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

• ) residues, which may facilitate bonding to mineral surfaces and play a role in quinone-mediated cross-linking during cement hardening [14][15]. Pc-3 exists in at least two major isoforms, Pc-3A and Pc-3B. Both isoforms are exceptionally rich in serine (72.9 mol %), with up to 90% of these residues

• negatively charged phosphoserine residues of the adhesive proteins. Additionally, a pH shift could trigger changes in bonding, leading to spheroid hardening. Finally, the cement spot is cured through quinonic cross-linking. List of adhesive protein and kinase candidates identified in the tubeworm Sabellaria

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

• , secreted or cell-bound, which form a viscoelastic gel through entanglement and cross-linking. These properties contribute to the protective and lubricating functions of mucus. These functions are performed through steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interactions with various substances [6]. Mucin is an

• polycationic character. These groups are reactive and can be chemically modified through activation or cross-linking. The reactivity of the hydroxy and primary amine groups imparts complexing and chelating properties, enabling the production of chitosan derivatives with enhanced characteristics compared to the

• chitosan as a carrier does not interfere with the biological activity of the protein, as evidenced by oral absorption in mice. The versatility of chitosan was utilized by Yang et al. [111] encapsulate exenatide, using TPP as a cross-linking agent. Chemical modifications were performed to generate the

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

• pathophysiological processes through the incorporation of drugs for enhancing skin permeation brings out promising prospects for innovation which may arise in the drug delivery field. Keywords: cross-linking; drug delivery; formulation; nanogel; polymer; Introduction The systematic study of gels began in the mid

• to improve treatment effectiveness [40][41][42]. This paper reviews the preparation methods of hydrogels and nanogels from hydrophilic polymers of synthetic and natural origin with an emphasis on cross-linking reactions by physical and chemical methods. Additionally, recent advancements in the dermal

• application of hydrogels and nanogels as DDSs are particularly addressed. Review Preparation of hydrogels Cross-linking, one of the main techniques for hydrogel formation, is the process of linking polymer chains by covalent or noncovalent bonds, forming tridimensional networks [43][44]. Polymers can be intra

Chitosan nanocomposite containing rotenoids: an alternative bioinsecticidal approach for the management of Aedes aegypti

• Maria A. A. Bertonceli,
• Vitor D. C. Cristo,
• Ivo J. Vieira,
• Francisco J. A. Lemos,
• Arnoldo R. Façanha,
• Raimundo Braz-Filho,
• Gustavo V. T. Batista,
• Luis G. M. Basso,
• Sérgio H. Seabra,
• Thalya S. R. Nogueira,
• Felipe F. Moreira,
• Arícia L. E. M. Assis,
• Antônia E. A. Oliveira and
• Kátia V. S. Fernandes

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1197–1208, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.88

• excessive cross-linking by TPP, thereby reducing both nanoparticle size and polydispersity [19]. Furthermore, the inclusion of rotenoids in the nanocomposite seemingly improved its dispersibility (Figure 2B and 2D) compared to respective controls of empty nanoparticles (Figure 2A and 2C). The presence of

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

• nanosheets. Large GO nanosheets are important to provide effective surface area for coating adhesion to the flat substrate and cross-linking in the coating network. Interactions at the interface between the coating and substrate include electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals

Changes of structural, magnetic and spectroscopic properties of microencapsulated iron sucrose nanoparticles in saline

• Sabina Lewińska,
• Pavlo Aleshkevych,
• Roman Minikayev,
• Anna Bajorek,
• Mateusz Dulski,
• Krystian Prusik,
• Tomasz Wojciechowski and
• Anna Ślawska-Waniewska

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 762–784, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.59

• spectrum of the FS0 sample, while they vanished in the FST spectrum. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of an iron-stabilized biopolymer ionic cross-linking complex. This confirmation was based on an analysis of intensity, full width at half maximum, and band shifts. In general, both FS0 and FST

• than most other trivalent and divalent cations [67][68]. Similar effects have been reported for free ionic species of alginate in the presence of Ag nanostructures [64]. Furthermore, additional confirmation of the formation of the biopolymer ionic cross-linking complex can be inferred from the

• the alginate implies a slight disordering of the crystal structure of iron oxides. This disorder may result from more structural and local point defects and unsaturated bonds, making it more prone to forming an ionic cross-linking complex. In this context, the coexistence of oxyhydroxide with Fe3

Synthesis of a multicomponent cellulose-based adsorbent for tetracycline removal from aquaculture water

• Uyen Bao Tran,
• Ngoc Thanh Vo-Tran,
• Khai The Truong,
• Dat Anh Nguyen,
• Quang Nhat Tran,
• Huu-Quang Nguyen,
• Jaebeom Lee and
• Hai Son Truong-Lam

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 728–739, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.56

• shift to 883 and 1105 cm−1. Meanwhile, the hydroxy group vibration peak becomes broader and less intense, shifting to the 3240‒3386 cm−1 region, suggesting the involvement of ‒OH groups in cross-linking. The intensity of the peak at 1325 cm−1 decreases significantly, while the peak at 1620 cm−1

• presence of Zn–O and Zn–OH bonds. Furthermore, the Ca content increased from 0.03% to 2.82%, accompanied by a rise in oxygen content. This increase suggests the involvement of GA and PVA in the cross-linking process, where the –OH groups in PVA and –CHO groups in GA contribute to the rise in oxygen content

• assess the cross-linking performance of GA and PVA and to elucidate the role of Zn2+ in cellulose dissolution. The adsorption of TC onto PGC was explained by the formation of Ca2+–TC chelate complexes, as well as electrostatic interactions, CH–π interactions, and hydrogen bonding interactions between the

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

• cross-linking were used to develop a silk fibroin/chitosan/nanohydroxyapatite (SF/CS/nHA) scaffold in three different concentrations (3%, 4%, and 5%). The 4% SF/CS/nHA scaffold was shown to be the most effective for bone repair. In vitro studies involved seeding bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs

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

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

• hydrophilicity, and low thermal stability [106][107]. The disadvantages often necessitate the combination of PVA with other materials or the application of post-processing techniques such as cross-linking or coating for performance improvement [108]. As a countermeasure, Rafieian et al. [109] proposed

• of cross-linked and not cross-linked chitosan/PVA nanofibers to investigate the variation in loss factor with temperature, which is obtained from the ratio of loss modulus to storage modulus. The increase in loss factor observed after cross-linking for 48 h indicates high cross-linking density and

• modifications and structural modifications. Material modifications include mixing with other polymers, plasticizers, and additives [155], as well as surface modification [156] and post-treatment processes such as cross-linking and heat treatment [157]. Structural modifications encompass fiber alignment

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

• , and photodynamic therapy. Cytotoxic drugs acting by preventing DNA replication and apoptosis via methylation of guanine-rich areas in DNA and by cross-linking guanine and cytosine in DNA strains are a standard in chemotherapy. Among them, the prodrug temozolomide (TMZ) with its active metabolite 5-(3

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

• cross-linking [126] or MOF geometry tuning [127] are needed to address this issue properly. Furthermore, the study by Maleh and Raisi found that in situ MOF-based MMM synthesis resulted in negligible plasticization compared to ex situ MMM fabrication [91], suggesting that MOF distribution and MOF

A nanocarrier containing carboxylic and histamine groups with dual action: acetylcholine hydrolysis and antidote atropine delivery

• Elina E. Mansurova,
• Andrey A. Maslennikov,
• Anna P. Lyubina,
• Alexandra D. Voloshina,
• Irek R. Nizameev,
• Marsil K. Kadirov,
• Anzhela A. Mikhailova,
• Polina V. Mikshina,
• Albina Y. Ziganshina and
• Igor S. Antipin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 11–24, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.2

• react with BA to form boronate esters through cross-linking (Scheme 1). To synthesize p(Hist-CA), 4 mL of BA solution (1.25 mM) in PB, pH 8.5, and 7.3 μL of triolein (TO) were added to a mixture of Hist-RA (2 mM) and CA-RA (4.4 mM) in 1 mL of water. The mixture was vortexed for 1.5 min until an emulsion

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

• ], on monomer and cross-linking concentrations, and on the type of substrate surface [88]. Hydrogels with their low friction are crucial in biomedical applications or for drug delivery [38][83][86][88]. The diaspore mucilage is regarded as a natural hydrogel [38] because of its capacity to absorb water

• microstructure forming cross-linking sheets, and the presence of water [94]. The authors observed that a thin layer of basil mucilage was adsorbed at the glass surface because of the abundant OH groups. This layer prevented the mucilage from the direct contact with the glass, which finally resulted in ultralow

• complete expansion of the envelope, the mucilaginous polysaccharides (pectins, hemicelluloses, and cellulose fibrils) form a netlike 3D structure. (h) High-magnification image showing cellulose fibril bundles (cfb), which form the main (unbranched) skeleton, while pectins and hemicelluloses (csp – cross

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

• peaks in FTIR suggested that carboxyl is the exposed functional group. Based on the earlier reports, free –NH2 and carboxyl groups are believed to participate in cross-linking and forming complexes between ʟ-car-AgNP1 and Cd2+/Pb2+ ions. The Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions interact with lone electron pairs of these

Enhanced catalytic reduction through in situ synthesized gold nanoparticles embedded in glucosamine/alginate nanocomposites

• Chi-Hien Dang,
• Le-Kim-Thuy Nguyen,
• Minh-Trong Tran,
• Van-Dung Le,
• Nguyen Minh Ty,
• T. Ngoc Han Pham,
• Hieu Vu-Quang,
• Tran Thi Kim Chi,
• Tran Thi Huong Giang,
• Nguyen Thi Thanh Tu and
• Thanh-Danh Nguyen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1227–1237, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.99

• electrostatic bonds with multivalent metal cations (such as Ca2+, Ba2+, and Cu2+) to create an extensive gel network in water [15][16]. The cross-linking of saccharide chains within alginate generates macromolecules ranging in size from micrometers to millimeters, resulting in gelispheres insoluble in water

• Au3+ into Au(0) during the synthesis of the nanocomposite AuNPs@GluN/Alg without additional chemicals. Alginate serves as a stabilizing agent. In the ionotropic gelation mechanism, the cross-linking matrix of Ca–alginate, formed by Ca2+ ions and carboxyl groups in sodium alginate, becomes insoluble

Unveiling the potential of alginate-based nanomaterials in sensing technology and smart delivery applications

• Shakhzodjon Uzokboev,
• Khojimukhammad Akhmadbekov,
• Ra’no Nuritdinova,
• Salah M. Tawfik and
• Yong-Ill Lee

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1077–1104, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.88

• reaction time. When it comes to the alginate–polymer combination, there are various methods available for the preparation of alginate-based biopolymeric nanoparticles, each with its advantages and limitations. One common method is the ionotropic gelation method, which involves the cross-linking of alginate

• preparing an alginate polymer solution to which a compound with amino groups is subsequently added. In the presence of a cross-linking agent or under appropriate conditions, the carboxylate groups of alginate and the amino groups of the other compound undergo dehydration condensation processes. These cross

• meet the specific needs of glucose detection, such as incorporating glucose oxidase for enzymatic sensing, allowing for efficient and accurate glucose detection [140]. The fabrication of alginate-based nanoparticles for glucose detection involves several steps. First, alginate is mixed with a cross

Entry of nanoparticles into cells and tissues: status and challenges

• Kirsten Sandvig,
• Tore Geir Iversen and
• Tore Skotland

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1017–1029, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.83

• detail, although it, in some cells, can have a high uptake capacity [16]. The understanding and complexity of these mechanisms have been further increased by the finding that some galectins, such as galectin-3 and galectin-8, can drive cellular uptake by cross-linking glycolipids [17][18]. Interestingly

• clearly pinch off, a process that can be stimulated by a cross-linking ligand such as the simian virus 40 (SV40) [33]. It is known that after being released from the plasma membrane, they may fuse with normal early endocytic vesicles [34]. In 2001, it was published that a separate organelle, the caveosome

• . However, if binding to the cell surface and cross-linking plasma membrane lipids or proteins, they may even induce their own uptake [61][62]. For instance, cross-linking of receptors by quantum dots (QDs) with Tat proteins can induce Rac activation and macropinocytosis [61]. Similarly, cross-linking

Therapeutic effect of F127-folate@PLGA/CHL/IR780 nanoparticles on folate receptor-expressing cancer cells

• Thi Ngoc Han Pham,
• Phuong-Thao Dang-Luong,
• Hong-Phuc Nguyen,
• Loc Le-Tuan,
• Xuan Thang Cao,
• Thanh-Danh Nguyen,
• Vy Tran Anh and
• Hieu Vu_Quang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 954–964, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.78

• and non-lymphoma Hodgkin’s [16][17], advanced ovarian and breast cancer [17][18], and some autoimmune illnesses [19]. Like other alkylating drugs, CHL inhibits tumor growth by cross-linking guanine or adenine bases in DNA double helix strands, preventing them from uncoiling and separating, and

The effect of age on the attachment ability of stick insects (Phasmatodea)

• Marie Grote,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Thies H. Büscher

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 867–883, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.72

•  5K) or reddish using CLSM (Figure 6B), are indicative for changes of the material properties of the cuticle. The autofluorescence correlates with the degree of sclerotization [50][70], and stronger cross-linking usually results in stiffer cuticle. As stiffer cuticle is less compliant, and the lower

Classification and application of metal-based nanoantioxidants in medicine and healthcare

• Nguyen Nhat Nam,
• Nguyen Khoi Song Tran,
• Tan Tai Nguyen,
• Nguyen Ngoc Trai,
• Nguyen Phuong Thuy,
• Hoang Dang Khoa Do,
• Nhu Hoa Thi Tran and
• Kieu The Loan Trinh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 396–415, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.36

• between cerium(IV) and cerium(III). SOD activity immobilized through cross-linking on a Zr framework (SOD-ZrMOF) demonstrates effective scavenging of ROS and inhibition of oxidative stress. A prolonged investigation using an animal model of acute myocardial infarction revealed that SOD-ZrMOF has the

Influence of conductive carbon and MnCo₂O₄ on morphological and electrical properties of hydrogels for electrochemical energy conversion

• Sylwia Pawłowska,
• Karolina Cysewska,
• Yasamin Ziai,
• Jakub Karczewski,
• Piotr Jasiński and
• Sebastian Molin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 57–70, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.6

• ][2][3]. The methods of synthesising hydrogels are divided into two basic groups, including physical and chemical cross-linking. Physical cross-linking methods, which are mainly related to the synthesis of natural hydrogels, include changes in intermolecular interactions (e.g., hydrophobic

• interactions, ionic cross-linking, and hydrogen-bonded gels). Chemically synthesised hydrogels are produced by covalent cross-linking pathways such as radical polymerisation, radiation cross-linking, grafting, thermogelation, enzymatic reactions, and click chemistry [4][5]. Hydrogel materials have quite a long

Curcumin-loaded albumin submicron particles with potential as a cancer therapy: an in vitro study

• Nittiya Suwannasom,
• Netsai Sriaksorn,
• Chutamas Thepmalee,
• Krissana Khoothiam,
• Ausanai Prapan,
• Hans Bäumler and
• Chonthida Thephinlap

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 1127–1140, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.93

• poorly water-soluble CUR. An effective submicron particle fabrication technique, namely co-precipitation–cross-linking–dissolution (CCD), has been established to produce biopolymer particles [24][25][26]. In this method, biopolymer particles are produced via co-precipitation, by simply mixing MnCl2 and

• due to the preparation process, which involves cross-linking of amino acid residues in proteins by glutaraldehyde (GA). As shown in Figure 3B, HSA retained its secondary structure, while both HSA-MPs and CUR-HSA-MPs lost their peptide bonds and secondary structure. The lack of secondary structure of

• both HSA-MPs and CUR-HSA-MPs is attributed to the cross-linking reaction that utilizes amino acid residues, leading to the destruction of the secondary structure [37]. Influence of the CUR concentration in the suspension medium on the CUR-loading capacities The surface chemical properties of MnCO3-HSA

Recognition mechanisms of hemoglobin particles by monocytes – CD163 may just be one

• Jonathan-Gabriel Nimz,
• Pichayut Rerkshanandana,
• Chiraphat Kloypan,
• Ulrich Kalus,
• Saranya Chaiwaree,
• Axel Pruß,
• Radostina Georgieva,
• Yu Xiong and
• Hans Bäumler

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 1028–1040, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.85

• fractions (32 kDa to >600 kDa) was shown. Also polymerization, cross-linking, and cross-linking sites influenced the receptor’s affinity for individual HBOCs, while the origin of the utilized Hb seemed to be of no relevance [16]. Furthermore size dependence probably exists also in antibody-induced