Phenotype-Targeted Nanomedicine: Navigating Multiscale Biological Barriers in the 2026 Clinical Era
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 June 2026 | Viewed by 276
Special Issue Editor
Interests: nanotechnology; biomaterials; nanomedicine; molecular biology; immunotherapy; nanoscience
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The “one-size-fits-all” era of nanomedicine is evolving. As we progress through 2026, it has become clear that the clinical failure or success of a nanotherapeutic depends less on molecular markers and more on the biological transport phenotypes of the target organ. From the “impenetrable” fibrotic walls of pancreatic cancer to the restrictive vascular interface of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the challenge has shifted from what we deliver to how it navigates these physical fortresses.
This Special Issue aims to move beyond generic discussions of bioavailability. We are seeking high-impact research that treats the human body as a series of complex transport filters. We want to highlight engineering solutions that address cancer and CNS disorders not just as biological pathologies, but as formidable physical transport challenges.
We are specifically looking for “barrier-breaking” technologies and mechanistic insights that address the following:
Active Navigation of the BBB: Strategies moving beyond passive diffusion to exploit mechanisms and active transcytosis.
Mechanical Priming of the TME: Nanobiomaterials (NBMs) designed to remodel the stroma or overcome high interstitial fluid pressure in desmoplastic tumors (e.g., PDAC, TNBC).
Multistage and Hierarchical Systems: Nanovectors capable of sequential deconstruction or in situ adaptation to ensure deep tissue penetration.
Organ-Level Filtration Strategies: Engineering NBMs to navigate the lung and liver as vascular gates, including clinical updates on platforms.
Bio-Hybrid and Zwitterionic Solutions: Utilizing cell-membrane coatings or advanced surface chemistries to bypass immune sequestration and organ-level clearance.
We invite you to contribute your most forward-looking work—research that bridges the gap between laboratory elegance and clinical reality. Let us redefine how nanomedicines reach the unreachable.
Dr. Athina Angelopoulou
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.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- nanomedicine
- nanotherapeutic
- nanobiomaterials
- TME
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
