A redox-responsive viologen–cavitand nanocarrier for dual-function photodynamic therapy

• Andrey A. Maslennikov,
• Alexey Yu. Usanyov,
• Amir A. Shamsutdinov,
• Anna P. Lyubina,
• Andrey A. Parfenov,
• Alexandra D. Voloshina,
• Irek R. Nizameev,
• Marsil K. Kadirov,
• Rezeda R. Fazleeva,
• Vitaly V. Yanilkin,
• Kseniya A. Zhdanova,
• Natal’ya A. Bragina,
• Albina Y. Ziganshina and
• Igor S. Antipin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 1142–1158, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.78

• enable the simultaneous delivery of multiple drugs or prodrugs, improve photosensitizer solubility, and significantly extend blood circulation time. To facilitate efficient intracellular uptake via endocytosis, such carriers are designed with minimal diameters typically ranging from 1 to 100 nm

• electrostatically with negatively charged tumour endothelial and cancer cell membranes, facilitating adsorptive endocytosis and overcoming passive EPR effect limitations. The molecular weight was estimated from static light scattering (SLS) data using a Debye plot (KC/R₀P vs concentration). Extrapolation to zero

• induced by the metabolic stress of active nanoparticle endocytosis [41]. In sharp contrast, light activation (650 nm, 60 mW, 3 min at 49 h) triggered immediate and massive cell death: ≥95% of cells were eliminated within 2 h (red trace). This rapid photodynamic ablation matches the kinetics observed with

Breaking barriers: nanosystems to overcome solubility and permeability challenges of second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors

• Bhagya Shree,
• Abhishek Sharma,
• Manish Kumar,
• Ruchi Chawla and
• Brahmeshwar Mishra

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 1063–1086, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.73

• -tocopheryl polyethene glycol succinate (TPGS) can inhibit the efflux transporter (P-gp ATPase activity) [12]. Other mechanisms include lymphatic bypass, altered membrane fluidity (solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and liposomes), receptor-mediated endocytosis (cationic

• drug release, governed by the polymer’s molecular weight and lactic acid/glycolic acid ratio; the uptake of such delivery systems occurs via clarithrin-mediated endocytosis, bypassing the P-gp efflux transporter. DTB-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared using a double emulsion solvent evaporation

• receptor-mediated endocytosis [78]. Cancer-derived hybrid exosomes, which were PEGylated after exosome isolation and loaded with DTB, demonstrated enhanced cellular uptake due to the presence of exosomal surface markers such as CD9 and CD81. Additionally, pH-sensitive drug release in the acidic tumour

Nanocarrier strategies to overcome P-glycoprotein-mediated drug resistance in cancer therapy

• Andreina Quevedo-Enríquez,
• Katty Yi Zhang,
• Denisse Yajaira Enriquez,
• Byron Raul Inapanta,
• Roxana Noemí Peroni and
• Christian Rafael Quijia

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 882–921, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.64

• inhibition of P-gp ATPase activity using small-molecule modulators such as quercetin, ᴅ-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate, and tariquidar, (ii) circumvention of membrane efflux through receptor-mediated endocytosis, intracellular trafficking control, or tumor-responsive drug release, and (iii

• from being recognized and expelled by P-gp [31]. Figure 3 shows the nanocarrier-based co-delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and P-gp inhibitors. This combined mechanism promotes endocytosis-mediated uptake, endosomal escape, and intracellular release, synergistically inhibiting P-gp activity and

• remains essential. To achieve this, such systems must incorporate additional design features that promote sustained intracellular retention, ensuring the therapeutic agent remains within the cell long enough to exert its full effect. (i) Regarding receptor-mediated endocytosis, An et al. designed ApoA1

Restorative potential of laser-synthesized silver nanoparticles with Salvia officinalis for periodontal disease treatment: an in vitro study

• Jelena Filipović Tričković,
• Sanja Živković,
• Bojana Ilić,
• Miloš Tošić,
• Jelena Marinković,
• Ana Valenta Šobot and
• Miloš Momčilović

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 781–795, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.55

• possesses several biological benefits. While the higher concentration provides greater local therapeutic doses, the smaller particle size allows for greater cellular internalization by endocytosis [34]. The narrow size distribution of SageAgNPs6mJ could also contribute to the consistent biological outcomes

• ; internalized AgNPs induce high levels of ROS, damaging essential biomolecules [48]. In contrast, eukaryotic cells internalize nanoparticles primarily via endocytosis, enabling partial localization in endo-lysosomal compartments, which, together with more efficient repair mechanisms, contribute to the selective

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

• internalization through receptor-mediated endocytosis and homotypic binding, as well as improve colloidal stability. Strategies such as incorporating pH-sensitive components or lysosomal escape mechanisms further enable controlled drug release within target cells. Despite these advances, optimizing BNP design to

• co-delivery of chlorin e6 and DOX to enhance synergistic targeted tumor therapy. This system exhibited high targeting efficiency toward HepG2 cells via folic acid receptor-mediated endocytosis, followed by effective tumor eradication through singlet oxygen generation. Modification with erythrocyte

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

• become protonated or lose their protective shells, leading to a shift in surface charge from negative to positive. This transformation enhances electrostatic attraction toward negatively charged tumour cell membranes, thereby facilitating more efficient endocytosis and intracellular delivery of

Influence of surface characteristics on the in vitro stability and cell uptake of nanoliposomes for brain delivery

• Dushko Shalabalija,
• Ljubica Mihailova,
• Nikola Geskovski,
• Andreas Zimmer,
• Otmar Geiss,
• Sabrina Gioria,
• Diletta Scaccabarozzi and
• Marija Glavas Dodov

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 139–158, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.9

• incomplete uptake, are suitable adjustments in the incubation time, temperature, and NL concentration, as well as pH and ion concentrations. Optimization of these factors is essential for accurate identification of transport mechanisms, like diffusion or receptor-mediated endocytosis, also reflecting the

• internalization of nanoliposomes can take place through several energy-dependent endocytic pathways (i.e., phagocytosis, clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolin-mediated endocytosis, clathrin/caveolae-independent endocytosis, and micropinocytosis), as well as through passive transport or diffusion which is an

• uncompetitive movement of the nanosystems, either directly through membrane phospholipids (simple diffusion) or in combination with membrane proteins (facilitated diffusion) [8][34]. Therefore, endocytosis is a process that occurs through membrane–particle adhesion followed by elastic deformation of the cell

Development and in vitro evaluation of liposomes and immunoliposomes containing 5-fluorouracil and R-phycoerythrin as a potential phototheranostic system for colorectal cancer

• Raissa Rodrigues Camelo,
• Vivianne Cortez Sombra Vandesmet,
• Octavio Vital Baccallini,
• José de Brito Vieira Neto,
• Thais da Silva Moreira,
• Luzia Kalyne Almeida Moreira Leal,
• Claudia Pessoa,
• Daniel Giuliano Cerri,
• Maria Vitória Lopes Badra Bentley,
• Josimar O. Eloy,
• Ivanildo José da Silva Júnior and
• Raquel Petrilli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 97–121, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.7

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

• observation is consistent with Chen et al. [50], who reported internalization of PEI-capped UCNPs into both the gut cavity and intestinal cells. They attributed UCNP uptake within the gut cavity to the favorable nanoparticle dispersibility and cellular internalization to endocytosis, facilitated by

• electrostatic interactions between the cationic PEI coating and negatively charged cell surfaces. The positive charge of PEI can be enhanced at lower pH levels, such as those found in parts of the C. elegans digestive tract [60], potentially promoting further endocytosis. In contrast, the UCNPs@lipids

Optical bio/chemical sensors for vitamin B₁₂ analysis in food and pharmaceuticals: state of the art, challenges, and future outlooks

• Seyed Mohammad Taghi Gharibzahedi and
• Zeynep Altintas

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2207–2244, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.153

• location for its absorption. Here, it attaches to a specific receptor (Cubam) on the ileal enterocyte membrane and is internalized into the enterocytes via endocytosis. Meanwhile, lysosomes break down IF, freeing VB12. This allows VB12 to bind to TC-II (HoloTC), facilitating its transport in the

• bloodstream and delivery to target cells [47][53][54]. The VB12–TC-II complex is absorbed by cells through receptor-specific endocytosis. Once inside, it undergoes degradation in the lysosomes, resulting in the release of VB12. This vitamin inside the target cell is transformed into its two active coenzyme

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

• after overcoming the adverse conditions of the GIT, as nanocarriers enter the bloodstream to exert their therapeutic effect. This process can occur through various mechanisms, including paracellular transport, the M cell-associated pathway, and endocytosis. Paracellular transport involves NPs reaching

• ]. Endocytosis is the primary pathway through which NPs enter cells. Hydrophobic polymeric NPs often exhibit stronger interactions with the lipid bilayer, which may facilitate their internalization through endocytic mechanisms. In contrast, hydrophilic NPs tend to adsorb onto the cell membrane surface before

• being taken up via endocytosis [77]. Once internalized, NPs can be trafficked through various intracellular compartments (including endosomes and lysosomes) and in some cases, may escape into the cytosol, which is particularly relevant for therapeutic applications that require cytoplasmic or organelle

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

• penetration. Cell-penetrating peptides can improve aptamer transport by triggering adsorption-mediated endocytosis and may be an alternative strategy to solve this puzzle. For example, Le et al. [132] constructed nanocomplexes promising for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by double modification of

Multifunctional anionic nanoemulsion with linseed oil and lecithin: a preliminary approach for dry eye disease

• Niédja Fittipaldi Vasconcelos,
• Almerinda Agrelli,
• Rayane Cristine Santos da Silva,
• Carina Lucena Mendes-Marques,
• Isabel Renata de Souza Arruda,
• Priscilla Stela Santana de Oliveira,
• Mércia Liane de Oliveira and
• Giovanna Machado

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1711–1733, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.120

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

• transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) during receptor-bound endocytosis. In addition to this pathway, iron absorption can also occur with the help of actin filaments, one of the components of the cytoskeleton, via the receptor (TFRC) [36]. The iron required by the cell, in the form of ferrous iron (Fe+2), is produced

• iron levels inside cells, enhancing their susceptibility to ferroptosis. Furthermore, the stimulation of ferritin breakdown through endocytosis elevates the amount of free iron within cells, leading to increased ferroptosis [88][94][95]. Hence, iron overload can be achieved by ferric citrate [96][97

• be internalized by receptor-mediated endocytosis, which improves the accumulation of the drug at the desired site [130][131]. By integrating multiple components, such as targeting ligands, imaging agents, and therapeutic drugs, into a single liposomal formulation, theranostic liposomes can be created

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

• therapeutic regimen. By utilizing recent advances in micro/nanotechnology and molecular pharmaceutics, potent bioinspired cell-based therapeutics could be obtained by genetic engineering, endocytosis, chemical bioconjugation, and physical modifications (Figure 2) [23]. More precisely, cell membranes or whole

• . The uptake of LDL inside the cells occurs mainly via receptor-mediated endocytosis by a structurally similar receptor family, similar to LDL receptor proteins including LDL receptor-related protein (LRP or megalin), very-low density lipoprotein (vLDL) receptor, and apolipoprotein E receptor-2 (ApoER2

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

• the tumor with leakage permeable to blood flow due to disordered endothelial cell layers. This cellular organization of the vasculature with increased permeability allows increased uptake of nanoparticles by endocytosis and, consequently, increased cytotoxic effect of antineoplastic drugs. Thus, with

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

• [38]. C12-200 (C12) is another ionizable lipid that is frequently used in preclinical LNP formulations, as it shows high transfection efficiency [39]. While the uptake of D-Lin-MC3-DMA LNPs is mostly driven by ApoE3-specific receptor mediated endocytosis [25], C12-200 LNP uptake seems to be mediated

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

• significantly improved gene silencing efficiency in prostate cancer cells, compared to a control diblock copolymer micelle. While cellular internalisation of ASO complexes can take place through several pathways, it has been previously reported that non-specific adsorptive endocytosis is the predominant

• internalisation mechanism for PLL-conjugated ASOs [67]. Specific molecular structures, however, can be utilised to facilitate the targeted uptake of drug delivery systems. Ligand–PLL–ASO conjugates, for instance, can enter target cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis [68]. This approach holds promise for

• endocytosis enables cellular entry, achieving efficient release and nuclear delivery of ASOs remains a challenge as a consequence of potential sequestration and degradation within endocytic vesicles [79][80]. This issue is prevalent in the majority of therapeutic delivery systems that enter via endocytosis

Development of a mucoadhesive drug delivery system and its interaction with gastric cells

• Ahmet Baki Sahin,
• Serdar Karakurt and
• Deniz Sezlev Bilecen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 371–384, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.28

• nanoparticles is a dynamic process where both endocytosis and exocytosis are involved. The uptake also depends on the concentration of nanoparticles and the duration of the process. Studies conducted with the AGS cell line revealed that nanoparticle internalization generally reaches a plateau within the first 2

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

• hydrophobicity, and C/O ratio) GO is internalized via clathrin or caveolae-mediated endocytosis and micropinocytosis [53]. The exposure to nanomaterials is known to affect plasma membrane integrity, which in turn initiates various metabolic processes, such as ineffective nutrient transport, unspecific molecular

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 caveolin-mediated endocytosis (GO with diameter below 100 nm). In addition, accumulation in the glia cells due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect was observed. However, it is emphasized that surface modification, including modification of surface charge and particle size, can

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

• in KCs, is essential for clearing infections caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes [30]. In nanomedicine, SRs are also responsible for clearing negatively charged NPs such as those composed of silica [31][32]. This interaction leads to the internalization of NCs via endocytosis

• demonstrated by Ji and colleagues in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrosis, where they inhibited the proliferation of fibroblasts [46]. An alternative to depletion is the inhibition of KCs through chloroquine, an antimalaria agent that inhibits macrophage-specific endocytosis, or

• final effect. Endocytosis poses a significant challenge for delivering drugs and nucleic acids to the cytosol as most remain trapped in endosomes and subsequently degrade. Efficient delivery requires the payload to be released before lysosomal maturation, a crucial stage known as endosomal escape [53

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

• transforming drug delivery methodologies [1]. Despite their potential, liposomes encounter substantial challenges from the point of administration to achieving therapeutic efficacy. One of the primary obstacles is their propensity for endosomal entrapment. Following internalization via endocytosis, liposomes

• was investigated using different endocytic pathway inhibitors (Figure 2). For Unmodified-Lipo (Figure 2a,d), sucrose, which inhibits clathrin-mediated endocytosis, significantly reduced fluorescence intensity (p < 0.001), indicating that clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a primary pathway. Filipin, an

• inhibitor of caveolae-mediated endocytosis, also significantly reduced uptake (p < 0.001), suggesting the involvement of caveolae in the internalization of Unmodified-Lipo. Amiloride, which blocks macropinocytosis, had no significant effect (p < 0.99), indicating a negligible role for macropinocytosis in

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

• and synergistic therapeutic efficacy against breast cancer (BC) [63]. The scheme for the development of these ligand-decorated PLHNPs is depicted in Figure 3. The findings suggested that the targeted PLHNPs significantly improved uptake in BC cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis when compared with

• endocytosis. IQN-iRGD-PLHNPs also exhibited much higher cytotoxicity than non-targeted IQN-PLHNPs and free IQN. Interestingly, after leveraging iRGD peptides for active tumor-tissue accumulation and employing a stealth nanostructure for prolonged in vivo circulation, ISL-iRGD NPs exhibited superior

• profiles. The cell culture studies indicated that the targeted PLHNPs showed much greater cell uptake in MDA-MB-435s cells by integrin receptor-medicated endocytosis than the non-targeted PLHNPs. The targeted PLHNPs showed a significant reduction in IC50 value (by ≈50%) compared to the non-targeted PLHNPs

Nanotechnological approaches for efficient N2B delivery: from small-molecule drugs to biopharmaceuticals

• Selin Akpinar Adscheid,
• Akif E. Türeli,
• Nazende Günday-Türeli and
• Marc Schneider

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1400–1414, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.113

• [67][68]. Significant portions of the NPs studied for N2B delivery are approx. 200 nm, which is the average size of olfactory exons [44][60]. Rejman et al. demonstrated that the clathrin-mediated pathway of endocytosis has an upper limit for internalization of approximately 200 nm. Their study also