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Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 2nd 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 (30 May 2025) | Viewed by 11498

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Dr. Xiaogang Li

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Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Interests: material design; microstructure; mechanical property; machining and manufacturing; fracture and failure
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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.

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Keywords

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

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 6423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silver Nanoparticles as a Novel Tissue Preservative: A Comparative Study with 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin

by Safa Taha, Amina Ismaeel, Muna Aljishi, Samvel Selvam, Angeleena Esther and Khaled Greish

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 5335; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115335 - 1 Jun 2025

Viewed by 389

Abstract

Tissue preservation plays an essential role in biomedical research and histopathological applications. Traditional methods, despite their efficiency, are associated with compromised long-term tissue integrity and probable ecotoxicities. This study explores the application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), known for their antimicrobial properties, as a potential tissue preservative. In this work, AgNPs were synthesized via a chemical reduction method. Heart, liver, and kidney tissues were obtained from BALB/c mice and preserved using 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) and AgNPs solution for 72 h. Preservation efficiency was assessed by quantifying and measuring DNA and RNA integrity, evaluating protein stability, and conducting histopathological examinations. This study aimed to compare the performance of AgNPs against 10% NBF across these parameters to determine their suitability as an alternative fixative. Our results showed that AgNPs solution maintained consistent DNA, RNA, and protein concentrations/quality across all tissues over 72 h, whereas formalin treatment led to degradation over time. Conversely, 10% NBF demonstrated better preservation of tissue morphology. These results highlighted the differential strengths of each fixative, with AgNPs excelling in molecular preservation and NBF in structural integrity. Overall, AgNPs exhibited superior qualitative and quantitative preservation of nucleic acids and intracellular proteins, indicating their potential as an alternative to formalin for molecular testing. Despite their demonstrated efficacy in biomolecular preservation, further studies are needed to optimize tissue morphology preservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 1757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Complete Approach for circRNA Therapeutics from Purification to Lyophilized Delivery Using Novel Ionizable Lipids

by Esther Broset, Ana Larraga, Verónica Lampaya, Víctor Navarro, Alexandre López-Gavín, Diego de Miguel, Álvaro Peña, Juan Martínez-Oliván and Diego Casabona

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 5138; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115138 - 27 May 2025

Viewed by 1188

Abstract

Circular RNA (circRNA) has gained significant attention as a potential therapeutic tool due to its remarkable stability and resistance to degradation by exonucleases. However, scalable and efficient methods for purification and delivery remain critical challenges that must be addressed. In this study, we developed and evaluated an optimized affinity chromatography method using Oligo (dT) columns for the purification of circRNA, achieving high yield and purity compared with high-performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, we investigated the in vivo efficacy of circRNA-Oligo (dT) encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) formulated with emerging ionizable lipids, including CP-LC-0867 and CP-LC-0729. Our results showed that LNPs formulated with CP-LC-0867 consistently produced higher protein expression compared to SM-102, with sustained luciferase activity observed over a 14-day period. Furthermore, we assessed the lyophilization potential of LNP-circRNA-Oligo (dT) using CP-LC-0729 to extend the shelf life and eliminate the need for ultra-low-temperature storage. Remarkably, the lyophilized LNPs exhibited no significant differences in protein expression compared to their non-lyophilized counterparts, demonstrating that lyophilization is a viable strategy for extending the storage and transport of circRNA therapies. These findings underscore the potential of optimized new ionizable lipids, improved purification strategies, and lyophilization techniques to enhance the scalability, stability, and practical application of circRNA therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 3375 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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 683

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%, 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 3891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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 506

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 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 (E_F) 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 4894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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

Viewed by 878

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 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)

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Review

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46 pages, 7993 KiB

Open AccessReview

Quantum Dot-Based Luminescent Sensors: Review from Analytical Perspective

by Alissa Loskutova, Ansar Seitkali, Dinmukhamed Aliyev and Rostislav Bukasov

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6674; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146674 - 11 Jul 2025

Abstract

Quantum Dots (QDs) are small semiconductor nanoparticles (<10 nm) with strong, relatively stable, and tunable luminescent properties, which are increasingly applied in the sensing and detection of various analytes, including metal ions, biomarkers, explosives, proteins, RNA/DNA fragments, pesticides, drugs, and pollutants. In this review, we critically assess recent developments and advancements in luminescent QD-based sensors from an analytical perspective. We collected, tabulated, and analyzed relevant data reported in 124 peer-reviewed articles. The key analytical figures of merit, including the limit of detection (LOD), excitation and emission wavelengths, and size of the particles were extracted, tabulated, and analyzed with graphical representations. We calculated the geometric mean and median LODs from those tabulated publications. We found the following geometric mean LODs: 38 nM for QD-fluorescent-based sensors, 26 nM for QD-phosphorescent-based sensors, and an impressively low 0.109 pM for QD-chemiluminescent-based sensors, which demonstrate by far the best sensitivity in QD-based detection. Moreover, AI-based sensing methods, including the ATTBeadNet model, optimized principal component analysis(OPCA) model, and Support Vector Machine (SVM)-based system, were reviewed as they enhance the analytical performance of the detection. Despite these advances, there are still challenges that include improvements in recovery values, biocompatibility, stability, and overall performance. This review highlights trends to guide the future design of robust, high-performance, QD-based luminescent sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 741 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cardiovascular Toxicity of Metal-Based Nanoparticles

by Eun-Hye Kim, Sehyeon Park and Ok-Nam Bae

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(12), 5816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26125816 - 17 Jun 2025

Viewed by 503

Abstract

The rapid development of nanotechnology has led to increased human exposure to metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact, raising growing concerns on their potential health effects. Due to their nanoscale size and unique physicochemical properties, the MNPs can translocate from the initial exposure sites to the circulatory system and accumulate in the body. This review focuses on MNP-induced cardiovascular toxicity, highlighting its biodistribution, cytotoxic mechanisms, and pathological impact associated with various cardiovascular diseases. MNPs disrupt endothelial function, promote oxidative stress, and induce apoptosis and ferroptosis in cardiovascular cells. Furthermore, MNPs increase endothelial permeability, impair blood–brain barrier integrity, and enhance procoagulant activity, thereby contributing to vascular and cardiac dysfunction. The particles and their released metal ions play a synergistic role in mediating these toxic effects. Here, we focused on the effects of nano-sized particles while incorporating recent in vitro and in vivo studies that address the cardiovascular impacts and mechanisms of MNP-induced toxicity. This comprehensive review will help understand and explain the potentially toxic effects of MNPs on the cardiovascular system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)

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60 pages, 13122 KiB

Open AccessReview

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

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5276

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), 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 2312 KiB

Open AccessReview

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

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 602

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, 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

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Properties and Applications of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials: 2nd Edition)

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