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

• cascade of events leads to DNA breakage, heightened expression of death receptors, and ultimately culminates in apoptosis-driven cell death [10]. Therefore, nanoparticles can be considered as a medical agent in the treatment of various diseases that can be caused by free radicals, such as cancer

• nanoparticles with bacterial cells and the production of ROS, which causes DNA damage and denaturation of proteins close to the bacterial membrane, causes cell membrane damage [37][38]. In addition, the electrostatic force generated between the bacterial cells and the synthesized NCs causes distraction of the

• potential pathways behind the observed cytotoxicity. Several studies have reported that AgNPs cause intracellular accumulation, which triggers the overproduction of ROS. This oxidative stress can result in mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and the activation of apoptotic

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

• division and DNA synthesis. However, they can also affect healthy cells in the body that divide rapidly, such as cells in the hair follicles, bone marrow, digestive system, and reproductive system. This can lead to a range of side effects, some of which can be severe. Take the chemotherapeutic agent

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

• RNA extracted by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using the Reverse transcription kit (Roche). Amplification by PCR Double-stranded DNA templates were amplified by PCR using the Q5 High-Fidelity DNA Polymerase kit method (New England BioLabs), with primer designed by Open

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

• injection at 10 ng DNA per dose [42]. Although early tumor accumulation of the dual-targeted LNPs was modest in MCF7 xenografts, confocal microscopy at 45 h post-injection showed enhanced EGFP transgene expression compared to single-ligand LNPs. These findings demonstrated how integrating multiple targeting

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

• , this synergistic strategy presents a promising approach to circumvent chemotherapy resistance in cancer treatment. In general, DNA aptamers have higher thermal stability, RNA aptamers are richer in secondary structure, and peptide aptamers are smaller in size and easier to enter cells [29]. Furthermore

• different treatment strategies. 4 Aptamers as targeted esophageal cancer therapeutics As of 2024, aptamer-based therapeutics remain limited in clinical use, typically represented by the DNA aptamer Pegaptanib and the RNA aptamer Avacincaptad pegol. In December 2004, Pegaptanib [63], the first aptamer as

• resistance [73]. Notably, transcription factors like SOX2 are typically categorized as “non-druggable targets” due to three fundamental challenges: (1) their structurally flat DNA-binding domains, (2) extensive protein–protein interaction interfaces, and (3) the absence of well-defined binding pockets for

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

• , 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

• vasculature of these cells compared to healthy ones. Upon absorption of light during photodynamic therapy, Ce6 generates ROS, causing damage to the cell membrane, proteins, and DNA of the cancer cells, ultimately leading to their destruction. Additionally, the ROS produced by Ce6 destroys the vascular layer

Venom-loaded cationic-functionalized poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles for serum production against Tityus serrulatus scorpion

• Philippe de Castro Mesquita,
• Karla Samara Rocha Soares,
• Manoela Torres-Rêgo,
• Emanuell dos Santos-Silva,
• Mariana Farias Alves-Silva,
• Alianda Maira Cornélio,
• Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa and
• Arnóbio Antônio da Silva-Júnior

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1633–1643, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.115

• polymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has been investigated [13]. The nanoparticles produced using these synthetic polyesters show neutral or negative zeta potential, which limits the loading of negatively charged macromolecules such as proteins, polypeptides, or DNA [14][20]. The surface of

• charged peptides, proteins, antigens, oligonucleotides, polypeptides, or DNA [18]. The PLA is well established to produce nanoparticles as carriers for drugs or biomolecules from a biotechnology source due to its natural metabolism pathway [25][26]. In a recent study, PLA was successfully employed to

• , peptides, DNA, RNA, antigens, and oligonucleotides to be efficiently incorporated through electrostatic interactions [35][36]. Moreover, some studies showed the interesting association of nanoparticles containing PEI for incorporation of DNA in gene transfection and BSA protein [14][37]. The

Nanotechnology-based approaches for the removal of microplastics from wastewater: a comprehensive review

• Nayanathara O Sanjeev,
• Manjunath Singanodi Vallabha and
• Rebekah Rubidha Lisha Rabi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1607–1632, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.114

• and DNA damage [47]. According to a study conducted by Kumar et al. [50], humans are exposed to these MPs through various pathways, including seafood, water, agricultural products and beverages. MPs, along with toxic chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls, have

• been linked to reproductive, immune, and digestive systems through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal exposure. Polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride have been detected in human implants and are associated with carcinogenic effects. These plastics can induce oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, DNA damage

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

• their controlled release. They are also being investigated as gene delivery agents since they can transport DNA or RNA, making them a potential candidate for therapies such as gene therapy and RNA-based vaccines [11]. Furthermore, carbon nanotubes have revealed promising results in targeted delivery

• color upon detecting the virus. Their capability to attach to specific antibodies or DNA strands makes them perfect for detecting even faint traces of disease [18]. Moreover, magnetic nanoparticles specially made from iron oxide are also being used in medical imaging. They are usually employed as

Parylene-coated platinum nanowire electrodes for biomolecular sensing applications

• Chao Liu,
• Peker Milas,
• Michael G. Spencer and
• Birol Ozturk

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1392–1400, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.101

• . developed a glucose sensor using copper nanowires and CNTs, achieving a limit of detection as low as 0.3 nM, highlighting the remarkable sensitivity of CNT-based electrodes [9]. Nevertheless, several studies reported the toxicity of CNTs for tissues and cells including loss of cellular integrity, DNA damage

• -volume ratio, enhancing sensitivity and functionalization capabilities. Baetsen-Young et al. used dextrin-capped gold nanoparticles (12 nm) with ssDNA to detect the presence of Pseudoperonospora cubensis DNA, where the results show the ability to detect 18 spores/µL crude extractions [11]. However, the

Synthesis and antibacterial properties of nanosilver-modified cellulose triacetate membranes for seawater desalination

• Lei Wang,
• Shizhe Li,
• Kexin Xu,
• Wenjun Li,
• Ying Li and
• Gang Liu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1380–1391, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.100

• oxygen species (ROS) that damage bacterial cell membranes and DNA [19]. The incorporation of these nanomaterials into seawater desalination membranes not only significantly improves salt rejection and water flux but also markedly enhances antibacterial properties, thereby extending the operational

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

• oxygen species, ROS), exchange or release of ligands, abolition of key enzyme activities, disruption of membrane function, and damage of the bacterial DNA [20]. Despite the obvious advantages of metal-based over purely organic drugs, there are several potential limitations that must be overcome for gold

• coordinated ligands merely serve as carrier for silver(I) ions. Additionally, silver ions can also generate ROS, which target primarily lipids, DNA, RNA and proteins, leading to serious consequences [18]. Despite a complete understanding of the mechanisms of antibacterial action is yet to be achieved, it has

• cell membranes. Following membrane degradation, copper-released ions penetrate into the bacterial cell causing oxidative stress by production of ROS and subsequent degradation of the DNA [114][115]. Recent research has focused on the antibacterial properties of copper complexes derived from quinolones

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

• addition, the escalation of new glitches such as drug sensitivity in tumor cells has been reduced due to the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) by various factors, including ATP-dependent drug efflux, selective stress of drugs, altered DNA repair mechanisms, cellular heterogeneity, recurrence, and

• easiest to use for biomedical applications as they lack mature DNA and other organelles [26]. There are various methods to load agents inside or attach onto the surface of RBCs by either chemical or physical methods such as (A) hypotonic presealing, (B) hypotonic loading, (C) electroporation, and (D

• phage for targeted drug delivery. In a recent study, the DNA of the M13 phage was modified to encode for SPARC binding peptide and cathepsin B cleavage peptide. Then, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were covalently bonded to cathepsin B expressed on M13 phages to track their intracellular

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

• delivery [157][212][213]. Recent advances have shown the development of polymeric nanogels for targeted delivery of antimetabolite agents in the treatment of skin cancer [168]. Antimetabolite agents are antineoplastic drugs that act by inhibiting cell division by blocking DNA and, to a lesser extent, RNA

• synthesis. Among the antineoplastic agents, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the classic and most widely tested drug to fight skin cancer. 5-FU is a chemotherapeutic agent analogous to pyrimidine. The metabolism of 5-FU blocks the methylation reaction of deoxyuridine acid to thymidyl acid, interfering with DNA

• synthesis, and subsequently inhibiting the formation of RNA. The effects of reduction on DNA and RNA syntheses occur mostly in cells that proliferate more rapidly and therefore capture more 5-FU [216][217]. Among modern antimetabolite agents, capecitabine is the first-choice antineoplastic drug in contrast

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

• , at a specific wavelength, PpIX absorbs energy and transfers it to molecular oxygen, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS are highly toxic to cells, inducing oxidative damage in various biomolecules such as lipids, proteins and DNA, leading to cell death [6][7]. However, PpIX and other

Soft materials nanoarchitectonics: liquid crystals, polymers, gels, biomaterials, and others

• Katsuhiko Ariga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1025–1067, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.77

Supramolecular hydration structure of graphene-based hydrogels: density functional theory, green chemistry and interface application

• Hon Nhien Le,
• Duy Khanh Nguyen,
• Minh Triet Dang,
• Huyen Trinh Nguyen,
• Thi Bang Tam Dao,
• Trung Do Nguyen,
• Chi Nhan Ha Thuc and
• Van Hieu Le

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 806–822, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.61

• deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) [1]. Water molecules and their hydrogen bonding network function as lubricants for biomolecular dynamics. Recent scientific works have analyzed the important role of hydration shells on DNA, proteins, and phospholipid membranes [2][3][4]. The first hydration shell (about 3.5 Å) at the

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

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

• antioxidant properties at lower concentrations, TA can act as a prooxidant at higher concentrations. Under these conditions, it binds to metal ions, potentially increasing oxidation and causing damage to biomolecules, especially DNA [17]. Doping GBMs with bioactive molecules like TA represents a potentially

• 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

• representative micrographs at low magnification. After examining cellular adhesion, we investigated whether FLG–TA affects the chromatin structure. DNA comes together with histone proteins to create chromatin, which is essential for processes such as replication, transcription, and repair [41][42][43]. The level

A formulation containing Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil: improvement of biochemical parameters and oxidative stress in diabetic rats

• Ailton Santos Sena-Júnior,
• Cleverton Nascimento Santana Andrade,
• Pedro Henrique Macedo Moura,
• Jocsã Hémany Cândido dos Santos,
• Cauãn Torres Trancoso,
• Eloia Emanuelly Dias Silva,
• Deise Maria Rego Rodrigues Silva,
• Ênio Pereira Telles,
• Luiz André Santos Silva,
• Isabella Lima Dantas Teles,
• Sara Fernanda Mota de Almeida,
• Daniel Alves de Souza,
• Jileno Ferreira Santos,
• Felipe José Aidar Martins,
• Ana Mara de Oliveira e Silva,
• Sandra Lauton-Santos,
• Guilherme Rodolfo Souza de Araujo,
• Cristiane Bani Correa,
• Rogéria De Souza Nunes,
• Lysandro Pinto Borges and
• Ana Amélia Moreira Lira

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 617–636, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.48

• . The use of STZ in animals causes conditions similar to that of some humans with type-1 diabetes without glycemic control. STZ has been shown to significantly increase blood glucose levels in Wistar rats. STZ’s mechanism of action alters the DNA base sequences of pancreatic islet β-cells and stimulates

Focused ion and electron beams for synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials

• Aleksandra Szkudlarek

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 613–616, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.47

• materials. This damage can be mitigated by using low energy focused ion beams, which allow for higher currents, faster processing speeds, and reduced sample degradation [14]. This thematic issue also includes studies on soft DNA origami nanostructures, showcasing methods to preserve their integrity during

Nanomaterials in targeting amyloid-β oligomers: current advances and future directions for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and therapy

• Shiwani Randhawa,
• Trilok Chand Saini,
• Manik Bathla,
• Rahul Bhardwaj,
• Rubina Dhiman and
• Amitabha Acharya

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 561–580, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.44

• detection methods, Liu et al. developed a fluorescence-based system using a FAM-labeled DNA aptamer fluorophore along with a nanoquencher attached to self-assembled polydopamine nanospheres. This nanosystem showed selective recognition of AβOs through a “fluorescence-signal on” mechanism, where the FAM-DNA

Performance optimization of a microwave-coupled plasma-based ultralow-energy ECR ion source for silicon nanostructuring

• Joy Mukherjee,
• Safiul Alam Mollick,
• Tanmoy Basu and
• Tapobrata Som

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 484–494, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.37

• nanopatterning and nanoscale functionalization have garnered significant interest, owing to their broad applications in DNA origami [10], tuning of wettability [11] and electrical and magnetic anisotropy [12][13], isolated dot formation [1], nanoscale plasmonic arrays [14], and field emission [15]. Thus, ion

Synthetic-polymer-assisted antisense oligonucleotide delivery: targeted approaches for precision disease treatment

• Ana Cubillo Alvarez,
• Dylan Maguire and
• Ruairí P. Brannigan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 435–463, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.34

• oligomer (PMO); phosphorothioate (PS); polyplexes; ribose substitutions; small interfering RNA (siRNA); synthetic polymers; tricyclo-DNA (tcDNA); Introduction The development and use of personalised therapies tailored to individual patients have emerged as a powerful strategy for treating various

• ], and tricyclo-DNA oligomers (tcDNA) [28][29]. It is well-established that 2′-modifications inhibit the ribonuclease RNase H1 to cleave the target mRNA, which restricts the use of 2′-O-substituted oligoribonucleotides as antisense agents [30]. In order to overcome this limitation, chimeric gapmer

• oligonucleotides, in which a short DNA sequence or a first-generation ASO is capped on both ends with second-generation ASOs, have been developed and combine the increase in binding affinity of 2′-modified residues with the RNase H activation from the DNA central region [31][32]. According to their chemistry and

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

• capabilities of cancer cells. The results indicate that the interplay between DDR and autophagy pathways may open new paradigms for developing effective combinatorial nanoscale drug systems against multidrug-resistance cancers. Keywords: A549 cells; autophagy; chloroquine; DNA damage; graphene oxide

• efflux, DNA damage repair, and activation of pro-survival cell signaling cascades, alterations in drug target moieties limit the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic treatments [2][3]. In general, chemotherapeutic drugs inhibit the cancer progression and metastases by directly or indirectly targeting DNA of