Biomimetic nanoparticles in cancer photodynamic therapy: a review of targeted delivery systems and therapeutic outcomes

• Valentina I. Gorbacheva,
• Alexey S. Grabovoy,
• Polina S. Marukhina,
• Anastasiia O. Syrocheva and
• Ekaterina P. Kolesova

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 396–422, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.27

• interaction with target cells [58]. Common techniques include (i) physical co-extrusion, where nanoparticles and membranes are forced through porous membranes to form uniform coatings; (ii) sonication, which uses ultrasonic energy to induce membrane fusion and often favors correct protein orientation; and

• natural “self-markers” like CD47 to inhibit phagocytosis and enhance passive tumor accumulation via the EPR effect [65]. Immune clearance by the MPS, primarily in liver and spleen, is another major hurdle. Biomimetic coatings help nanoparticles avoid rapid removal from the bloodstream, as demonstrated by

• prolonged circulation and increased tumor targeting in systems coated with erythrocyte or stem cell membranes [66]. Such coatings can also facilitate homotypic targeting, where nanoparticles preferentially bind to and are internalized by cancer cells of the same origin, further improving specificity and

Polycatecholamine nanocoatings on stainless steel: the effect on attachment of human fibroblasts and platelets

• Paulina Trzaskowska,
• Ewa Rybak,
• Maciej Trzaskowski,
• Kamil Kopeć,
• Jakub Krzemiński,
• Rafał Podgórski,
• Hatice Genc,
• Mehtap Civelek and
• Iwona Cicha

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 365–380, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.25

• layers on stainless steel 316L via a novel in situ oxidation process and evaluated their physicochemical properties and cellular interactions at the nano/microscale. Surface characterization revealed that the polymeric coatings formed a homogenous layer with distinct topographical features and thickness

• in the nanometer range for PTYR and in the micrometer range in case of PDA. Compared to PDA, PTYR coatings exhibited a nanoparticulate surface morphology and higher stability under physiological conditions. Wettability, roughness, and amine group density were systematically analyzed to determine

• their influence on interactions with fibroblasts and platelets. Our results show that PTYR nanocoatings significantly reduced platelet adhesion and activation, whereas PDA coatings, due to their higher primary amine content, could in some cases enhance platelet adhesion. Furthermore, fibroblast

Advancing nanolithography: a comprehensive review of materials for local anodic oxidation with AFM

• Matteo Lorenzoni

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 275–291, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.19

• ], making it the preferred technique for large-scale, uniform coatings. However, LAO remains advantageous for high-resolution, direct-write patterning at the nanoscale, despite its limited scalability. Furthermore, the resulting LAO oxide can be easily etched by mild acid solutions [40] or water [24]. A

• , particularly for sensitive organic substrates. 3.2 Enhancing process precision 3.2.1 Advanced tip design. Developing tips with improved durability and conductivity (e.g., multilayer coatings or adaptive tip shapes) could mitigate wear and maintain precision over extended use. Selecting an appropriate tip

• mechanical stability. However, these coatings can degrade over time due to mechanical wear and electrochemical reactions, especially under high contact forces (1000–1500 nN) and elevated bias voltages (10–25 V). This degradation can lead to tip blunting or delamination, reducing resolution and altering oxide

Durable antimicrobial activity of fabrics functionalized with zeolite ion-exchanged nanomaterials against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

• Perla Sánchez-López,
• Kendra Ramirez Acosta,
• Sergio Fuentes Moyado,
• Ruben Dario Cadena-Nava and
• Elena Smolentseva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 262–274, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.18

• leaves of some plants are water- or dust-repellent, and these repellent properties can be transferred to textiles by modifying the components involved in these mechanisms [24]. Among the physicochemical methods used for fabric functionalization with nanomaterials are coatings, electrospinning, assembling

Micro- and nanoscale effects in biological and bioinspired materials and surfaces

• Thies H. Büscher,
• Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira,
• Manuela Rebora and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 214–217, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.14

• Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06121 Perugia, Italy 10.3762/bjnano.17.14 Keywords: adhesion; bioengineering; functional morphology; material properties; medical coatings; microstructures; nanostructures; optics; structure–function relationships; Micro- and

• al. [24] presented a thorough review on the most recent scientific literature on techniques, materials, and processes used in the production of coatings for cultural heritage protection with particular attention to the generation of superhydrophobic surfaces. The challenges for cultural heritage

Safe and sustainable by design with ML/AI: A transformative approach to advancing nanotechnology

• Georgia Melagraki

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 176–185, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.11

• valuable, are resource intensive and inadequate to fully address the dynamic risks associated with ENMs and their myriad nanoscale forms (i.e., different sizes, geometries, coatings) [11]. The need for more proactive and efficient methodologies has led to the emergence of the Safe and Sustainable by Design

• interpolation from limited experimental datasets [57]. Given that protein corona formation [58] can drastically alter the biodistribution and immunological profile of a nanoparticle, digital twins help pinpoint safer design parameters – such as surface coatings or particle size modifications – which improve

From shield to spear: Charge-reversible nanocarriers in overcoming cancer therapy barriers

• Madhuri Yeduvaka,
• Pooja Mittal,
• Ameer Boyalakuntla,
• Usman Bee Shaik,
• Himanshu Sharma,
• Thakur Gurjeet Singh,
• Siva Nageswara Rao Gajula and
• Lakshmi Vineela Nalla

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 159–175, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.10

• ultrasound-responsive CRNs employing calcium-ion-crosslinked sodium-alginate coatings on mesoporous silica nanoparticles offer reversible, on-demand, and biocompatible drug release options. Such systems harness ultrasound-induced cavitation to disrupt and reform ionic bonds, showing considerable promise for

• polymeric nanocarriers such as PAMAM dendrimers are critical for minimising toxicity and enhancing clinical applicability. Advancing FDA-approved excipients with enzymatically cleavable coatings, innovating adaptable charge-reversal mechanisms responsive to heterogeneous tumour microenvironments, and

Functional surface engineering for cultural heritage protection: the role of superhydrophobic and superoleophobic coatings – a comprehensive review

• Giuseppe Cesare Lama,
• Marino Lavorgna,
• Letizia Verdolotti,
• Federica Recupido,
• Giovanna Giuliana Buonocore and
• Bharat Bhushan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 63–96, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.6

• explores recent advancements in protective strategies for heritage materials including stone, concrete, ceramic, glass, metal, wood, and textiles. Special attention is given to the development and application of superhydrophobic and superoleophobic coatings, which offer promising defense against moisture

• , pollutants, and oily substances. These functional surfaces, often based on coatings consisting of polymeric, ceramic, and composite materials, can provide durable, non-invasive protection tailored to specific substrate weaknesses and exposure environments (indoor and outdoor). Objective of this review

• protective materials; nanocomposite; substrate vulnerability; superhydrophobic coatings; sustainability; Introduction The conservation of cultural heritage is not only an endeavor to preserve the physical integrity of artifacts but also to maintain the cultural identity of societies [1]. With the growing

Quantitative estimation of nanoparticle/substrate adhesion by atomic force microscopy

• Aydan Çiçek,
• Markus Kratzer,
• Christian Teichert and
• Christian Mitterer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 1–14, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.1

• strength provides a practical framework for characterizing NP/substrate interactions. Such understanding is essential for developing reliable NP coatings, where adhesion directly influences coating stability, uniformity, and functional performance under varying environmental and mechanical stress

Internal 3D temperature mapping in biological systems using ratiometric light-sheet imaging and lipid-coated upconversion nanothermometers

• Dannareli Barron-Ortiz,
• Enric Pérez-Parets,
• Rubén D. Cadena-Nava,
• Emilio J. Gualda,
• Jacob Licea-Rodríguez,
• Juan Hernández-Cordero,
• Pablo Loza-Álvarez and
• Israel Rocha-Mendoza

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2306–2316, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.159

• to electrostatic repulsion with the negatively charged glycocalyx of the intestinal cell membranes, thereby hindering endocytosis [58]. This contrasts with cationic coatings like polyethyleneimine (PEI), which promote endocytosis and lead to UCNP internalization into intestinal cells [59]. This

• nanothermometry in vivo. Future work will also focus on engineering UCNP coatings for specific subcellular targeting to further expand the biological applicability of this technique. The readily transferable nature of both the lipid-coating approach and the optical setup establishes a practical foundation for

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

• carbohydrate coatings. Finally, revealing the water adsorption on dimannoside from dryness to high humidity offers new insights into the molecular role of these surface residues also from a biophysical perspective, which is especially valuable when the biological objects in question are highly pathogenic. Size

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

• graphene-based electronics and as a dielectric material in nanoelectronics devices. It finds application regarding corrosion resistance and antioxidation protective coatings [19]. Due to its high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, h-BN is used in thermal management applications. h-BN is used

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

• stabilising surface coatings are employed to preserve nanoparticle stability over time. The degree of functionalisation is also a key consideration as surface modifications can enhance solubility, targeting ability, and biocompatibility. Consistent functionalisation is necessary to ensure reproducibility and

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

• in optical and photocatalytic applications, particularly in regenerative procedures and dental coatings [48][49]. The sparse use of other metals such as magnesium, iron, selenium, and cerium oxides suggests ongoing exploration of less conventional materials with niche properties, possibly linked to

• coatings for dental and orthodontic surfaces. Beyond the initial findings, nanoparticles have also been incorporated into a wide range of preventive and restorative dental materials. Composite resins and glass ionomer cements reinforced with silver or zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibit enhanced antimicrobial

• regenerative potential of biomaterials applied in clinical settings. Implantology is another emerging area of application, where nanoparticle-based coatings are used to reduce peri-implant biofilm formation and enhance osseointegration [9][19]. Titanium implants functionalized with green-synthesized AgNPs or

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

• yield. Such properties are promising for applications including photocatalytic water purification, self-cleaning surfaces, and light-activated antimicrobial coatings [20]. The elemental composition of the modified films was characterized by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and elastic recoil

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

• hydrophilic polymers (e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysaccharides) or mucoadhesive agents such as chitosan, which can enhance colloidal stability, promote mucus permeation, and protect the nanocarrier from enzymatic degradation in the GIT. Such coatings have been explored to improve the pharmacokinetic

• detailed discussion of examples of polymeric coatings on NPs intended for oral administration, using both synthetic and natural polymers [70][71]. Polymer properties such as Tg, solubility, crystallinity, and molecular weight are interrelated and have a significant impact on the permeability of NPs

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

• remediation, and other light-driven processes. Atomic layer deposition Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a critical thin-film technology widely used in semiconductors, nanoelectronics, energy storage, catalysis, and advanced coatings. It enables atomically precise control over film thickness and composition

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

• system complexity. Preventive approaches, such as glutenin-genipin cross-linked coatings, effectively reduce plastic shedding under harsh conditions using biodegradable materials; however, they address only source control and lack proven scalability. Imine-functionalized mesoporous magnetic silica

Modeling magnetic properties of cobalt nanofilms used as a component of spin hybrid superconductor–ferromagnetic structures

• Aleksey Fedotov,
• Olesya Severyukhina,
• Anastasia Salomatina and
• Anatolie Sidorenko

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1557–1566, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.110

• are currently used, as well as fundamental features of the thin film formation processes with new composition and coatings of various types. These types of nanomaterials are very promising (in terms of computational performance and energy dissipation efficiency) for use in superconducting digital

Transient electronics for sustainability: Emerging technologies and future directions

• Jae-Young Bae,
• Myung-Kyun Choi and
• Seung-Kyun Kang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1545–1556, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.109

• the mechanical and crystalline properties of such natural waxes, blended composite materials (e.g., candelilla/beeswax or candelilla/PBTPA mixtures) have been investigated for their potential use as barrier coatings [86]. A 300 μm thick edge-encapsulated mixture film was found to protect a 300 nm

• thick Mg trace for up to three weeks in PBS (pH 7.4, 37 °C). However, organic films suffer from intrinsic porosity due to their polymer chain structure, which limits their water-blocking performance compared to inorganic counterparts. In contrast, inorganic coatings, traditionally employed in the field

• such as repeated stacking of SiOx/SiNx layers via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition or high-density conformal coatings using atomic layer deposition (ALD) (Figure 2e) [88]. Notably, both SiO2 and Si3N4 are bioresorbable materials [23][88][89][90], and efforts have been made to adopt these

Cross-reactivities in conjugation reactions involving iron oxide nanoparticles

• Shoronia N. Cross,
• Katalin V. Korpany,
• Hanine Zakaria and
• Amy Szuchmacher Blum

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1504–1521, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.106

• [51][52]. In the context of magnetic resonance imaging, small molecule ligands also offer advantages over thicker, polymeric coatings as superior contrast agents [53][54][55]. To investigate amine cross-reactivities, we use propargylamine (PPA, Figure 1c) and a series of primary amine-containing dyes

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

• silver nanoparticles in joint replacements or dental implants can decrease the chances of infections and support healing [37]. On implants, nanoscale coatings are also being used to mimic natural tissues more closely and to avoid immune rejection from the body. It is possible to make materials that

• implants with coatings are about to become more common in surgeries and regenerative therapies. However, it is necessary to consider issues related to long-term safety, mass production, and the way these materials interact with the body. As technology continues to advance, regulatory standards should also

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

• , time, and acceleration [103]. The spin coating method is a straightforward, simple, and room-temperature technique for producing thin films. Uniform coatings are produced by evenly casting a solution of the required substance in a solvent (“ink”) across the substrate’s surface while it is spinning [104

• technique creates uniform coatings on a substrate by directing an atomized stream of molten material droplets onto it [140]. A schematic representation of an ultrasonic spray deposition setup is provided in Figure 13. The thickness of the film is mainly determined by factors such as the distance between the

• mobility of charged particles in a suspension under an electric field to deposit them onto a substrate (Figure 14e). The key advantages of EPD include precise control over film thickness, uniform deposition, scalability for large-area coatings, and compatibility with a variety of materials achieved through

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

• , improve biofilm penetration, and increase antibacterial efficacy, offering a promising strategy against resistant bacterial strains [96]. Recent developments in the design of heavy metal-free QDs along with biocompatible surface coatings have also significantly reduced concerns regarding toxicity, thus

• coatings also exhibited excellent biocompatibility, elasticity, hydration, and bioadhesion properties [106]. Encapsulation into SLNs was also used to enhance antibacterial activity and achieve sustained release of the silver–furosemide (FSE) complex 8 (Figure 3) [107]. Although the free complex showed

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

• further complicates their clinical translation [141]. The incorporation of surface modifications, coatings, or ligands to improve liposomal functionality can complicate the manufacturing process, increase production costs, and pose a challenge for large-scale production in the context of good