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

• updated every decade [23][24]. The hallmarks framework has enabled researchers to develop more nuanced, spatially informed approaches to cancer therapy, reinforcing its role in driving multidisciplinary strategies for predicting treatment response [25]. Targeted drug delivery is an emerging

• . Moreover, these nanocarriers can bypass cancer cell resistance mechanisms, thereby enhancing overall drug efficacy. Targeted drug delivery aims at overcoming the side effects and limitations of traditional cancer treatment, like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery, though effective in some

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

• lifestyle-related risk factors. However, the discovery of aptamers and the development of nanocarriers bring great benefits to the diagnosis, treatment, and targeted drug delivery of EC. Aptamers or peptide aptamers as biosensors or therapeutic agents for the diagnosis or treatment of EC, aptamer–drug

• conjugates and aptamer-functionalized drug nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in esophageal cancer are reviewed in this paper. In addition, we expect investigators to pay special attention to improving aptamer permeability and stability to accelerate aptamer clinical transformation. In conclusion

• , shRNA [101], and depletion and reprogramming drugs for M2-like macrophages [102][103]. 5 Aptamers in targeted drug delivery against esophageal cancer Aptamer–drug conjugates (ApDCs) are capable of precisely delivering drugs to target cells or tissues using aptamers as “missiles” [104]. The high

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

• adverse effects and increasing the success rate of the delivery. Since nanomaterials can be tunable, the vast majority of health sectors are investigating their potential in a wide range of applications, such as targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, tissue regeneration, imaging, and diagnostic tools [2

• that nanomaterials have many uses in medicine, from targeted drug delivery to improved imaging, promoting tissue regeneration, and enhancing the functions of implants and prosthetic devices. Their adaptability makes them so powerful as scientists can change the structure, chemistry, or properties of a

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

• during synthesis, making them adaptable for different drug delivery needs [59][60][61]. Surface modifications, such as the incorporation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) or specific targeting ligands, are commonly used to enhance liposome circulation time and promote targeted drug delivery. These

• , making them ideal for targeted drug delivery applications [87]. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSiNPs) are a subclass of SiNPs known for their ordered pore structure, which allows for the encapsulation of large molecules and proteins. Due to their high surface area for drug loading and also to the fact

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

• therapeutic efficacy [118][128]. Additionally, liposomes can be surface-modified with various ligands such as antibodies, peptides, carbohydrates, and aptamers to achieve targeted drug delivery to specific cells or tissues [118][129]. These ligand-targeted liposomes can bind to receptors on target cells and

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

• utility, biomimetic nanoparticles hold great promise for advancing the field of cancer treatment. Keywords: biomimetic nanoparticles; homotypic binding; nanomaterials; targeted drug delivery; tumor therapy; Introduction Cancer is a complex disease, which involves numerous cells and their crosstalk with

• successfully eradicate tumors [8]. To overcome these discrepancies, an efficient, biocompatible, nontoxic, non-immunogenic and precisely targeted drug delivery system is desirable [9]. Conventional non-targeted delivery systems result in off-targeting as they also affect healthy cells and organs. Therefore

• phage for targeted drug delivery. In a recent study, the DNA of the M13 phage was modified to encode for SPARC binding peptide and cathepsin B cleavage peptide. Then, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were covalently bonded to cathepsin B expressed on M13 phages to track their intracellular

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 drug due to its higher availability at the site of action [37][215]. The pH difference observed in the intracellular environment (pH ≈ 4.8) when compared with the epidermal extracellular matrix (pH ≈ 5.5) is another characteristic evaluated to increase the efficiency of tumor-targeted drug

• delivery [157][212][213]. Recent advances have shown the development of polymeric nanogels for targeted delivery of antimetabolite agents in the treatment of skin cancer [168]. Antimetabolite agents are antineoplastic drugs that act by inhibiting cell division by blocking DNA and, to a lesser extent, RNA

A calix[4]arene-based supramolecular nanoassembly targeting cancer cells and triggering the release of nitric oxide with green light

• Cristina Parisi,
• Loredana Ferreri,
• Tassia J. Martins,
• Francesca Laneri,
• Samantha Sollima,
• Antonina Azzolina,
• Antonella Cusimano,
• Nicola D’Antona,
• Grazia M. L. Consoli and
• Salvatore Sortino

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1003–1013, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.75

• for tumor cell-targeted drug delivery while sparing normal cells, an essential requirement for a more effective, safe, and precise medicine. Host–guest supramolecular complex and NO photorelease The NOPD 2 is totally insoluble in water. For sake of clarity, Figure 3A shows its absorption spectrum in

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

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

• .16.10 Abstract In the coming decades, the development of nanocarriers (NCs) for targeted drug delivery will mark a significant advance in the field of pharmacology. NCs can improve drug solubility, ensure precise distribution, and enable passage across biological barriers. Despite these potential

• ability to recognize and engulf NCs can impede the delivery of therapeutic agents to target tissues, it also opens avenues for novel strategies that exploit macrophage behavior for benefits, like targeted drug delivery and immunomodulation [2][7][8]. This review will explore the physiological functions of

• potential of NCs by reducing macrophage uptake and extending circulation time. These strategies pave the way for more effective and targeted drug delivery systems. 5 Innovative therapeutic strategies using NCs Recent advancements in NC technologies have highlighted their remarkable potential in targeting

Characterization of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GP258

• Prashantkumar Siddappa Chakra,
• Aishwarya Banakar,
• Shriram Narayan Puranik,
• Vishwas Kaveeshwar,
• C. R. Ravikumar and
• Devaraja Gayathri

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 78–89, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.8

• semiconductors. Also, ZnO NPs exhibit antimicrobial activity, targeted drug delivery, catalytic activity, and antidiabetic, larvicidal, acaricidal and anticancer activity in addition to their usage in different medical devices and pharmaceuticals [11][12][13]. We report the ecologically safe production of ZnO

Theoretical study of the electronic and optical properties of a composite formed by the zeolite NaA and a magnetite cluster

• Joel Antúnez-García,
• Roberto Núñez-González,
• Vitalii Petranovskii,
• H’Linh Hmok,
• Armando Reyes-Serrato,
• Fabian N. Murrieta-Rico,
• Mufei Xiao and
• Jonathan Zamora

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 44–53, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.5

• development of nanotechnology and the emergence of composite zeolite materials have opened up unprecedented opportunities for their application in nanomedicine [47]. The unique properties of magnetic nanoparticles allow them to be used for targeted drug delivery and visualization of internal organs [48

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

• mechanism, facilitating cytosolic delivery with reduced cytotoxicity. This approach offers a safer and more effective option for targeted drug delivery applications. Keywords: Aurein 1.2; endosomal escape; fusogenic effect; molecular dynamics simulation; sodium oleate; Introduction The quest for efficient

• systems. By presenting SO as a promising alternative endosomal escape agent, we aim to contribute to the advancement of targeted drug delivery strategies with improved therapeutic outcomes. Results and Discussion Characterization of liposomal formulations In our study, we meticulously formulated three

• new strategies in targeted drug delivery. Proposed mechanism of sodium oleate-enhanced endosomal escape in drug delivery In this study, we developed an innovative strategy to modify liposomes with SO to enhance their endosomal escape capabilities. By combining in vitro experiments with in silico MD

The round-robin approach applied to nanoinformatics: consensus prediction of nanomaterials zeta potential

• Dimitra-Danai Varsou,
• Arkaprava Banerjee,
• Joyita Roy,
• Kunal Roy,
• Giannis Savvas,
• Haralambos Sarimveis,
• Ewelina Wyrzykowska,
• Mateusz Balicki,
• Tomasz Puzyn,
• Georgia Melagraki,
• Iseult Lynch and
• Antreas Afantitis

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1536–1553, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.121

• ; read-across; QSPR; round-robin test; zeta potential; Introduction Nanotechnology, defined as the ability to manipulate matter at the nanoscale, has opened an array of possibilities for multiple applications that take advantage of the unique properties of nanomaterials (NMs). From targeted drug

• delivery to environmental sensing, the versatility of NMs makes them ideal candidates for a broad range of innovative applications [1]. However, the complexity and unique properties of these materials also present significant challenges, especially when it comes to the assessment of their potential adverse

Hymenoptera and biomimetic surfaces: insights and innovations

• Vinicius Marques Lopez,
• Carlo Polidori and
• Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1333–1352, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.107

• delivery system (Figure 7C,D). The venom delivery systems of Hymenoptera are precise and efficient, inspiring the design of microinjection systems and targeted drug delivery methods that minimize collateral damage to surrounding tissues [170]. Drawing inspiration from the precision and efficiency of

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

• and pharmacy are looking for such materials for DDSs because targeted drug delivery is becoming a vital way of carrying drugs. Traditional drug delivery methods including tablets, capsules, syrups, and ointments, have significant disadvantages such as low bioavailability and variability of drug levels

• sustain the medicine or gene effect in targeted tissues. This sustained release of medication extends the duration of the effect of the drug, ensuring optimal treatment efficacy. Additionally, biopolymeric nanoparticles can carry various functional groups on their surface enabling targeted drug delivery

When nanomedicines meet tropical diseases

• Eder Lilia Romero,
• Katrien Van Bocxlaer and
• Fabio Rocha Formiga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 830–832, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.69

• ]. Potentially beneficial properties of nanomedicines include enhanced drug solubility, improved bioavailability, targeted drug delivery, longer half-life, and reduced toxicity. This thematic issue covers pre-clinical research employing chemotherapeutic or prophylactic nanomedicines against NTDs in a concise

Classification and application of metal-based nanoantioxidants in medicine and healthcare

• Nguyen Nhat Nam,
• Nguyen Khoi Song Tran,
• Tan Tai Nguyen,
• Nguyen Ngoc Trai,
• Nguyen Phuong Thuy,
• Hoang Dang Khoa Do,
• Nhu Hoa Thi Tran and
• Kieu The Loan Trinh

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 396–415, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.36

• atherosclerotic plaques [171]. One promising avenue involves the development of metal-based NPs for targeted drug delivery to atherosclerotic lesions. These NPs, often composed of biocompatible metals such as gold, silver, or iron, offer unique properties that enable precise drug delivery to affected areas while

• et al. demonstrated that biodegradable Mg scaffolds have shown promise in promoting vascular regeneration [188]. In brief, the use of metal-based nanomaterials in CVD treatment encompasses a range of innovative approaches from targeted drug delivery using NPs to the development of advanced metallic

Vinorelbine-loaded multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles as anticancer drug delivery systems: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro release study

• Zeynep Özcan and
• Afife Binnaz Hazar Yoruç

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 256–269, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.24

• anticancer drugs while mitigating the adverse effects of large dosage administration [6][7]. Additionally, it offers several advantages, such as controlled release, targeted drug delivery, and improved stability [8]. Moreover, nanoscale drug delivery systems hold great promise for specific cancer treatments

• ., cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), targeted drug delivery, photothermal therapy, gene therapy, and molecular and cellular monitoring [15][16]. Photothermal therapy (PTT), a treatment in which nanostructures are used, induces drug release or damages tumor cells with

• photothermal therapy capabilities, the PDA shell mitigates nanomaterial toxicity while increasing biocompatibility. The strategic integration of PEGylation into tumor-targeted drug delivery systems significantly amplifies passive tumor targeting and retention through the enhanced permeability and retention

Nanocarrier systems loaded with IR780, iron oxide nanoparticles and chlorambucil for cancer theragnostics

• Phuong-Thao Dang-Luong,
• Hong-Phuc Nguyen,
• Loc Le-Tuan,
• Xuan-Thang Cao,
• Vy Tran-Anh and
• Hieu Vu Quang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 180–189, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.17

• diagnoses, including tumor-targeted drug delivery, hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy, and imaging. Nanomedicines can be made from a variety of inert, biodegradable, and in vivo biocompatible materials. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) is one of the most biodegradable and biocompatible copolymers owing to its

Antibody-conjugated nanoparticles for target-specific drug delivery of chemotherapeutics

• Mamta Kumari,
• Amitabha Acharya and
• Praveen Thaggikuppe Krishnamurthy

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 912–926, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.75

• targeting capabilities [7]. Researchers focused their interest on understanding the obstructions that impede targeted drug delivery, and several advances have been made to develop NPs with enhanced ability to cross these barriers. Bio-pharmacological drugs, which include recombinant proteins, monoclonal

• antibodies (mAbs), and nucleic acid-based materials for targeted drug delivery, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cancer, arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, pemphigus vulgaris, and chronic urticaria [8]. Antibodies are the primary homing ligands in tumor-targeted

• drug delivery because of their high specificity, recognition ability, and intracellular stability [9][10]. The mAb-mediated targeted drug delivery specifically eradicates tumor cells without causing systemic toxicity associated with conventional chemotherapeutic agents [11]. Complete mAbs or just the

Quercetin- and caffeic acid-functionalized chitosan-capped colloidal silver nanoparticles: one-pot synthesis, characterization, and anticancer and antibacterial activities

• Akif Hakan Kurt,
• Elif Berna Olutas,
• Fatma Avcioglu,
• Hamza Karakuş,
• Mehmet Ali Sungur,
• Cansu Kara Oztabag and
• Muhammet Yıldırım

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 362–376, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.31

• Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria. More specifically, Ch/Q- and Ch/CA-Ag NPs exhibited a bit higher inhibitions against P. aeruginosa. Consequently, such combinations may provide several advantages in targeted drug delivery systems, such as minimal toxicity to normal cells and enhanced

Recent progress in cancer cell membrane-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications

• Qixiong Lin,
• Yueyou Peng,
• Yanyan Wen,
• Xiaoqiong Li,
• Donglian Du,
• Weibin Dai,
• Wei Tian and
• Yanfeng Meng

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 262–279, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.24

• hemisphere while efficiently reducing infarct volume and protecting nerves, resulting in significantly higher efficacy than that of the bare NPs (Figure 6) [26]. The ability of cancer cells to penetrate biological barriers has shown promise for targeted drug delivery in cerebrovascular disease. 3.4 Immune

Two-step single-reactor synthesis of oleic acid- or undecylenic acid-stabilized magnetic nanoparticles by thermal decomposition

• Mykhailo Nahorniak,
• Pamela Pasetto,
• Jean-Marc Greneche,
• Volodymyr Samaryk,
• Sandy Auguste,
• Anthony Rousseau,
• Nataliya Nosova and
• Serhii Varvarenko

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 11–22, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.2

• makes them ideal candidates for magnetic-assisted targeted drug delivery [12]. Nanoscale magnetite can be obtained through well-known synthesis routes, such as hydrothermal synthesis, thermal decomposition, or co-precipitation [10][11]. Each of these synthetic approaches has certain advantages and

Photothermal ablation of murine melanomas by Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle clusters

• Xue Wang,
• Lili Xuan and
• Ying Pan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 255–264, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.20

• MRI imaging, targeted drug delivery and hyperthermia therapy [8][9]. Hyperthermia therapy can be achieved by using either magnetic fields or NIR irradiation. Application of an external alternating magnetic field on these nanoparticles leads to the production of heat to mediate magnetic hyperthermia