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Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 3rd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2026) | Viewed by 5119

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Dr. Xiaogang Li

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Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Interests: corrosion; alloy design; microstructure; mechanical property; welding; fracture and failure
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanomaterials have rapidly developed, and attention surrounding their use has increased in recent years. The emergence of various nanomaterials, i.e., nanoparticles, nanograined alloys, and gradient nanostructures, is expected to make it possible for materials with super or very special properties to be applied in unusual practical contexts. There is a wide range of applications for nanomaterials in biochemistry or molecular medicine, fuel cells or metal-ion batteries, flexible electronics, as well as various components related to energy. The physical and chemical properties of nanostructures are determined by their chemical composition and structure and are also affected by the forming process, which is critical for reliability and life in practical applications.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a research forum to report on structure, properties, processing, and applications for nanoparticles and nanomaterials to explore more possibilities to address intractable challenges.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the studies mentioned above. Other relevant studies, such as the design of novel nanostructures or modification of nanoparticles, will also be considered. Research articles and reviews in this area of study are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Xiaogang Li
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

nanostructures
nanoparticles
microstructure characterization
material design
evaluation of mechanical properties
applications of nanomaterials

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Related Special Issues

Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (9 articles)
Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (11 articles)

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 11136 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid Fe₃O₄-Gd₂O₃ Nanoparticles Prepared by High-Energy Ball Milling for Dual-Contrast Agent Applications

by Vladislav A. Mikheev, Timur R. Nizamov, Alexander I. Novikov, Maxim A. Abakumov, Alexey S. Lileev and Igor V. Shchetinin

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020910 - 16 Jan 2026

Viewed by 159

Abstract

This work investigates the feasibility of synthesis hybrid x Gd₂O₃ + (100 − x) Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles using the scalable method of high-energy ball milling for dual-contrast magnetic resonance imaging applications. Comprehensive studies of the structure, magnetic and functional properties of the hybrid nanoparticles were conducted. It was found that the milling process initiates the transformation of the cubic phase c-Gd₂O₃ (

I a \bar{3}

) into the monoclinic m-Gd₂O₃ (C2/m). Measurements of the magnetic properties showed that the specific saturation magnetization of the Fe₃O₄ phase is substantially reduced, which is a characteristic feature of nanoparticles due to phenomena such as surface spin disorder and spin-canting effects. The transmission electron microscopy results confirm the formation of hybrid Fe₃O₄-Gd₂O₃ nanostructures and the measured particle sizes show good correlation with the X-ray diffraction results. A comprehensive structure–property relationship study revealed that the obtained hybrid nanoparticles exhibit high r₂ values, reaching 160 mM⁻¹s⁻¹ and low r₁ values, a characteristic that is determined primarily by the presence of a large fraction of Gd₂O₃ particles with sizes of ≈30 nm and Fe₃O₄ crystallites of ≈10 nm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 3rd Edition)

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18 pages, 1685 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Silver Nanoparticles on the Gut Microbiota of the Earthworm Eisenia fetida

by Anita Zapałowska, Tadeusz Malewski, Andrzej Tomasz Skwiercz, Stanislaw Kaniszewski, Magdalena Muszyńska, Wojciech Hyk and Adam Masłoń

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020864 - 15 Jan 2026

Viewed by 158

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly applied in agriculture and related technologies due to their antimicrobial properties, yet their interactions with soil-associated organisms and microbial communities remain insufficiently characterized. This study examined the effects of AgNP exposure (10.85 mg/L) on trace element accumulation and gut bacterial communities of the earthworm Eisenia fetida under two substrate conditions (horticultural substrate and compost). High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed substrate-dependent shifts in microbial community structure following AgNP exposure. Several bacterial taxa, including Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Bacilli, Streptococcus sp., and Staphylococcus sp., exhibited pronounced numerical declines, indicating sensitivity to AgNPs, whereas Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes showed comparatively higher relative abundances, suggesting greater tolerance. Compost partially mitigated the inhibitory effects of AgNPs on gut microbiota. Concurrently, AgNP exposure altered trace element accumulation patterns in earthworm tissues, highlighting interactions between silver uptake and elemental homeostasis. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that AgNPs can induce taxon- and substrate-specific responses in earthworm-associated microbial communities and metal accumulation, providing insight into potential ecological consequences of nanoparticle use in agricultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 3rd Edition)

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29 pages, 15588 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of AgNPs on PLA-Based Biocomposites with Polysaccharides: Biodegradability, Antibacterial Activity and Features

by Kristine V. Aleksanyan, Elena E. Mastalygina, Regina S. Smykovskaya, Nadezhda A. Samoilova, Viktor A. Novikov, Aleksander M. Shakhov, Yana V. Ryzhmanova, Galina A. Kochkina and Natalya E. Ivanushkina

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 10916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262210916 - 11 Nov 2025

Viewed by 1160

Abstract

According to existing ecological problems, one of the promising developments is the creation of polyfunctional materials, which can be biodegradable, along with possessing antibacterial activity. The present research proposes biocomposites based on PLA with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and natural polysaccharides obtained in a twin-screw extruder. Introduction of polysaccharides to PLA-based biocomposites with/without AgNPs led to significant decrease in the elastic modulus and tensile strength, while the elongation at break remained almost unchanged. Thanks to the presence of natural polysaccharides, there was intensified biodegradation in soil despite the AgNP availability. The maximal mass loss was 29% for the PLA–PEG₁₀₀₀–starch + AgNPs (80:10:10 + 0.5 wt%) biocomposite. Analyses of the systems before and after soil exposure were carried out using DSC and FTIR spectroscopy methods. According to a thermal analysis, it was found that PLA crystalline regions degrade during exposure to soil. The same feature was detected during the spectral analysis. The intensity of the characteristic absorption bands of PLA decreased. Furthermore, it was found that the dark areas on the surface of the materials are of a polysaccharide nature and may be signs of biofouling of the materials by microbial flora. The tests on fungus resistance showed that biocidal additives such as AgNPs in PLA-based biocomposites with polysaccharides did not inhibit the development of mycelial fungi–biodestructors. And the increased amount of chitosan in the films contributed to their more active destruction by the end of the observation period. It was demonstrated that such biocomposites can inhibit bacterial growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 3rd Edition)

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25 pages, 3337 KB

Open AccessArticle

Using Medicago sativa L. Callus Cell Extract for the Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles

by Inese Kokina, Ilona Plaksenkova, Lauris Jankovskis, Marija Jermaļonoka, Patryk Krzemiński, Aleksandra Mošenoka, Agnieszka Ostrowska, Renata Galek, Eriks Sledevskis, Marina Krasovska, Ligita Mežaraupe, Barbara Nasiłowska, Wojciech Skrzeczanowski, Maciej Chrunik and Marta Kutwin

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10772; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110772 - 5 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 864

Abstract

Gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) are used for drug transport and plant protection due to their insoluble nature and unique properties. To produce health-friendly NPs, toxic solvents should be replaced with plant-based synthesis. Plants, such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), release biomolecules that reduce metal ions and form nanoclusters without free radicals, showing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, callus cultures of two M. sativa genotypes, ‘Kometa’ and ‘La Bella Campagnola’, were exposed to two precursors (AgNO₃ and HAuCl₄) for 24 and 48 h to assess the feasibility of biological NP synthesis. Spectrophotometry showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes in light absorbance compared with the control. Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements indicated a change in the composition of the liquid compared with the control. To improve image quality and obtain more accurate data, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was repeated, confirming the presence of quasi-spherical nanoparticles with diameters in the range of 5–25 nm for both AuNPs and AgNPs in the callus culture extracts of both genotypes. Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis demonstrated that the AgNPs and AuNPs from both genotypes displayed polydisperse size distributions, with a mean particle size ranging from 220 to 243 nm. Elemental analysis provided clear evidence that Ag and Au were present only in treated samples, confirming effective NP biosynthesis and excluding contamination. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to characterise the crystalline structure; however, due to the very small particle size (5–25 nm), no clear diffraction patterns could be obtained, as nanocrystals below ~20–30 nm typically produce signals below the detection limit of standard XRD instrumentation. The novelty of this research is the cost-effective, rapid biosynthesis of quasi-spherical AuNPs and AgNPs with diverse sizes and enhanced properties, making them more eco-friendly, less toxic, and suitable for antibacterial and anticancer studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 3rd Edition)

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15 pages, 9157 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biomass-Derived Magnetic Fe₃O₄/Biochar Nanoparticles from Baobab Seeds for Sustainable Wastewater Dye Remediation

by Samah Daffalla

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8499; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178499 - 1 Sep 2025

Viewed by 1483

Abstract

This work presents the synthesis and application of magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles supported on baobab seed-derived biochar (Fe₃O₄/BSB) for removing Congo red (CR) dye from aqueous solutions through an oxidative process. The biochar support offered a porous structure with a surface area of 85.6 m²/g, facilitating uniform dispersion of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and efficient oxidative activity. Fourier-transform infrared (FT–IR) spectroscopy analysis confirmed surface fictionalization after Fe₃O₄ incorporation, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed a rough, porous morphology with well-dispersed nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, with Fe₃O₄/BSB retaining ~40% of its mass at 600 °C compared to ~15–20% for raw baobab seeds. Batch experiments indicated that operational factors such as pH, nanoparticles dosage, and initial dye concentration significantly affected removal efficiency. Optimal CR removal (94.2%) was achieved at pH 4, attributed to stronger electrostatic interactions, whereas efficiency declined from 94.1% to 82.8% as the initial dye concentration increased from 10 to 80 mg/L. Kinetic studies showed that the pseudo-second-order model accurately described the oxidative degradation process. Reusability tests confirmed good stability, with removal efficiency decreasing only from 92.6% to 80.7% after four consecutive cycles. Overall, Fe₃O₄/BSB proves to be a thermally stable, magnetically recoverable, and sustainable catalyst system for treating dye-contaminated wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 3rd Edition)

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Review

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33 pages, 2777 KB

Open AccessReview

Carbon Dots Meet MRI: Metal Doping for a Smart Contrast Agent Design

by Oana Elena Carp, Cristina Mariana Uritu, Adina Coroaba, Silviu-Iulian Filipiuc, Conchi O. Ania, Narcisa Laura Marangoci and Mariana Pinteala

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031436 - 31 Jan 2026

Viewed by 253

Abstract

In clinical and preclinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), image quality is often limited by intrinsic tissue contrast, so paramagnetic agents are used to amplify relaxation differences and improve lesion detectability. Widely used gadolinium-based contrast agents present recognized drawbacks, stimulating interest in nanoscale platforms with tuneable magnetic and biological properties. This review provides a critical analysis on the use of metal-doped carbon nanodots (C-dots) as MRI contrast candidates. We briefly revisit MRI signal formation, spin–lattice (

T_{1}

) and spin–spin (

T_{2}

) relaxation, and relaxometric parameters

r_{1}

and

r_{2}

and outline how pulse-sequence choice favours

T_{1}

- or

T_{2}

-dominant agents. We compare approved small-molecule agents with nanostructured systems, highlighting unmet needs in safety, field-strength dependence, multimodality, and organ-specific imaging. A central focus is how nano- and molecular architectures of metal-doped carbon dots govern

r_{1}

and

r_{2}

: the metal species and oxidation state, its location within the carbon matrix, surface chemistry and hydration, and the accessibility for proton and water exchange can shift performance toward

T_{1}

T_{2}

. Engineered C-dots with controlled composition and metal dopants have proven to pair improved relaxivity with fluorescence, targeting ligands, or therapeutic payloads. Overall, metal-doped C-dots represent a flexible and potentially safer alternative to classical contrast agents; however, successful clinical translation and market uptake will still require standardized relaxometry at clinical field strengths, scalable and reproducible synthesis, and comprehensive in vivo safety and efficacy validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 3rd Edition)

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