Emerging Topics in Polymeric Nanoparticles
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Macromolecules".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 7
Special Issue Editors
Interests: Janus nanoparticles; amphiphiles; surfaces and interfaces; surfactants and polymers; colloids; self-assembly; supra-amphiphiles; conductive polymers; conductive polymeric nanoparticles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: Janus nanoparticles; self-assembly; surface tension reduction; Pickering emulsions; solid-state foams
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) represent one of the most dynamic and interdisciplinary areas of nanoscience, bridging chemistry, physics, materials science, biology, and environmental science. Advances in synthetic strategies, including emulsion polymerization, (nano)precipitation, interfacial polymerization, self-assembly of amphiphilic block co-polymers, microfluidics-assisted preparation, etc., together with post-synthesis functionalization, have enabled precise control over nanoparticle size, shape, porosity, and surface chemistry. Sustained research efforts over the past few decades have paid off, leading to PNPs with varied advanced functionalities, including stimuli responsiveness, directional motion, triggered adsorption and cargo release, and the ability to self-assemble into reconfigurable suprastructures. The PNPs are now being deployed in increasingly more complex applications, such as drug delivery, diagnostic imaging, biosensing, catalysis, water purification, or optoelectronics. Beyond their technological potential, PNPs are increasingly scrutinized for their environmental footprint, particularly regarding microplastic generation, persistence in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and bioaccumulation. Understanding the life cycles of PNPs, from synthesis to use to degradation, as well as their interaction with humans and environments, is essential to ensure their responsible and safe development.
This Special Issue will bring together high-quality original research and review articles that address recent breakthroughs and emerging directions in the field of PNPs, emphasizing synthesis, structure–property relationships, advanced characterization, multifunctionality, various applications, self-assembly, biological and environmental impact, and smart material as well as introducing novel concepts in both the synthetic and functional deployment of PNPs, are welcome.
Topics of interest:
- Advanced synthesis and engineering of polymeric nanoparticles;
- Functionalization and surface modification strategies;
- Amphiphilic block copolymers, Janus nanoparticles, and core–shell architectures;
- Self-assembly, responsive behavior, and smart nanostructures;
- Polymeric nanoparticles;
- Drug delivery and nanomedicine;
- Diagnostic imaging and biosensing;
- Optics, electronics, and soft robotics;
- Adsorption and catalysis;
- Environmental remediation (e.g., heavy metal removal, oil/water separation);
- Biodegradable and biocompatible polymer nanoparticles;
- Green chemistry approaches and life cycle assessment;
- Interaction of polymeric nanoparticles with biological systems;
- Environmental accumulation and ecotoxicology (soil, water, organisms);
- Micro- and nanoplastic pollution: detection, degradation, and mitigation strategies;
- Regulatory, safety, and sustainability aspects of polymeric nanomaterials.
Prof. Dr. Andrei Honciuc
Dr. Mirela Honciuc
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- polymeric nanoparticles
- nanostructured materials
- functional polymers
- Janus particles
- self-assembly
- drug delivery
- environmental remediation
- microplastics
- biodegradability
- nanomedicine
- green synthesis
- adsorbents
- life cycle assessment
- surface functionalization
- smart materials
- biocompatibility
- environmental impact
- bioaccumulation
- responsive polymers
- hybrid nanomaterials
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