Materials challenges in solid-state sensors for continuous monitoring of ions in water

• Maryam Darestani-Farahani and
• Peter Kruse

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 935–973, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.66

• -selective membranes further expand the design space, enabling customized performance for specific applications. This review systematically examines the materials employed in solid-state ion sensors, their transduction mechanisms, and analyte interactions with sensing media, while critically evaluating

• to be covered in this review. This review aims to critically assess the diverse classes of nanomaterials as active layer for electrodes, FETs, and chemiresistors, and as sensing element for these solid-state electronic sensors; this is to understand how different materials influence performance

• quality monitoring. Furthermore, the specific challenges associated with each class of sensing materials will be examined, followed by discussion of emerging strategies and innovative approaches to enhance their performance in water quality monitoring. Review Applications The desired properties of sensor

Enhanced erosion resistance and radiation stability of WC–WO₃ nanocomposite films under 100 keV Kr⁺ ion irradiation

• Shristi Bist,
• Parswajit Kalita,
• Ratnesh K. Pandey,
• Sejal Shah,
• Richa Krishna,
• Umapathy G. R.,
• Sunil Ojha and
• Devesh K. Avasthi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 922–934, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.65

• defects as compared to grain boundaries in the single-component material [33][68]. Some recent studies of ion induced effects in composite materials are tabulated in Table 1. From the extensive literature review discussed in Table 1, it can be seen that none of the studies have explored ion-induced

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

• of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, particularly P-glycoprotein (P-gp, encoded by ABCB1) is one of the most extensively studied as it actively effluxes structurally diverse chemotherapeutic agents and reduces intracellular drug exposure below cytotoxic thresholds. In this review, we

• . Keywords: cancer chemotherapy; efflux transporters; multidrug resistance (MDR); nanoparticles; siRNA nanocarriers; tumor-targeted therapy; Review 1 Introduction 1.1 Cancer and current challenges in chemotherapy Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with millions of new cases

• involved. This review focuses specifically on P-gp-mediated resistance and nanocarrier-based strategies developed to circumvent it. 1.1.1 Breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most often diagnosed cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer-related death in the female population [1]. It is characterized

Nanoparticle delivery systems for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): advances and challenges

• Sonia Zahara and
• Björn M. Reinhard

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 839–853, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.60

• approaches in the context of LA-PrEP are discussed. Keywords: HIV; nanoparticle; PrEP; targeted delivery; Review Introduction The facts that an estimated 40.8 million people are currently living with HIV and new infections occur at a rate of approx. 1.3 million per year underline that HIV/AIDS is still a

• material classes have been explored for HIV PrEP applications, each offering unique advantages and limitations depending on the route of administration, duration of action, and drug type. In this review, we focus on nanoparticle delivery platforms for PrEP. To better understand the landscape of

Environmental applications of silver nanoparticles: state-of-the-art review and emerging trends

• Soni Prajapati,
• Akash Kumar and
• Ranjana Singh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 697–736, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.49

• properties, making them a strong candidate for environmental applications in water, air, and soil. Indeed, various reviews are available, though a significant gap persists in addressing all environmental pollutants. This review comprehensively and critically analyses the advancement in AgNP research spanning

• irreproducibility, ecotoxicological risks arising from Ag+ ion release and environmental persistence, and the current absence of harmonised regulatory frameworks for AgNP deployment, are critically discussed. This review provides a structured, evidence-based foundation for researchers and engineers working toward

• the responsible, scalable application of AgNP-based technologies to address contemporary environmental challenges. Keywords: AgNPs; air application; environmental pollutants; soil applications; synthesis; water application; Review 1 Introduction Environmental pollution has intensified globally due

Cellulose as a photocatalyst support material: extraction, structural features, and environmental applications

• Yee Teng Lim,
• Nur Farhana Jaafar,
• Azizul Hakim Lahuri and
• Endang Tri Wahyuni

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 635–652, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.44

• promising candidate for sustainable material development across various industries. This review focuses on the extraction and isolation of cellulose from different types of biomass waste, including agricultural residues, forestry byproducts, and industrial waste. Several conventional and advanced methods

• for cellulose extraction were also explored such as acid hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis, oxidation, and mechanical or solvent-based techniques. Besides that, this review highlights the role of cellulose in photocatalytic applications, where its high surface area, structural porosity, and abundance

• cellulose’s structural properties and photocatalytic functionality offers a green and efficient solution to pressing environmental challenges. Overall, this review underscores the importance of cellulose not only as a raw material but also as an active component in next-generation, eco-friendly photocatalytic

Recent progress in enhancing built-in electric fields of perovskite solar cells via junction engineering

• Tong Xiao and
• Ke Xu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 602–621, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.42

• -diffusion transport, and extraction pathways, thereby shaping critical device parameters such as open-circuit voltage and fill factor. This review highlights recent progress in junction engineering strategies for BEF enhancement. Homojunctions extend interfacial potential fields into the bulk through

• groundwork for the present review. Homojunctions focus on constructing continuous band bending and Fermi level gradients within the same material system using methods such as doping, surface reconstruction, or orientation induction, thereby smoothly extending the BEF from the interface into the bulk. Their

• field distribution remains a critical factor limiting the realization of high-efficiency devices [18]. This review aims to summarize recent advances in junction engineering that enhance the built-in electric field in terms of magnitude, effective depth, and spatial uniformity. Over the past three years

Advances in nanotechnology applied to natural products

• Douglas Dourado,
• Fábio Rocha Formiga,
• Éverton do Nascimento Alencar and
• Franceline Reynaud

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 555–558, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.36

• this thematic issue, we bring together advances from original full research, letter, and review articles examining how nanostructured systems can enable the development of safer, more stable, and more effective formulations containing natural products. The collection spans lipid-based, polymeric

Defects and defect-mediated engineering of two-dimensional materials: challenges and open questions

• Arkady V. Krasheninnikov,
• Matthias Batzill,
• Anouar-Akacha Delenda,
• Marija Drndić,
• Chris Ewels,
• Katharina J. Franke,
• Mahdi Ghorbani-Asl,
• Alexander Holleitner,
• Ado Jorio,
• Ute Kaiser,
• Daria Kieczka,
• Hannu-Pekka Komsa,
• Jani Kotakoski,
• Manuel Längle,
• David Lamprecht,
• Yun Liu,
• Steven G. Louie,
• Janina Maultzsch,
• Thomas Michely,
• Katherine Milton,
• Anna Niggas,
• Hanako Okuno,
• Joshua A. Robinson,
• Marika Schleberger,
• Bruno Schuler,
• Alexander Shluger,
• Kazu Suenaga,
• Kristian S. Thygesen,
• Richard A. Wilhelm,
• E. Harriet Åhlgren and
• Carla Bittencourt

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 454–488, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.31

• been addressed, and the results of these investigations are presented in hundreds of research papers and review articles. However, the challenges and open questions that still remain in the field have received relatively little attention. These topics were recently addressed at the symposium “Defect

• papers have been published. The findings have been summarized in several review articles [2][3][6][7][8][9][10]. However, the challenges and open questions that still remain in the field have received relatively little attention. In May 2025, these topics were addressed at the symposium “Defect-mediated

Nanoinformatics: spanning scales, systems and solutions

• Iseult Lynch,
• Diego S. T. Martinez,
• Kunal Roy and
• Georgia Melagraki

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 423–427, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.28

• perspectives, and one review paper) that provide a snapshot of recent exciting developments in nanoinformatics, and is an output from the Beilstein Nanotechnology symposium [1] of the same name, held in October 2022. The advances presented are clustered around four key needs, including (i) prediction of

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

• generation, and boosting antitumor immunity by promoting immunogenic cell death and working synergistically with immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review details recent progress in BNP-based strategies for targeted PS delivery, ROS production enhancement, hypoxia modulation, and immune system activation

• treatments. Keywords: biomimetic nanoparticles; immunogenic cell death; nanocarriers; photodynamic therapy; targeted drug delivery; tumor hypoxia modulation; Review Introduction Cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies that balance efficacy with

• ). Furthermore, biomimetic platforms can synergize PDT with immunomodulation by promoting immunogenic cell death (ICD) and checkpoint inhibitor co-delivery [14][15][16]. By leveraging biomimicry, these systems seek to overcome biological barriers, increase treatment efficacy, and reduce side effects. This review

Beam shaping techniques for pulsed laser ablation in liquids: Unlocking tunable control of nanoparticle synthesis in liquids

• Sergio Molina-Prados,
• Nadezhda M. Bulgakova,
• Alexander V. Bulgakov,
• Jesus Lancis,
• Gladys Mínguez Vega and
• Carlos Doñate-Buendia

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 309–342, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.22

• shaping have demonstrated their potential to revolutionise pulsed laser ablation in liquids by enabling more precise energy deposition and modified nanoparticle production dynamics. This review highlights the critical role of beam shaping, encompassing spatial shaping of the beam to influence laser

• highlighted, offering a comprehensive perspective on the future of this dynamic field. Keywords: green nanoparticles synthesis; PLAL; production upscale; pulsed laser ablation in liquids; size control; spatial beam shaping; temporal beam shaping; Review Introduction Pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL

• combination, as shown in Figure 3. As a general strategy for imaging and material processing, beam shaping technologies represent a research field covered in numerous reviews [98][99]. In the subsequent sections, this review offers a more detailed discussion of beam-shaping methodologies for nanoparticle

Advancing nanolithography: a comprehensive review of materials for local anodic oxidation with AFM

• Matteo Lorenzoni

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 275–291, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.19

• technique for nanoscale patterning, leveraging the precision of scanning probe microscopy, relying specifically on atomic force microscopy. This review explores the materials utilized in LAO experiments, including semiconductors, metals, insulators, two-dimensional (2D) materials, and emerging

• provide a comprehensive understanding of material selection in LAO and its implications for advancing nanotechnology. Keywords: local anodic oxidation; nanofabrication; scanning probe lithography; Review 1 Introduction Advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of numerous nanoscale

• implemented through a dual-pass technique or by controlling the electronic and ionic contributions to the total current [17][18]. While dynamic mode LAO does not eliminate tip wear [19], it significantly reduces its impact. As new materials continue to emerge in the field of nanotechnology, this review also

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

• independently evolved multiple times in this group in a comparative morphological framework with phylogenetically informed analyses. Other sources for potential bioinspiration have been discussed in a review on the composite hydrogel-like mucilages of plant seeds by Kreitschitz and Gorb [18]. The mucilage

• al. [24] presented a thorough review on the most recent scientific literature on techniques, materials, and processes used in the production of coatings for cultural heritage protection with particular attention to the generation of superhydrophobic surfaces. The challenges for cultural heritage

• biological surface features to improve transport and effects of drugs, biological systems can be suitable templates for recognition of biomolecules. The review by Gharibzahedi and Altintas [27] provides a timely and comprehensive overview of recent advances in optical biosensing technologies for the

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

• , which enhances drug targeting while reducing off-target effects. These carriers leverage triggers such as changes in pH, enzymatic activity, redox conditions, temperature, light, ultrasound, X-rays, and magnetic fields to enable intelligent and controlled release of therapeutics. This review examines

• therapies (e.g., immunotherapy) underscore the transformative potential of charge-reversible nanocarriers in revolutionising cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes. Keywords: cancer; charge reversible nanocarriers; nanocarriers; targeted therapy; tumour microenvironment; Review 1 Introduction

• distinct edge over conventional nanocarriers, representing a significant leap toward more precise and efficient cancer treatments [16]. This review aims to present an in-depth analysis of charge-reversible nanocarriers (CRNs) in cancer treatment, emphasising their underlying mechanisms, benefits, and

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

• , pollutants, and oily substances. These functional surfaces, often based on coatings consisting of polymeric, ceramic, and composite materials, can provide durable, non-invasive protection tailored to specific substrate weaknesses and exposure environments (indoor and outdoor). Objective of this review

• authenticity”. With the cultural heritage preservation principles written in this way, each person carries a strong collective responsibility to preserve the authenticity of historical testimony. As proof of this heightened perception, since then, more than 9000 scientific papers, review papers, and books have

Terahertz-range on-chip local oscillator based on Josephson junction arrays for superconducting quantum-limited receivers

• Fedor V. Khan,
• Lyudmila V. Filippenko,
• Andrey B. Ermakov,
• Mikhail Yu. Fominsky and
• Valery P. Koshelets

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2296–2305, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.158

• at the peak to the total radiated power, including noise and parasitic modes) in the PLL mode should exceed 90%. In this paper we will show that newly fabricated samples meet these criteria. The paper is divided into four sections. In the first section we briefly review the topology and the

Chiral plasmonic nanostructures fabricated with circularly polarized light

• Tian Qiao and
• Ming Lee Tang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2245–2264, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.154

• cPNSs. As a traceless chiral agent, CPL holds great potential for integration with nanofabrication technologies. In this review, we will summarize the progress made in fabricating cPNSs using CPL. We will discuss the mechanisms involved in the CPL-based fabrication process and share our insights

• regarding the outstanding questions related to cPNSs produced by CPL. Additionally, we will outline common techniques for characterizing the chiroptic effects of cPNSs in both the far field and the near field. Last, we will review the various applications of cPNSs and highlight the most promising

• near field of cPNSs can also improve the enantioselectivity of photochemical transformations. Likewise, the superchiral field of cPNSs holds great potential for amplifying the selectivity of specific photophysical processes in solid-state materials. This review article aims to provide an overview of

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

• emerging trends in a wide range of optical sensing systems of VB12 in analyzing food and pharmaceutical products are also highlighted. Review Nutritional requirements of vitamin B12 The recommended daily intakes (RDIs) of VB12 in the UK and the US are 2.4 µg and 1.5 µg, respectively, which should be

• ][69], erythrocyte folate < 160 μg/L (SCVs) [65], and creatinine > 97 μmol/L (>1.1 mg/dL) for women as well as >124 μmol/L (>1.4 mg/dL) for men (SCVs) [32][65]. In an intriguing review, Aparicio-Ugarriza et al. highlighted the varying cut-off levels for defining VB12 deficiency used in studies from

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

• isolated locations is, however, limited by factors such as harsh climatic conditions, logistical challenges, and the need for expert analytical techniques like microscopy and spectroscopy. The present review considers sources, pathways, and ecological impacts of microplastics in Himalayan lakes compared to

• other sensitive aquatic ecosystems. The review describes existing remediation technologies, categorizing these into physical, chemical, and biological interventions, and takes into account emerging sustainable approaches, including biofilm-mediated degradation and nanotechnology-based solutions. The

• threats. This review addresses the imperatives of enhanced governance, monitoring, legislation, and community-based mitigation measures. This research makes a contribution by integrating region-specific data, defining priority research needs, and provoking sustainable, multidisciplinary solutions specific

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

• h [17]. In another study, the antibacterial effects of Ag, Ag2S, and Ag2Se NCs on gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria were investigated [15]. As a result of the literature review, biomedical applications of silver-based NCs were exemplified above. As can be seen from these studies, biomedical

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

• safety. Insights from these studies guide further optimisation of the delivery system, which may involve adjusting particle size, surface chemistry, or drug-loading strategies. Once optimised and evaluated, the system enters regulatory review, requiring preclinical safety and efficacy data to meet

• researchers to rely heavily on review articles that quickly become outdated, cannot be maintained, and are often non-comprehensive. Efforts are underway to improve the current standards in nomenclature and classification; several organisations, such as the ISO and the American Society for Testing and

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

• established technique, an obvious advantage is that countless compounds contain NMR-active nuclei, and the interested reader is referred to one of the excellent review articles by Kärger and coworkers [21][22][23]. However, the solvents and the matrix of the porous host can also be NMR-active, which makes

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

Quantum circuits with SINIS structures

• Mikhail Tarasov,
• Mikhail Fominskii,
• Aleksandra Gunbina,
• Artem Krasilnikov,
• Maria Mansfeld,
• Dmitrii Kukushkin,
• Andrei Maruhno,
• Valeria Ievleva,
• Mikhail Strelkov,
• Daniil Zhogov,
• Konstantin Arutyunov,
• Vyacheslav Vdovin,
• Vladislav Stolyarov and
• Valerian Edelman

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1931–1941, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.134

• , technology with wet etching) that are promising for detectors and electron coolers. More details on various technologies and specific features of the fabrication of tunnel structures are provided in a review publication [29]. Aharonov–Bohm interferometer The Aharonov–Bohm interferometer is a hybrid