Gold nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide as a highly effective catalyst for the selective α,β-dehydrogenation of N-alkyl-4-piperidones

• Brenda Flore Kenyim,
• Mihir Tzalis,
• Marilyn Kaul,
• Robert Oestreich,
• Aysenur Limon,
• Chancellin Pecheu Nkepdep and
• Christoph Janiak

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 218–238, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.15

• coated with strong ligands that provide initial stability over time, ligand desorption, ligand exchange, or environmental factors such as pH and ionic strength can weaken the protective layer, leading to nanoparticle aggregation or structural degradation [14][15]. An important aspect of expensive noble

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

• surfaces of any living organism constantly engage with the environment and face a wide range of challenges. To meet these challenges, the surfaces of any organism must often simultaneously fulfil multiple functions and adapt to various environmental pressures, which involve complex interactions between

• varying environmental parameters. For terrestrial animals, adhesive systems usually provide temporary adhesion and do not make use of cements. A study on the evolution of subdigital microstructures in Cyrtodactylus geckos by Ginal et al. [16] addressed how adhesive microstructures (setae) have

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

• Georgia Melagraki Hellenic Military Academy, Vari, Greece 10.3762/bjnano.17.11 Abstract Nanotechnology is revolutionizing different sectors such as medicine, energy, defence, and environmental science by enabling the development of materials and technologies with exceptional precision and

• , offering unprecedented opportunities to design and develop nanomaterials with unique, tailored properties. These advances have significantly impacted diverse industrial sectors, including healthcare, energy, environmental remediation, and defence. For instance, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have

• , engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have been employed for environmental applications, such as water purification and pollutant removal, addressing some of the most pressing ecological challenges [4][5]. Nanotechnology has significant applications in defence [6], particularly in the development of lightweight

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

• performance in targeted and controlled drug delivery (Table 1). The detailed mechanism of CRNs in response to various environmental stimuli is described in Figure 3. 2.1 pH-responsive charge-reversible nanocarriers When exposed to the acidic cancer microenvironment (pH 6.5–6.8), CRNs undergo a pH-sensitive

• groups and the need for precise control over physicochemical characteristics further increase manufacturing costs and delay clinical development. Maintaining stability during storage is another critical concern, as environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and light exposure may induce

• and clinical evaluation processes. Ethical and environmental considerations further complicate their translation, as the degradation of by-products and long-term accumulation of synthetic nanomaterials in ecosystems necessitate thorough investigation [101]. To address these limitations, current

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

• Ohio State University, 201 W 19th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA 10.3762/bjnano.17.6 Abstract The preservation of cultural heritage sites and objects faces critical challenges due to natural aging, environmental degradation, and human-induced damage such as vandalism and graffiti. This review article

• article is to critically examine the most recent studies and materials innovations relevant to cultural heritage site preservation. First the assessment of substrate vulnerabilities and environmental threats is presented, followed by a detailed analysis of coating types and compositions. It concludes with

• emerging trends, challenges, and future perspectives, offering a valuable resource for researchers, conservators, and materials scientists committed to the long-term safeguarding of historical artifacts and monuments. Keywords: cultural heritage preservation; environmental degradation; functional

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

• arising from the difference of the tip’s radius of curvature and NP diameter. Further, NP deformation and possible tip-on-NP gliding may result in additional/altered forces. The relative contribution of those additional effects is the stronger the weaker the particle adheres. Environmental factors, such

• 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

• conditions during the use of functional devices or surfaces. Future studies should focus on the effects of environmental factors, such as humidity and temperature, and the exploration of alternative NP/substrate combinations to expand the understanding of the adhesion mechanisms at the nanoscale. Schematics

Visualizing nanostructures in supramolecular hydrogels: a correlative study using confocal and cryogenic scanning electron microscopy

• Shaun M. Smith,
• Ferdinando Malagreca,
• Jacqueline Hicks,
• Giuseppe Mantovani,
• David B. Amabilino,
• Christopher Parmenter and
• Lluïsa Pérez-García

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2274–2284, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.156

• modification being required for fluorescence imaging [17]. Similar studies of swollen hydrogels using cryo-SEM, environmental SEM (ESEM), confocal, and light microscopy have revealed that cryo-SEM may introduce morphological artefacts that are not observed in hydrated-state imaging. The presence of these

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

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

• different air humidity conditions. We characterized AuNPs coated by oligo(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and dimannoside with a multimethod approach (VSFG, FTIR, DLS, ZP, SEM, STEM, and AFM). We proved that various properties, mainly those of the adsorbed dimanno-AuNPs, depend on environmental conditions

• 15 ± 5%, 50 ± 5%, and 90 ± 5% RH. These humidity conditions are referred to as “low humidity”, “medium humidity”, and “high humidity”, respectively. For this, an environmental isolation chamber (Keysight) was mounted to the AFM, thus providing a completely sealed and isolated environment. The RH of

Missing links in nanomaterials research impacting productivity and perceptions

• Santosh K. Tiwari and
• Nannan Wang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2168–2176, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.149

• contaminating water, air, and soil, even when strict preventive measures are in place. Moreover, the environmental pollution caused by nanomaterials after their lifecycle, along with the chemicals used in their synthesis, is much more hazardous; up to a thousand times more compared to their bulk counterparts

• standardized toxicity assessment, environmental fate modeling, and lifecycle analysis to enable safe and scalable commercialization. (2) Strengthen industry engagement through public–private partnerships that integrate advanced nanomaterials such as graphene, MXenes, nanoporous catalysts, and quantum dots into

• . The event brought together leading scientists and key stakeholders from the Indian government to deliberate on the impact and potential of carbon nanomaterials. The idea was further refined during the organization of the New Materials in Carbon Capture and Environmental Remediation (NMCCER 2024

Microplastic pollution in Himalayan lakes: assessment, risks, and sustainable remediation strategies

• Sameeksha Rawat,
• S. M. Tauseef and
• Madhuben Sharma

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2144–2167, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.148

• Sameeksha Rawat S. M. Tauseef Madhuben Sharma Sustainability Cluster, School of Advanced Engineering, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India Research & Development, UPES, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India 10.3762/bjnano.16.148 Abstract Microplastic contamination is a newly emerging environmental problem

• made them a target for environmental research [2]. Similarly, the Ramsar wetland Loktak Lake is renowned for floating vegetation and being a sanctuary for the endangered Sangai deer [3]. These alpine lakes are exposed to increasing environmental stresses due to human population, population increase

• deposition is outlined in Section 3. The harsh environmental conditions of the region, freeze–thaw weather, low microbial activity, and short hydrological retention times, make the degradation of MPs more difficult and these lakes to long-term sinks for plastic particles. Himalayan lakes are very susceptible

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

• Environmental Research Projects Grant Number 2340007. Finally, we also appreciate the grant from Shimane Prefecture for fostering young researchers.

Quality by design optimization of microemulsions for topical delivery of Passiflora setacea seed oil

• Daniel T. Pereira,
• Douglas Dourado,
• Danielle T. Freire,
• Dayanne L. Porto,
• Cícero F. S. Aragão,
• Myla L. de Souza,
• Guilherme R. S. de Araujo,
• Ana Maria Costa,
• Wógenes N. Oliveira,
• Anne Sapin-Minet,
• Éverton N. Alencar and
• Eryvaldo Sócrates T. Egito

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2116–2131, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.146

• cytotoxicity and skin irritation [8]. Furthermore, the optimization of microemulsion formulations may be time-consuming and costly, and their stability is often sensitive to environmental factors (e.g., pH, salinity, and temperature). These challenges highlight the importance of a comprehensive understanding

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

• effects by efficiently eliminating DPPH activity. This research highlights the potential of AgSbS2 NCs as versatile agents with applications in biomedical and environmental domains, including cancer therapy, antimicrobial strategies, and free radical neutralization. Keywords: AgSbS2 nanocrystals

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

• delivery systems (DDSs); nanocarriers; quality control (QC); Introduction Nanomaterials Nanomaterials (NMs) have an extensive array of various properties and applications across many industries, including the biomedical, health care, food/agriculture, industrial, environmental, electronic, and renewable

• energy sectors (Figure 1). NMs have seen use as antimicrobial agents [1], catalysts [2], bioimaging agents [3][4][5][6], magnetic particle imaging agents [7], nanofluids [8], antiviral agents [9], photothermal convertors [10], and in environmental remediation [11]. Topically, the biomedical applications

• , sedentary behaviour, obesity, environmental contaminants, and certain occupations and pharmaceuticals [17]. Prevention, the most cost-effective and beneficial approach for the general population [18], is supported by strong evidence-based recommendations from organisations like the World Cancer Research

Stereodiscrimination of guests in chiral organosilica aerogels studied by ESR spectroscopy

• Sebastian Polarz,
• Yasar Krysiak,
• Martin Wessig and
• Florian Kuhlmann

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2034–2054, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.140

• , environmental remediation, and construction. The key transport processes in porous materials include diffusion, advection, capillary action, and sometimes reactions that might occur within the pores, highly complex phenomena one tries to understand as detailed as possible [15][16][17]. Laemmerhofer gave an

Beyond the shell: exploring polymer–lipid interfaces in core–shell nanofibers to carry hyaluronic acid and β-caryophyllene

• Aline Tavares da Silva Barreto,
• Francisco Alexandrino-Júnior,
• Bráulio Soares Arcanjo,
• Paulo Henrique de Souza Picciani and
• Kattya Gyselle de Holanda e Silva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2015–2033, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.139

• materials) [15]. However, achieving high-quality structures for biomedical use with tailored properties requires careful management of various processes, materials, and environmental parameters [16], necessitating thorough optimization of the electrospinning conditions. This includes precise control over

• interest in biopolymers such as PLA is, in part, driven by environmental concerns, climate change, and the depletion of fossil fuel resources, as PLA is derived from renewable sources and is both readily and completely biodegradable. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an extensively used component in wound healing

Targeting the vector of arboviruses Aedes aegypti with nanoemulsions based on essential oils: a review with focus on larvicidal and repellent properties

• Laryssa Ferreira do Nascimento Silva,
• Douglas Dourado,
• Thayse Silva Medeiros,
• Mariana Alice Gonzaga Gabú,
• Maria Cecilia Queiroga dos Santos,
• Daiane Rodrigues dos Santos,
• Mylena Lemos dos Santos,
• Gabriel Bezerra Faierstein,
• Rosângela Maria Rodrigues Barbosa and
• Fabio Rocha Formiga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1894–1913, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.132

• , PE, Brazil 10.3762/bjnano.16.132 Abstract Mosquitoes of the Aedes genus are responsible for the transmission of arboviruses that seriously affect public health. Given the increasing resistance to traditional insecticides and their negative environmental impacts, the need for safer alternatives

• ]. Furthermore, these products also contribute to environmental pollution [14]. Given this scenario, the search for more sustainable alternatives, such as the use of natural products, becomes a promising strategy to tackle these challenges [22]. Among natural products are essential oils, secondary metabolites

• insecticides, ovicides, pupicides, oviposition deterrents, and repellents [25][26]. The main advantages include low toxicity, biodegradability, and action in multiple locations due to the variety of compounds [12][19]. On the other hand, essential oils in their natural form are not stable under environmental

Low-temperature AFM with a microwave cavity optomechanical transducer

• Ermes Scarano,
• Elisabet K. Arvidsson,
• August K. Roos,
• Erik Holmgren,
• Riccardo Borgani,
• Mats O. Tholén and
• David B. Haviland

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1873–1882, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.130

• –surface distance, oscillation amplitude of the driven cantilever, sharpness of the tip, and pickup of environmental vibrations and noise, such as noise from the actuator driving the cantilever oscillation as well as feedback noise and sample topography. We perform initial positioning of the microscope by

Self-assembly and adhesive properties of Pollicipes pollicipes barnacle cement protein cp19k: influence of pH and ionic strength

• Shrutika Sawant,
• Anne Marie Power and
• J. Gerard Wall

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1863–1872, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.129

• study, we investigated the influence of environmental parameters on the self-assembly of recombinant cp19k, a key adhesive protein in Pollicipes pollicipes. Using TEM imaging, a low pH (4.0) and high salt concentration (600 mM NaCl) environment, mimicking P. pollicipes gland conditions, was identified

• fibril formation occurs in the acidic, iso-osmotic gland of the barnacle, with delayed cement curing enabling fibril secretion for sustained adhesion of the organism. The study provides insight into the environmental sensitivity of cp19k structure–function dynamics and may support the design of

• (basic pH with high salt concentration) or proposed gland-like (acidic pH with low salt concentration) conditions [28][29][30][31], however, with much still unknown about their structural properties or mechanical function under varied environmental conditions. Among P. pollicipes cement proteins, cp19k

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

• activity and enhanced biocompatibility, achieved through phytochemically mediated synthesis. Conventional nanoparticle production often relies on toxic reagents and energy-intensive processes, posing environmental and clinical challenges. In contrast, green synthesis, using plant extracts, fungi, or

• energy consumption, and hazardous reducing agents; also, they result in environmental waste, in addition to producing nanoparticles that may be toxic and poorly biocompatible [3][7]. Given the limitations of conventional synthesis methods, the green synthesis of nanoparticles has emerged as a sustainable

• significantly reduces the generation of toxic waste, occupational risks, and environmental impacts [13][14][15]. Furthermore, green-synthesized nanoparticles demonstrate enhanced biocompatibility, improved bioavailability, and reduced cytotoxicity, which broadens their applicability in fields such as dental

Current status of using adsorbent nanomaterials for removing microplastics from water supply systems: a mini review

• Nguyen Thi Nhan and
• Tran Le Luu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1837–1850, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.127

• can recovery. Their effectiveness depends on material properties and environmental factors, but challenges remain in scale-up and related risks. Adsorbent nanomaterials show promising potential to enhance MP removal through specific properties. Although some related risks are discussed, these

• projected to rise to 33,000 million tonnes by 2050 [1]. However, despite this significant increase in production, the global recycling rate remaines low at approximately 9% since 1950, resulting in the accumulation of plastic waste in ecological and environmental systems [2][3]. The issues of microplastics

• (MPs) related to public health and environmental risks have gained significant attention [1]. Because of their small size, high surface area, and hydrophobic properties, MPs can act as vectors for toxic chemicals, including heavy metals (lead, cadmium, or mercury) and persistent organic pollutants like

Piezoelectricity of layered double hydroxides: perspectives regarding piezocatalysis and nanogenerators

• Evgeniy S. Seliverstov,
• Evgeniya A. Tarasenko and
• Olga E. Lebedeva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1812–1817, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.124

• environmental sources is a priority. Piezoelectric materials have the ability to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy due to the arrangement of dipoles in their structure, thus providing sustainable electrical energy for low-power-consuming and self-powered devices [1]. The most common piezoelectric

• ceramics are lead-based, which can cause serious environmental damage if such compounds are widely used [2]. Among the new alternatives found in recent years is a group of layered double hydroxides (LDHs), whose piezoelectric properties were not previously known and systematically studied. Natural and

• piezocatalytic environmental remediation, achieved ≈98% degradation of rhodamine B within 20 min under ultrasonic activation when used together with PMS, with a kinetic constant significantly higher than many simple photocatalysts [16]. Thus, we can conclude that LDHs are competitive with, and in several cases

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

• activity in polymeric and carbon-based materials is essential for advancing technologies in environmental sensing, flexible electronics, and photocatalytic systems. Conventional chemical modification methods often lack spatial precision, introduce impurities, and risk structural degradation. Ion

• the potential of Ag ion implantation to significantly enhance the functionalities of GO and PI films for various applications, including environmental monitoring and photocatalysis. Experimental Hummers’ method was employed to synthesize graphene oxide (GO), following the procedure outlined in [16

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

• and susceptibility to environmental degradation, particularly via the oral route [137]. Therefore, stabilizing elements are necessary, and NPs have been widely used because of their relatively safe, easily adjustable physical and chemical properties and high load capacity [126]. In this context