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Carbon-Based Nanomaterials: From Synthesis and Functionalization to Biomedical Applications

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 154

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Ciszewskiego 8 Str., 02-786 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: nanobiotechnology; cancer; cell biology; bioengineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to deliver a comprehensive overview of recent progress in carbon-based nanomaterials for biomedical use, spanning advanced synthesis, surface engineering, physicochemical characterization, and application-driven design.

Carbon-based nanomaterials—including graphene and graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, carbon quantum dots, and emerging hybrid systems—offer exceptional physical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, and biological properties. Rapid advances in synthesis and surface functionalization now enable fine control over size, shape, surface chemistry, and biocompatibility, accelerating their integration into modern biomedicine.

The collection of papers will emphasize the relationships between structure and properties, as well as explore biocompatibility and the mechanistic interactions at the nano–bio interface, including the effects of mechanobiology. Additionally, it will address the translational potential within this field. We welcome submissions in the following areas: advanced fabrication and functionalization strategies; characterization of nanostructures and surfaces; nano–bio interactions; drug and gene delivery platforms; cancer therapeutics (including photothermal and photodynamic therapies); biosensors and diagnostic systems; antimicrobial technologies; tissue engineering; regenerative medicine; and diagnostic imaging. We invite original research articles and high-quality review papers that address both fundamental advances and application-oriented developments in this rapidly evolving field.

Dr. Marta Kutwin
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

carbon-based nanomaterials; graphene; graphene oxide; carbon nanotubes; fullerenes; carbon quantum dots; surface functionalization; nano–bio interface; drug and gene delivery; cancer nanotherapeutics

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

28 pages, 4873 KB  
Article
Aerosol-Derived Graphene Oxide Nanofilm Suppresses Adhesion-Dependent Survival and Migration in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells
by Aleksandra Ciechońska, Mateusz Wierzbicki, Barbara Nasiłowska, Barbara Wójcik, Wojciech Skrzeczanowski, Katarzyna Ziółkowska and Marta Kutwin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(10), 4341; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27104341 - 13 May 2026
Viewed by 13
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive malignancy, characterized by rapid progression, early metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies. Increasing evidence indicates that the behavior of residual tumor cells is strongly influenced by physicochemical properties of their microenvironment. Surface engineering strategies using [...] Read more.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive malignancy, characterized by rapid progression, early metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies. Increasing evidence indicates that the behavior of residual tumor cells is strongly influenced by physicochemical properties of their microenvironment. Surface engineering strategies using nanostructured materials may therefore represent a complementary approach to modulating cancer cell activity. In this study, we investigated whether a graphene oxide (GO) aerosol nanofilm modifies the biological behavior of PDAC cells in vitro. The GO aerosol (4.5 g/L) was characterized using STEM, DLS, zeta potential measurements, LIBS, EDX, and FTIR spectroscopy. Ultrastructural analysis revealed thin, wrinkled GO sheets forming partially overlapping lamellar structures, while physicochemical characterization confirmed a highly oxidized stable nanomaterial. Human PDAC cell lines (BxPC-3 and AsPC-1) were cultured on GO-modified substrates to assess morphology (SEM), metabolic activity (XTT assay), migratory capacity (wound healing assay over 72 h), and expression of genes related to proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by RT-qPCR. GO nanofilm significantly reduced cell viability and inhibited migration in both cell lines. SEM analysis demonstrated shortened cytoplasmic projections and altered membrane integrity. Gene expression profiling revealed cell line-dependent transcriptional responses, including modulation of components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and EMT-associated markers. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that GO aerosol nanofilm alters PDAC cell morphology, viability, and migratory behavior in vitro. Surface-mediated modulation of tumor cell activity may represent a promising adjunct strategy for limiting residual cancer cell survival and metastatic potential. Full article
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