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

• nanotubes, graphene, metal oxides, quantum dots, and MXenes are among the most extensively studied and explored nanomaterials. These materials have been researched in nearly every discipline, leading to the establishment of numerous startups and companies focused on their production, processing, and

• , though nanomaterials research has made impressive scientific advances, its translation into mass-market products remains partial. Therefore, it raises a vital and valid question: Why are heavily researched nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal oxides, quantum dots, and MXenes still so

• underutilized? Surprisingly, many of us working on nanomaterials often believe that materials such as graphene, quantum dots, and MXenes are widely used in various engineering and domestic products; however, this is a misconception. The contribution of these new materials, even to cutting-edge technologies

Laser ablation in liquids for shape-tailored synthesis of nanomaterials: status and challenges

• Natalie Tarasenka

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1963–1997, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.137

• explained by the decrease of the adhesion of NPs. The variation of the NP shape can be more significant in organic liquids. For example, Singh et al. [33] produced drop-shaped ZnO quantum dots by laser ablation of Zn in methanol, which were prone to spontaneous self-assembly after the end of the synthesis

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

• structural modification. [26]. Aptamer-based biosensors [27] fully utilize these characteristics by combining various signal amplification techniques and nanomaterials (such as metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, silica nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes), enabling highly sensitive detection of biomarkers

• optimize aptamer performance [135]. The second strategy is encapsulation of nanocarriers, such as metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, silica nanoparticles and liposomes. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have different morphologies, among which gold nanospheres are the most popular. Spherical AuNPs are synthesized

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

• tissues [157][158]. Regarding the use of natural products, carbon quantum dots, the main type of nanoparticles derived from bioactive compounds, show promising activity for cancer treatment due to their biocompatibility, photostability, and fluorescent characteristics [159]. Bergenin (BER) is a natural

• compound extracted from cinnabar root. It has been combined with carbon quantum dots to treat lung cancer in the patent CN427216811 (2023). BER is a glycosidic derivative of hydroxybenzoic acid found in various plant families and species worldwide, with Bergenia purpurascens and Ardisia japonica being its

Influence of laser beam profile on morphology and optical properties of silicon nanoparticles formed by laser ablation in liquid

• Natalie Tarasenka,
• Vladislav Kornev,
• Alena Nevar and
• Nikolai Tarasenko

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1533–1544, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.108

• become an emerging field of research [3][4][5][6][7]. The expanding application areas require silicon nanomaterials of different morphologies, including quantum dots, nanowires, and nanocrystalline films. Si nanowires, for example, are considered as a promising alternative to silicon electrodes in Li-ion

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

• ]. Polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and carbon-based structures such as carbon nanotubes are very promising when it comes to delivering drugs and genes to certain parts of the body [3]. Conversely, metallic nanoparticles such as gold and iron oxide, and fluorescent quantum dots have applications in

• conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, and infections. Quantum dots are a widely studied type of nanomaterial used in biomedical diagnostics. When these semiconductor particles are exposed to light, they strongly and stably emit fluorescence. Unlike regular dyes, quantum dots do not quickly fade

• usage in everyday healthcare is becoming more evident. Liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles are already being used in certain cancer and vaccine treatments [41]. Detection of diseases at an early stage is becoming more possible with gold nanoparticles or quantum dots. Scaffolds made from nanofibers and

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

• particle size through a relatively simple process, further advancing the field of laser-based nanoparticle synthesis. The first report on the fabrication of ZnO quantum dots (QDs) through laser irradiation of ZnO hollow nanospheres in a liquid medium highlighted a rapid, simple process conducted at room

Parylene-coated platinum nanowire electrodes for biomolecular sensing applications

• Chao Liu,
• Peker Milas,
• Michael G. Spencer and
• Birol Ozturk

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1392–1400, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.101

• stability of metal nanoparticles limits their application in biological systems and decreases their performance [12]. Other materials like silicon quantum dots, ion-imprinted polymer, and hydrogels have unique biocompatibility and specificity advantages, but long-term stability and cost make them

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

• targeted release, coupled with the ability to efficiently deliver drugs to cells like macrophages, make MSiNPs an attractive option for overcoming drug delivery challenges, such as those encountered with bacterial infections [91]. Quantum dots. Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals generally

• complexes. In another example, a nano-based delivery system was developed comprising the zinc–rifampicin complex (Zn-RIF) 16 (Figure 4) encapsulated within transferrin-functionalized silver quantum dots (Zn-RIF-Tf-QDs) [122]. This formulation markedly enhanced antimycobacterial activity, with at least a

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

• , a ligand of transferrin receptor, and NGR peptide, a ligand of CD13 [127]. Dual modification with the peptides yielded the ability to overcome the BBB and target the glioma. In another study, RBC-covered graphene oxide quantum dots (GTDC@M) were investigated regarding the targeted therapy 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

• such as quantum dots [95][96][97][98][99], the nanoscale of size and dimensions can result in properties that are not attainable with bulk materials. In other words, the key to developing functionality and improving properties lies in controlling the nanostructure in addition to the creation of the

Structural and magnetic properties of microwave-synthesized reduced graphene oxide/VO₂/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite

• Sumanta Sahoo,
• Ankur Sood and
• Sung Soo Han

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 921–932, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.70

• unlocked a new era in the field of materials science. The synthetic approaches of graphene materials including graphene quantum dots, graphene oxide, and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) can be categorized into two classes: top-down and bottom-up processes. The top-down approaches are found to be comparatively

Nanomaterials in targeting amyloid-β oligomers: current advances and future directions for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and therapy

• Shiwani Randhawa,
• Trilok Chand Saini,
• Manik Bathla,
• Rahul Bhardwaj,
• Rubina Dhiman and
• Amitabha Acharya

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 561–580, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.44

• promoting the aggregation of less harmful conformations [73]. Moreover, the development of positively charged carbon quantum dots has shown promise in preventing the aggregation of amyloid proteins, specifically by inhibiting the formation of hetero-oligomers between islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) and

Emerging strategies in the sustainable removal of antibiotics using semiconductor-based photocatalysts

• Yunus Ahmed,
• Keya Rani Dutta,
• Parul Akhtar,
• Md. Arif Hossen,
• Md. Jahangir Alam,
• Obaid A. Alharbi,
• Hamad AlMohamadi and
• Abdul Wahab Mohammad

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 264–285, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.21

• bandgap of 2.77 eV. The research community has shown significant interest in zero-dimensional Bi2WO6 quantum dots and one-dimensional Bi2WO6 nanofibers. Bismuth tungstate exhibits excellent thermal and chemical stability in addition to its activity in visible light. It is typically synthesized through

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

• nanostructures; cytotoxicity; glioblastoma multiforme; radiosensitizing properties; temozolomide; Introduction Carbon-based nanostructures (CNs) such as graphene and its derivatives, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), fullerenes, carbon quantum dots, carbon nanohorns and nanodiamonds (NDs), and their hybrids are becoming

• . Despite the beneficial properties, CNs have not been extensively researched as inherent drugs or drug/TMZ carriers for the treatment of GBM. In two papers, a hybrid made of carbon quantum dots functionalized with chitosan, polyethylene oxide, and carboxymethyl cellulose–polyvinyl alcohol provided

• release was also provided through loading TMZ in a hybrid compound of carbon quantum dots, chitosan, polyethylene oxide, and carboxymethyl cellulose–polyvinyl alcohol (CS-PEO-CQDs/CMC-PVA) via coaxial spinning, and a transport system of CMC-PVA coating and CS-PEO-CQDs core was formed [41][42]. In a study

Recent advances in photothermal nanomaterials for ophthalmic applications

• Jiayuan Zhuang,
• Linhui Jia,
• Chenghao Li,
• Rui Yang,
• Jiapeng Wang,
• Wen-an Wang,
• Heng Zhou and
• Xiangxia Luo

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 195–215, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.16

• heat (see below in Figure 2d) [57]. The presence of a high density of loosely bound electrons and the narrow energy level spacing of the π electrons endow carbon materials (such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon quantum dots, and fullerenes) and polymer materials (like polydopamine, polyaniline

• narrowing of the bandgap, thereby enhancing visible light absorption [83]. For example, pristine TiO2 hardly absorbs visible light with wavelengths greater than 400 nm, while N-doped TiO2 quantum dots exhibit significant visible light absorption between 400 and 1000 nm [84]. Semiconductors that rely on

• ablate the injected collagen opacities [122]. Cationic carbon quantum dots, known for their robust light absorption across a broad spectrum of wavelengths, have also been proven effective in breaking down collagen fibers and vitreous opacities through the VNBs generated by low-flux pulsed lasers [69][123

Biomimetic nanocarriers: integrating natural functions for advanced therapeutic applications

• Hugo Felix Perini,
• Beatriz Sodré Matos,
• Carlo José Freire de Oliveira and
• Marcos Vinicius da Silva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1619–1626, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.127

• differences in key characteristics. The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) emphasizes that nanomaterials hold promising potential across various fields of knowledge [1][5]. Materials such as liposomes, nanoparticles, polymer–drug conjugates, inorganic noble metals, and quantum dots may improve

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

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

• . 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

• advantages of producing NPs consisting of endogenous lipids or albumin, or having other substances that are degraded and excreted. Although the so-called quantum dots have been found useful for basic studies of cells and small animals, they are too toxic to be approved for human use [90][102]. It should be

A review on the structural characterization of nanomaterials for nano-QSAR models

• Salvador Moncho,
• Eva Serrano-Candelas,
• Jesús Vicente de Julián-Ortiz and
• Rafael Gozalbes

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 854–866, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.71

• external substituents, can be categorized into two parts, the core and the shell compositions. This approach was employed in a study of quantum dots [30], which does not use numerical descriptors for the composition, but directly uses a Bayesian network with categorical descriptions of both the core and

• the shell. These are determined by empirical formulas of either a single inorganic salt or a mixture. Additionally, a distinct category has been designated for quantum dots lacking a specific shell composition, labeled as “non-coated” [41]. Substituents and modifiers (b): The consideration of

• [41]. Similarly, categories for the ligands are used in a quasi-SMILES-related model for single core–shell quantum dots [55]. Alternatively, other authors combined all components in a single fingerprint without differentiating the composition of core and coating [32]. Size and nanoshape (c): The most

Green synthesis of biomass-derived carbon quantum dots for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

• Dalia Chávez-García,
• Mario Guzman,
• Viridiana Sanchez and
• Rubén D. Cadena-Nava

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 755–766, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.63

• . This study introduces an innovative approach to mitigate water pollution through the synthesis of nanomaterials using biomass-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from grape pomace and watermelon peel. Utilizing the hydrothermal method at temperatures between 80 and 160 °C over periods ranging from 1 to

• quantum dots (CQDs) through a hydrothermal method using biomass from watermelon peels and grape pomace. This method is chosen for its ease of production, low cost, and scalability. We aim to evaluate the potential of CQDs as catalysts in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in

• equipment, our approach uses green synthesis with biomass, aligning with eco-friendly principles [19][20][21]. Carbon quantum dots are valued for their easy synthesis, good solubility, photostability, nontoxic properties, and versatile applications. They can be synthesized using various methods, including

Simultaneous electrochemical determination of uric acid and hypoxanthine at a TiO₂/graphene quantum dot-modified electrode

• Vu Ngoc Hoang,
• Dang Thi Ngoc Hoa,
• Nguyen Quang Man,
• Le Vu Truong Son,
• Le Van Thanh Son,
• Vo Thang Nguyen,
• Le Thi Hong Phong,
• Ly Hoang Diem,
• Kieu Chan Ly,
• Ho Sy Thang and
• Dinh Quang Khieu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 719–732, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.60

• , Hue University, Vietnam The University of Danang, University of Science and Education, Vietnam Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Vietnam Kien Giang University, Vietnam Dong Thap University, Vietnam 10.3762/bjnano.15.60 Abstract A TiO2/graphene quantum dots

• urine samples with acceptable recovery rates. Keywords: graphene quantum dots; hypoxanthine; peroxo titanium complexes; uric acid; Introduction Uric acid (7,9-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6,8(3H)-trione, URI) is the primary final product of the purine metabolism in humans. High concentrations of URI in serum

• properties. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are zero-dimensional graphene derivatives consisting of one to few layers of graphene sheets with a size of less than 20 nm in width [11]. The missing bandgap results in an absence of luminescence in pristine graphene. However, a bandgap can be generated in GQDs

Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light by cobalt ferrite nanoparticles/graphene quantum dots

• Vo Chau Ngoc Anh,
• Le Thi Thanh Nhi,
• Le Thi Kim Dung,
• Dang Thi Ngoc Hoa,
• Nguyen Truong Son,
• Nguyen Thi Thao Uyen,
• Nguyen Ngoc Uyen Thu,
• Le Van Thanh Son,
• Le Trung Hieu,
• Tran Ngoc Tuyen and
• Dinh Quang Khieu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 475–489, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.43

• synthesize cobalt ferrite nanoparticles/graphene quantum dots (CF/GQDs). The material was prepared from a homogeneous mixture of iron nitrate, cobalt nitrate, and starch at 140, 180 and 200 °C in a 24 h thermal hydrolysis process. The obtained materials were characterised by using X-ray diffraction, scanning

• graphene quantum dots formed directly at 200 °C. Stacking GQDs sheets onto the CF nanoparticles resulted in CF/GQDs nanoparticles. The nanocomposite exhibits satisfactory fluorescent and superparamagnetic properties, which are vital for catalytic applications. The CF/GQDs catalyse significantly the

• degradation and other dyes. Keywords: cobalt ferrite; graphene quantum dots; methylene blue; Introduction Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have unique properties, including photoluminescence, biocompatibility, slight chemical toxicity, inertness, and excellent photostability [1][2]. Graphene quantum dots

CdSe/ZnS quantum dots as a booster in the active layer of distributed ternary organic photovoltaics

• Gabriela Lewińska,
• Piotr Jeleń,
• Zofia Kucia,
• Maciej Sitarz,
• Łukasz Walczak,
• Bartłomiej Szafraniak,
• Jerzy Sanetra and
• Konstanty W. Marszalek

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 144–156, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.14

• was determined. The resistivity of the layers was determined using impedance spectroscopy. Simulations (General-Purpose Photovoltaic Device Model) showed a performance improvement in the cells with quantum dots of 0.36–1.45% compared to those without quantum dots. Keywords: efficiency; luminescence

• ; organic solar cells; quantum dots; Introduction Organic solar cells have been intensively developed in recent years as the third generation [1][2] of photovoltaic cells, next to dye-synthesized solar cells and perovskite cells. One of the relatively novel concepts of organic solar cells that yield higher

• outstanding excitation and optimum charge transport in the mixture. Small-molecule materials, dyes, polymers, fullerenes, and ligands have been introduced as a third component so far. Quantum dots (QDs) are also beneficial materials for ternary solar cells. QDs and nanoparticles as zero-dimensional materials

Nanoarchitectonics of photothermal materials to enhance the sensitivity of lateral flow assays

• Elangovan Sarathkumar,
• Rajasekharan S. Anjana and
• Ramapurath S. Jayasree

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 988–1003, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.82

• because of their remarkable ability to absorb light across a broad spectrum and their high PCE. The main classes of photothermal carbon-based nanomaterials are carbon nanotubes, graphene-based nanomaterials, carbon quantum dots, and carbon-based composite materials. Among these, carbon nanotubes have the

• –105.2%) [88]. The integration of multiple modalities in a nanocomposite enhances the detection capabilities of LFAs, offering a promising approach for disease diagnosis and other analytical applications. Shao et al. reported excellent photothermal properties of black phosphorous quantum dots and