike TMZ

• publications contain information on the potential mechanisms of CNs’ cytotoxicity, pointing to physical destruction, oxidative stress/ROS generation, DNA damage, cell autophagia and lysosomal membrane damage followed by mitochondrial dysfunction, pyroptosis followed by activation of inflammasomes, apoptosis

Recent advances in photothermal nanomaterials for ophthalmic applications

• Jiayuan Zhuang,
• Linhui Jia,
• Chenghao Li,
• Rui Yang,
• Jiapeng Wang,
• Wen-an Wang,
• Heng Zhou and
• Xiangxia Luo

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 195–215, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.16

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

• nanomaterials for treating various ophthalmic diseases, including ocular tumors, glaucoma, cataracts, vitreous opacity, endophthalmitis, and decreased visual acuity. It also summarizes the structure–activity relationships between the photothermal properties of these materials and novel therapeutic mechanisms

• an aim to contribute to the improvement of global visual health. 2 Photothermal treatment mechanisms and nanomaterial properties of ophthalmic nanomedicines Nanomaterials with highly tunable photothermal conversion properties are referred to as photothermal nanomaterials [22]. These materials are

A review of metal-organic frameworks and polymers in mixed matrix membranes for CO₂ capture

• Charlotte Skjold Qvist Christensen,
• Nicholas Hansen,
• Mahboubeh Motadayen,
• Nina Lock,
• Martin Lahn Henriksen and
• Jonathan Quinson

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 155–186, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.14

• (1) mechanisms of CO2 sorption in MOFs, (2) considerations related to the integration of MOFs in MMMs, (3) CO2 capture performance of MOF-based MMMs, (4) advancements in MOF-based MMM materials design through machine learning, and (5) considerations for the implementation of MOF-based MMMs in large

• chemical interactions between CO2 and LBSs, offering higher selectivity than purely physisorption-related mechanisms [26]. For example, alkylamine-functionalized IRMOF-74-III compounds have been demonstrated to be efficient CO2 adsorbents [53][68]. In dry conditions, the alkylamines in IRMOF-74-III-(CH2NH2

• interactions and diverse underlying mechanisms for CO2 selectivity among different MOFs, selecting optimal MOF–polymer combinations for CO2 capture remains highly challenging. As a starting point, it is important to consider the type of MOF and associated CO2 capture mechanism ideal for a given application. As

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

• : essential mechanisms in disease and healing The role of macrophages in disease pathogenesis is closely tied to their activation states. M1 macrophages – drivers of inflammation: M1 macrophages are induced by pro-inflammatory stimuli like lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), which trigger a

• strong pro-inflammatory response. These cells release cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β, essential for pathogen clearance and initiating immune defense mechanisms [19]. However, if an inflammation remains active for extended periods, it can contribute to

• their pro-angiogenic role. They produce VEGF and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are particularly relevant in tumor progression [17][21][22]. Therapeutic implications of macrophage polarization: Based on the aforementioned mechanisms, it is evident that macrophage dysregulation can be implicated

Instance maps as an organising concept for complex experimental workflows as demonstrated for (nano)material safety research

• Benjamin Punz,
• Maja Brajnik,
• Joh Dokler,
• Jaleesia D. Amos,
• Litty Johnson,
• Katie Reilly,
• Anastasios G. Papadiamantis,
• Amaia Green Etxabe,
• Lee Walker,
• Diego S. T. Martinez,
• Steffi Friedrichs,
• Klaus M. Weltring,
• Nazende Günday-Türeli,
• Claus Svendsen,
• Christine Ogilvie Hendren,
• Mark R. Wiesner,
• Martin Himly,
• Iseult Lynch and
• Thomas E. Exner

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 57–77, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.7

• , the different steps involved in specific immune reaction mechanisms (key events for beneficial vs adverse outcomes) were analysed. Figure 8 illustrates the comprehensive experimental workflow overarching several immunotoxicity studies, highlighting the different routes chosen for these studies

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

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

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

• quasi-ordered and disordered structures [19][20], by employing pigments [34], by randomization of orientations of photonic structures [21][35], or by a combination of these mechanisms [36]. It seems that the additive pointillistic mixing of ordered domains observed in the gold-dust weevil and other

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

• limitations of current endosomal escape strategies, innovative approaches are urgently needed. Unraveling the mechanisms underpinning endosomal escape is pivotal for the development of novel, safe, and effective agents capable of overcoming these formidable barriers. Recent studies have highlighted the

• complexes with liposomal components, enhancing both liposome stability and drug encapsulation. To gain deeper insight into the mechanisms underpinning SO’s potential as an endosomal escape agent, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have emerged as an indispensable computational tool. These simulations

• enable the exploration of complex lipid–membrane interactions and dynamic molecular processes at an atomistic level, offering unparalleled insights into mechanisms that are challenging to observe experimentally. By capturing processes such as membrane destabilization, pore formation, and lipid fusion, MD

Attempts to preserve and visualize protein corona on the surface of biological nanoparticles in blood serum using photomodification

• Julia E. Poletaeva,
• Anastasiya V. Tupitsyna,
• Alina E. Grigor’eva,
• Ilya S. Dovydenko and
• Elena I. Ryabchikova

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1654–1666, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.130

• undoubtedly be useful to identify the mechanisms of this phenomenon. It was impossible to assess the proportion of EVs or different LPs carrying a protein corona in samples obtained by UC because of the presence of serum contaminants that can mask bio-NPs. Isolation of bio-NPs from sera by UC did not result

Fabrication of hafnium-based nanoparticles and nanostructures using picosecond laser ablation

• Abhishek Das,
• Mangababu Akkanaboina,
• Jagannath Rathod,
• R. Sai Prasad Goud,
• Kanaka Ravi Kumar,
• Raghu C. Reddy,
• Ratheesh Ravendran,
• Katia Vutova,
• S. V. S. Nageswara Rao and
• Venugopal Rao Soma

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1639–1653, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.129

• the depressions of the LSFL with a direction perpendicular to the direction of the laser scan. Similar observations regarding the formation of LSFL and HSFL with orthogonal directionality and the plausible mechanisms behind their formation are discussed in an earlier work [58]. Figure 11 shows FESEM

Heterogeneous reactions in a HFCVD reactor: simulation using a 2D model

• Xochitl Aleyda Morán Martínez,
• José Alberto Luna López,
• Zaira Jocelyn Hernández Simón,
• Gabriel Omar Mendoza Conde,
• José Álvaro David Hernández de Luz and
• Godofredo García Salgado

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1627–1638, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.128

• [11]. The basic steps of the general CVD process are classified and described in [12]. The optimization of this technique improves the properties of the films; however, the complexity of the CVD processes makes it difficult to understand clearly the different mechanisms involved in such optimization

• reactor in zero dimensions (0D); the model used was solved using CHEMKIN III and AURORA software. In the model, a set of reactions was established that approximately describe the mechanisms of the material growth, and the model results were compared with those obtained by experimental measurements [21

• condition. The simulations give us a broad overview on the probable reaction mechanisms during the deposition of thin films in the HFCVD reactor. This allows us to get an estimate of the types of species that will be deposited for the growth of thin films, which depend strongly on the parameters and

Biomimetic nanocarriers: integrating natural functions for advanced therapeutic applications

• Hugo Felix Perini,
• Beatriz Sodré Matos,
• Carlo José Freire de Oliveira and
• Marcos Vinicius da Silva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1619–1626, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.127

• or active targeting mechanisms. In the passive strategy, coated nanocarriers can traverse permeable vessels (as observed in tumors, for example) and exhibit tropism toward specific pathological targets based on the size, surface charge, and physicochemical properties of the nanostructure. The active

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

• Agnieszka Kreitschitz and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

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

• ]. Adhesive properties Seed dispersal is a crucial factor for many plants, allowing for the genetic continuity as well as for occupying new habitats. Through diverse mechanisms developed by the plants, seeds can be dispersed at a local scale (in the vicinity of mother plant) or transported over longer

• distances between islands or continents [28][118]. Plants developed diverse morphological mechanisms for the diaspore transport. One of the ways of promoting long-distance dispersal is the proper interaction between the plant diaspores and animals [118][119][120]. Epizoochory is the way of diaspore

• , Salvia hispanica, and Lepidium sativum) gave us further insight into seed mucilage adhesion mechanisms (see below). Adhesion of the hydrated mucilage Biological functions of hydrated mucilage have been described for diverse diaspores. Adhesion under wet conditions appears just after hydration. The

Liver-targeting iron oxide nanoparticles and their complexes with plant extracts for biocompatibility

• Shushanik A. Kazaryan,
• Seda A. Oganian,
• Gayane S. Vardanyan,
• Anatolie S. Sidorenko and
• Ashkhen A. Hovhannisyan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1593–1602, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.125

• ]. Fe3O4 NPs larger than 5 nm are unable to participate in these mechanisms [20]. Thus, the evaluation of the biocompatibility and hepatotoxicity of Fe3O4 NPs is relevant for their potential biomedical applications. The combination of phytotherapy with nanotechnology can enhance the pharmacological

• , it can be concluded that the effects of all investigated samples on liver tissue exhibit a multifaceted character and diverse mechanisms of activity. These mechanisms depend on the size of Fe3O4 NPs, the hydrophilic shell diameter, solubility, aggregation, stability, and various other physicochemical

Facile synthesis of size-tunable L-carnosine-capped silver nanoparticles and their role in metal ion sensing and catalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol

• Akash Kumar,
• Ridhima Chadha,
• Abhishek Das,
• Nandita Maiti and
• Rayavarapu Raja Gopal

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1576–1592, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.124

• -car-AgNPs for both heavy metal ion detection and catalytic degradation of P-NP, indicating their suitability for environmental monitoring and remediation applications. Further optimization and research are needed to expand their environmental applications and to understand their interaction mechanisms

• highlights their potential as cost-effective and environmentally friendly catalysts for the remediation of industrial effluents. Future studies will focus on optimizing these nanoparticles for broader applications and understanding their interaction mechanisms at the molecular level. Schematic representation

Ultrablack color in velvet ant cuticle

• Vinicius Marques Lopez,
• Wencke Krings,
• Juliana Reis Machado,
• Stanislav Gorb and
• Rhainer Guillermo-Ferreira

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1554–1565, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.122

• examples observed in some organisms, scientists are committed to unraveling the mechanisms underlying the development of ultrablack technical surfaces, seeking to replicate such structures in synthetic and natural materials with equivalent properties [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Ultrablack colors are a rare

• ultrablack colors in animals underscores the convergent evolution of anti-reflective mechanisms as an important strategy for survival and reproductive success across diverse habitats and ecological contexts. The evolution of ultrablack colors in animals highlights nature’s ingenuity in achieving structurally

• assisted absorption to reduce specular reflectance. This demonstrates how organisms have developed sophisticated mechanisms to modulate the interaction between light and biological surfaces, resulting in highly absorptive and minimally reflective colors. These adaptations play a role in animal survival and

Integrating high-performance computing, machine learning, data management workflows, and infrastructures for multiscale simulations and nanomaterials technologies

• Fabio Le Piane,
• Mario Vozza,
• Matteo Baldoni and
• Francesco Mercuri

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1498–1521, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.119

• ]. The digital twin serves as a powerful tool for predictive modelling, optimization, and design of materials, allowing researchers to assess performance under different conditions, predict degradation mechanisms, and optimize material properties. It also facilitates virtual experimentation, reducing the

• scales. Physics-based models provide insights into the fundamental mechanisms governing materials phenomena, such as structural changes, phase transitions, and mechanical responses. Empirical models, in contrast, are derived from experimental observations and statistical analyses. These models rely on

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

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

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

• for the color, flavor, and aroma of plants, but more importantly, they contribute to the plant’s defense mechanisms against pathogens, pests, and environmental stresses. Beyond their role in plant biology, phytochemicals have gained significant attention for their potential health benefits in humans

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

• Aram Shirinyan and
• Yuriy Bilogorodskyy

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

• boundaries. These two cases represent different mechanisms for defect annihilation and can lead to different steady-state concentrations of defects depending on the material and irradiation conditions [17][21]. The time-dependence of the vacancy concentration, Cv, and interstitial concentration Ci can be

• different mechanisms, characterized by Δg > 0 and Δgp < 0. In this area, irradiation plays a crucial role in increasing the stability of the α phase (bcc). While without irradiation, the α-phase particle is unstable, the α phase becomes stable under irradiation. This increase in stability under irradiation

Ion-induced surface reactions and deposition from Pt(CO)₂Cl₂ and Pt(CO)₂Br₂

• Mohammed K. Abdel-Rahman,
• Patrick M. Eckhert,
• Atul Chaudhary,
• Johnathon M. Johnson,
• Jo-Chi Yu,
• Lisa McElwee-White and
• D. Howard Fairbrother

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1427–1439, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.115

• the metal of interest. Furthermore, as the volatile species escape the system, they can collide with adsorbed material leading to a cascade of momentum transfer events [43]. In contrast to FIBID, FEBID occurs via different electron stimulated mechanisms, namely, dissociative electron attachment (DEA