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

• nanoparticles have been shown to break down PS in both UV and natural light, which suggests they could be used in a range of environmental conditions [44]. Another prospective application is the integration of nanomaterials into filtration membranes, which results in the development of hybrid systems that are

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

• their simpler outer membranes compared to those of gram-negative species. The moderate effectiveness of AgSbS2 NCs against E. coli (MIC and MBC; 1.0 mg/mL and 2.0 mg/mL, respectively) also aligns with findings in nanoparticle research where the outer lipopolysaccharide layers of gram-negative bacteria

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

• atomic force microscopy. Surface charge plays a significant role in determining how CNMs interact with biological membranes and intracellular environments. It influences processes such as cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and inflammatory signalling. For example, BSA-derived negatively charged CDs exhibited

• , disruption of cellular membranes, prolonged retention in tissues, and activation of immune responses. These risks highlight the importance of careful nanoparticle design and thorough preclinical evaluation. Biodegradability represents another crucial factor governing the clinical translation of CNMs

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

• membrane applications. Thermal and crystalline analyses demonstrated improved thermal stability upon NE-βCp incorporation. Collectively, these results provide robust evidence for the feasibility of producing multifunctional nanofiber membranes that successfully integrate a polymer–lipid hybrid core

• ]. As reported by da Silva et al. (2019), inadequate flow rates during the production of coaxial nanofibers can lead to incomplete core incorporation, resulting in monolithic fibers that are identifiable by their spectral signatures [61]. To evaluate the surface composition of nanofiber membranes, ATR

• -FTIR analysis was performed on PLA (monolithic), HA/PLA, and HA+NE2/PLA nanofiber samples, along with pure HA powder. The obtained spectra (Figure 7) confirmed effective shell coating, as only the characteristic bands of PLA were detected in the core–shell nanofibers. All three nanofiber membranes (NF

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

• Unlike PEG polymers used in pharmaceuticals and consumer products, PEG lipids are chemically bonded to lipid anchors, enabling their incorporation into lipid membranes [61]. PEG polymers are considered biocompatible and have low immunogenicity, supporting their widespread use in many products such as

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

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

• phytochemicals not only facilitate the formation of stable colloidal nanostructures but also contribute synergistically to their bioactivity, enhancing their interaction with microbial membranes and disrupting biofilm formation [10][24]. In this study, silver (66%) was the main metal used in nanoparticle

• periodontopathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, reducing inflammation and supporting adjunctive treatment to scaling and root planing. Regenerative strategies are also being developed, in which nanoparticle-functionalized membranes have shown potential to modulate host

• into scaffolds and regenerative membranes designed to stimulate osteogenesis and promote periodontal tissue regeneration [16][17]. These nanoparticles not only provide antimicrobial protection but also actively modulate cellular behavior, such as proliferation and differentiation, thereby enhancing the

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

• . Although achieving a high removal efficiency, the membrane bioreactor’s performance depends on different factors, including applied material, size, and surface area [86]. Due to the varying sizes, conventional membranes are often not suitable for removing MPs that have size scale fluctuations. In addition

Phytol-loaded soybean oil nanoemulsion as a promising alternative against Leishmania amazonensis

• Victória Louise Pinto Freire,
• Mariana Farias Alves-Silva,
• Johny W. de Freitas Oliveira,
• Matheus de Freitas Fernandes-Pedrosa,
• Alianda Maira Cornélio,
• Marcelo de Souza-Silva,
• Thayse Silva Medeiros and
• Arnóbio Antônio da Silva Junior

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1826–1836, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.126

• thermal degradation of sensitive compounds, as well as excessive loss of volatile substances such as PHYT [30]. The small droplet size results in a large surface area, which enables effective interaction with biological membranes and consequently enhances drug penetration and retention [31]. Key

• permeation studies using porcine ear skin or synthetic membranes in Franz diffusion cells could be employed to further evaluate the cutaneous permeation profile of the phytol-loaded nanoemulsion. In addition to forming nanodroplets, nanoemulsions must maintain their structural and physicochemical integrity

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

• . Each absorption route offers specific advantages and challenges that must be addressed based on the therapeutic application [16]. In this context, the chemical functionality of polymers, their interaction with cell membranes, and controlled release dynamics are critical for drug delivery. Understanding

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

• clear targets, off-target effects, poor stability, and difficulty in penetrating cell membranes. For therapeutic aptamer development, researchers typically: (1) identify dysregulated proteins or molecular targets in patient-derived cancer specimens; (2) select target-specific aptamers through systematic

• et al. [107] designed a PEI–aptamer–EPI nanoplatform that relies on high ATP concentrations to release epirubicin (EPI). The polyethyleneimine (PEI) coating makes the whole delivery system positively charged, enables better adsorption to cell membranes, and promotes internalization. In vitro release

• , incorporating specific assessments for immunotoxicity, organ toxicity, and nanoparticle accumulation in organs. Second, the negatively charged phosphate backbone of nucleic acid aptamers generates electrostatic repulsion with the anionic phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes, significantly limiting their

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

• through 0.22 μm PES membranes demonstrates the viability of this method for ophthalmic use. PES membranes are hydrophilic, have low lipid affinity, reduce fouling, and are compatible with aqueous nanoemulsions. Although droplet size was below the pore size, larger or aggregated droplets might be retained

• due to deformability, causing minor phase loss or changes. Despite an initial droplet size larger than 220 nm, the surfactant-rich interface enables passage through the membrane. The filtration also helps exclude larger, unstable droplets, improving size uniformity. PES membranes are thus effective

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

• polymeric membranes, non-ionic surfactants, macromolecules, and phospholipids [176][177]. The properties of the pharmaceutical form are governed by size, shape, core structure, and ligands, which can alter factors such as solubility, charge density, hydrophobicity, stability, and binding affinity [178]. 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

• their small size allows them to penetrate various biological barriers. MPs smaller than 5 μm can reach the alveoli, enter the circulatory system, and accumulate in the organs such as the brain, lungs, liver, spleen and digestive system. Those around 10 μm can breach cell membranes and the placental

• scalability remain ongoing challenges. Physical processes Various membrane filtration technologies have been employed to mitigate MP pollution, including microfiltration, membrane bioreactors, reverse osmosis, dynamic membranes, and ultrafiltration. Additionally, media filtration techniques, such as sand

• of membranes and increased amounts of coagulants [55]. Biological processes Various microorganisms, including Bacillus, Actinobacteria, Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cyanobacteria, and different species of microalgae, have demonstrated the ability to degrade MPs such as low-density

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

• membranes [8]. They can carry both water-soluble and fat-soluble drugs, shielding them from breaking down and extending their circulation time. Certain liposome-based drugs have already been approved for therapeutic use, especially in cancer therapy, where they may protect nearby healthy cells from toxicity

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

• pollution in cellulose triacetate (CTA) membranes during seawater desalination, silver (Ag) nanoparticles were incorporated onto the CTA surface using polydopamine (PDA). PDA, which contains phenolic and amino groups, exhibits excellent adhesiveness and provides active sites for the attachment and reduction

• water supply methods [13]. Additionally, traditional membranes face challenges such as the trade-off between permeability and selectivity, as well as susceptibility to biological pollution [14][15]. Biofouling, which involves attachment, growth, reproduction, and proliferation of microorganisms on the

• 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

• ranging between 1 to 10 nm in size. They have recently garnered attention as drug delivery systems due to their ability to easily penetrate cell membranes and their large specific surface area, which facilitates extensive drug conjugation and precise targeting [92][93]. These nanoparticles exhibit size

• interact directly with cell membranes causing their destabilization [110]. As stated before, the FDA-approved antirheumatic gold(I)–phosphine complex auranofin 10 (Figure 4) is the reference metalloantibiotic, displaying a potent bactericidal activity against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, such as

• 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

Acrocomia aculeata oil-loaded nanoemulsion: development, anti-inflammatory properties, and cytotoxicity evaluation

• Verónica Bautista-Robles,
• Hady Keita,
• Edgar Julián Paredes Gamero,
• Layna Tayná Brito Leite,
• Jessica de Araújo Isaías Muller,
• Mônica Cristina Toffoli Kadri,
• Ariadna Lafourcade Prada and
• Jesús Rafael Rodríguez Amado

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1277–1288, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.93

• , with particular focus on its interaction with erythrocyte membranes. The nanoemulsion demonstrated no hemolytic activity against murine erythrocytes at concentrations of 1, 10, 100, and 1000 μg/mL. These findings were benchmarked against Triton X-100, a well-established positive control known for its

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

• inspired coatings derived from cell membranes with nanoparticle cores, these carriers become highly versatile vessels for encapsulating a wide array of therapeutic agents. As a result, they are being extensively harnessed for the precise delivery of drugs and genes, underpinning numerous biomedical

• 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

• integrating nature-inspired architectures, these smart, multifunctional biomimetic nanoparticles offer a promising path to overcome current therapeutic challenges and revolutionize precision oncology. Review 1 Types of biomimetic nanoparticles 1.1 Cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles Cell membranes have

Functional bio-packaging enhanced with nanocellulose from rice straw and cinnamon essential oil Pickering emulsion for fruit preservation

• Tuyen B. Ly,
• Duong D. T. Nguyen,
• Hieu D. Nguyen,
• Yen T. H. Nguyen,
• Bup T. A. Bui,
• Kien A. Le and
• Phung K. Le

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1234–1245, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.91

• %): This can be due to the presence of hydroxy groups in PVA, which can disrupt hydrogen bonds and dissolve the peptidoglycan membranes of the bacteria [51]. CBP showed a drastic time-kill effect of more than 90% for both types of bacteria, attributed to the potent antibacterial functional groups in CEO

Mechanical stability of individual bacterial cells under different osmotic pressure conditions: a nanoindentation study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Lizeth García-Torres,
• Idania De Alba Montero,
• Eleazar Samuel Kolosovas-Machuca,
• Facundo Ruiz,
• Sumati Bhatia,
• Jose Luis Cuellar Camacho and
• Jaime Ruiz-García

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1171–1183, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.86

• medical devices [1][2][3][4][5]. Although PA is part of the normal microbiota of the skin and mucous membranes of many healthy individuals, it can cause serious opportunistic infections in the respiratory and urinary tracts and during wound healing in people with weakened immune systems or in hospitalized

Shape, membrane morphology, and morphodynamic response of metabolically active human mitochondria revealed by scanning ion conductance microscopy

• Eric Lieberwirth,
• Anja Schaeper,
• Regina Lange,
• Ingo Barke,
• Simone Baltrusch and
• Sylvia Speller

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 951–967, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.73

• detection of smaller proteins. Identifying proteins on or within membranes would require advanced mathematical extraction techniques, such as deep learning-based analysis. Throughout the SICM measurements, no appreciable changes in the shape or undulation amplitude of the mitochondria were observed. This

• membranes but not the mitochondrial outer membrane, was used to disrupt the cells. Mechanical shear forces associated with the Dounce homogeniser, as well as the stress from freezing and thawing, were avoided to minimise the formation of submitochondrial particles [36]. Regardless of the isolation method

Characterization of ion track-etched conical nanopores in thermal and PECVD SiO₂ using small angle X-ray scattering

• Shankar Dutt,
• Rudradeep Chakraborty,
• Christian Notthoff,
• Pablo Mota-Santiago,
• Christina Trautmann and
• Patrick Kluth

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 899–909, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.68

• , including selectivity, throughput, and molecular capture. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) has proven to be an invaluable tool for characterizing nanopore membranes, offering nondestructive analytical capabilities that yield statistical information of more than 106 pores [6][13][29][40]. With a beam size

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

• . demonstrated that the drying of apple tissues at 70 °C is critical to the rupturing of cell membranes, resulting in dehydration of the biological tissues [32]. In the drying process, water at the outer surface evaporated first, followed by the evaporation of intracellular water. Figure 5c and 5d exhibit the

• GO sharp edges with bacterial membranes [57][58]. The crucial antibacterial activity of ZH nanostructures is the delivery of Zn2+ ions to disrupt bacterial membranes and intracellular processes [59][60]. Antibacterial activity of the GO-SG-ZH hydrogel was tested in agar well diffusion assays (Figure

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

• investment and recurring maintenance costs, while the contents of organic material and dissolved salts significantly affect the function of the membranes. Furthermore, challenges related to the draw solution and the necessity for integrating additional membrane processes for its regeneration remain key

• their mechanical strength and hydrophobicity. Recent studies have revealed that inorganic salt mixtures, such as zinc chloride and calcium chloride, effectively dissolve cellulose, facilitating the fabrication of cellulose membranes for gas separation and organic pollutant removal [38][39]. Specifically

• , in a cellulose solution, Ca2+ cross-linking with Zn‒cellulose chains enhance the mechanical properties of the resulting membranes. These ions can be incorporated into the cellulose polymer matrix with an appropriate ratio, forming a controlled hydrogen bonding network that strengthens connectivity in