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Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition

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: 30 May 2025 | Viewed by 4554

Special Issue Editor

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

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

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

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3375 KiB  
Article
Chitosan-Coated Silver Nanocomposites: Biosynthesis, Mechanical Properties, and Ag+ Release in Liquid and Biofilm Forms
by Daniel Martínez-Cisterna, Lingyun Chen, Leonardo Bardehle, Edward Hermosilla, Gonzalo Tortella, Manuel Chacón-Fuentes and Olga Rubilar
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094130 - 26 Apr 2025
Viewed by 197
Abstract
This study explores the biosynthesis, characterization, and evaluation of silver nanoparticles coated with chitosan (AgChNPs) for liquid nanocomposite and biofilm formation in integrated pest management (IPM). AgChNPs were synthesized using Galega officinalis leaf extract as a reducing agent, with varying chitosan concentrations (0.5%, [...] Read more.
This study explores the biosynthesis, characterization, and evaluation of silver nanoparticles coated with chitosan (AgChNPs) for liquid nanocomposite and biofilm formation in integrated pest management (IPM). AgChNPs were synthesized using Galega officinalis leaf extract as a reducing agent, with varying chitosan concentrations (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) and pH levels (3, 4, and 5). Synthesis was optimized based on nanoparticle size, stability, and polydispersity index (PDI) over 21 days. Biofilms incorporating AgChNPs were analyzed for chemical, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties via Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (TEM-EDX), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to quantify silver ionization. TEM confirmed spherical nanoparticles (5.54–61.46 nm), and FTIR validated G. officinalis functionalization on chitosan. AgChNPs with 1% chitosan at pH 4 exhibited optimal properties: a size of 207.88 nm, a zeta potential of +42.30 mV, and a PDI of 0.62. Biofilms displayed tunable mechanical strength, with a tensile strength of 3.48 MPa using 5% glycerol and 2% chitosan and an elongation at break of 24.99 mm. TGA showed a two-step degradation process (98.19% mass loss). Ag ionization was 62.57 mg/L in the liquid nanocomposite and 184.07 mg/kg in the biofilms. These findings highlight AgChNPs’ potential for controlled-release properties and enhanced mechanical performance, supporting sustainable agricultural applications. Full article
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14 pages, 3891 KiB  
Article
Tunable Optical Properties of Cu/VSe2 from the Visible to Terahertz Spectral Range: A First-Principles Study
by Elaheh Mohebbi, Eleonora Pavoni, Pierluigi Stipa, Luca Pierantoni, Emiliano Laudadio and Davide Mencarelli
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2527; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062527 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 392
Abstract
In this study, Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Density Functional Tight-Binding (DFTB) calculations were used to study two different interfaces of Cu/VSe2 as well as four nanodiodes of VSe2 bulk including/excluding the Cu layer. We calculated the electronic and optical properties [...] Read more.
In this study, Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Density Functional Tight-Binding (DFTB) calculations were used to study two different interfaces of Cu/VSe2 as well as four nanodiodes of VSe2 bulk including/excluding the Cu layer. We calculated the electronic and optical properties of two systems of two Cu/VSe2 in which Cu atoms are positioned on the top and at the corner of the VSe2 monolayer lattice. The electronic band structure calculations revealed that the metallic properties of the VSe2 monolayer did not change with the interface of Cu atoms; however, the peak around the Fermi level (EF) in Cu/VSe2(Top) shifted downward to lower energies. The optical properties showed that in the visible range and the wavelengths related to the interband transition/intraband excitation of Cu atoms, the enhancement of Re(ω) values could be observed for both Cu/VSe2(Top) and Cu/VSe2(Corner) nanostructures, while in infrared/terahertz ranges, less/more negative values of Re(ω) were predicted. Through the effect of Cu atoms on the VSe2 monolayer, the intensity of the peaks in the Im(ω) part of the dielectric constant was increased from 0.2 THz for Cu@VSe2(Top) and 2.9 THz for Cu@VSe2(Corner) instead of the zero constant line in the pure system of VSe2. Refractive index (n) calculations indicated the higher indices at 5.4 and 4.6 for Cu/VSe2(Top) and Cu@VSe2(Corner), respectively, in comparison to the value of 2.9 for VSe2. Finally, DFTB calculations predicted higher current values from I(V) characteristic curves of Au/Cu/VSe2/Au and Ag/Cu/VSe2/Ag nanodiodes concerning two other devices without the presence of the Cu layer. Full article
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15 pages, 4894 KiB  
Article
Point-of-Care Diagnostic Test for Rapid Detection of Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification and Nanoprobes
by Pablo Cea-Callejo, Claudia Trenado, Elías El Mansouri, Esperanza Gomez-Lucia, Ana Doménech, Mar Biarnés, J. Marco Cuenca, Christian J. Sánchez-Llatas, Ricardo Madrid and Laura Benítez
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 1971; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051971 - 25 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), a DNA virus classified as Gallid alphaherpesvirus 1, causes a highly contagious respiratory disease in chickens, leading to significant economic losses and health risks for the poultry industry. The rapid detection of ILTV is essential to control its [...] Read more.
Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV), a DNA virus classified as Gallid alphaherpesvirus 1, causes a highly contagious respiratory disease in chickens, leading to significant economic losses and health risks for the poultry industry. The rapid detection of ILTV is essential to control its spread and prevent outbreaks. Traditional diagnostic methods like PCR are costly, require specialized personnel, and delay response efforts. To address this, we developed a point-of-care diagnostic test combining loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with DNA nanoprobes on respiratory swabs. LAMP targets the ILTV-glycoprotein E (gE) gene, enabling rapid nucleic acid amplification at 65 °C without extraction, making it suitable for on-site detection. DNA nanoprobes provide a colorimetric readout visible to the naked eye. Gold nanoparticles drive this readout, as their red color, based on localized surface plasmon resonance, persists in the presence of ILTV DNA through DNA-DNA hybridization, ensuring reliable detection. The assay achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity for ILTV-gE, with a detection limit of 200 copies per reaction, allowing for the early identification of infections. The results are available within 45 min, enabling prompt measures to control ILTV spread. Cost-effective and user-friendly, this method enhances disease management and biosecurity in poultry farms. Full article
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Review

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60 pages, 13122 KiB  
Review
Advancements in Lithography Techniques and Emerging Molecular Strategies for Nanostructure Fabrication
by Prithvi Basu, Jyoti Verma, Vishnuram Abhinav, Ratneshwar Kumar Ratnesh, Yogesh Kumar Singla and Vibhor Kumar
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3027; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073027 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1747
Abstract
Lithography is crucial to semiconductor manufacturing, enabling the production of smaller, more powerful electronic devices. This review explores the evolution, principles, and advancements of key lithography techniques, including extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, electron beam lithography (EBL), X-ray lithography (XRL), ion beam lithography (IBL), [...] Read more.
Lithography is crucial to semiconductor manufacturing, enabling the production of smaller, more powerful electronic devices. This review explores the evolution, principles, and advancements of key lithography techniques, including extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, electron beam lithography (EBL), X-ray lithography (XRL), ion beam lithography (IBL), and nanoimprint lithography (NIL). Each method is analyzed based on its working principles, resolution, resist materials, and applications. EUV lithography, with sub-10 nm resolution, is vital for extending Moore’s Law, leveraging high-NA optics and chemically amplified resists. EBL and IBL enable high-precision maskless patterning for prototyping but suffer from low throughput. XRL, using synchrotron radiation, achieves deep, high-resolution features, while NIL provides a cost-effective, high-throughput method for replicating nanostructures. Alignment marks play a key role in precise layer-to-layer registration, with innovations enhancing accuracy in advanced systems. The mask fabrication process is also examined, highlighting materials like molybdenum silicide for EUV and defect mitigation strategies such as automated inspection and repair. Despite challenges in resolution, defect control, and material innovation, lithography remains indispensable in semiconductor scaling, supporting applications in integrated circuits, photonics, and MEMS/NEMS devices. Various molecular strategies, mechanisms, and molecular dynamic simulations to overcome the fundamental lithographic limits are also highlighted in detail. This review offers insights into lithography’s present and future, aiding researchers in nanoscale manufacturing advancements. Full article
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19 pages, 2312 KiB  
Review
Applications of Green Carbon Dots in Personalized Diagnostics for Precision Medicine
by Habtamu F. Etefa and Francis B. Dejene
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 2846; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26072846 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 336
Abstract
Green carbon dots (GCDs) have emerged as a revolutionary tool in precision medicine, offering transformative capabilities for personalized diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. Their unique optical and biocompatible properties make them ideal for non-invasive imaging, real-time monitoring, and integration with genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics, [...] Read more.
Green carbon dots (GCDs) have emerged as a revolutionary tool in precision medicine, offering transformative capabilities for personalized diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. Their unique optical and biocompatible properties make them ideal for non-invasive imaging, real-time monitoring, and integration with genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics, enabling accurate diagnosis and tailored treatments based on patients’ genetic and molecular profiles. This study explores the potential of GCDs in advancing individualized patient care by examining their applications in precision medicine. It evaluates their utility in non-invasive diagnostic imaging, targeted therapy delivery, and the formulation of personalized treatment plans, emphasizing their interaction with advanced genomic, proteomic, and bioinformatics platforms. GCDs demonstrated exceptional versatility in enabling precise diagnostics and delivering targeted therapies. Their integration with cutting-edge technologies showed significant promise in crafting personalized treatment strategies, enhancing their functionality and effectiveness in real-time monitoring and patient-specific applications. The findings underscore the pivotal role of GCDs in reshaping healthcare by advancing precision medicine and improving patient outcomes. The ongoing development and integration of GCDs with emerging technologies promise to further enhance their capabilities, paving the way for more effective, individualized medical care. Full article
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