Announcements

This collection presents selected papers published by Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991) Editorial Board Members in the first half of 2026. Covering topics such as nanomedicine, environmental applications, energy materials, photonics, sensing, and functional nanostructures, these articles provide a snapshot of recent research directions represented within the journal’s Editorial Board. We hope the following papers will be of particular interest to you: 

1. “Hype vs. Health: How Approved Nanomedicines Have Met (or Missed) Early Predictions”
by Eleonore Fröhlich
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(5), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16050284 

2. “Biofilm Control with Rare-Earth Oxides: A Mechanistic Framework for Next-Generation Antibiofilm Materials”
by John H. T. Luong
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(5), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16050302 

3. “Prussian Blue Nanoparticles Confined in Chitosan for In Vivo Cesium Ion Removal”
by Irina E. Bordianu-Antochi, Afitz Da Silva, Giovanni Massasso, Françoise Quignard, Vanja Stojanovic, Magali Gary-Bobo, Joulia Larionova and Yannick Guari
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(9), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16090544 

4. “Advanced Development of Diverse Photovoltaic-Driven Water Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production: A Review on Coupling Mechanisms, Technological Evolution and Economic Analysis”
by Yifei Yu, Suni Shi, Zhiyi Peng, Longlu Wang, Shiyan Wang and Chengbin Liu
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(10), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16100579 

5. “Highly Transparent Phase Change Smart Windows Enabled by Refractive-Index-Matched n-Octadecane@SiO₂ Microcapsule Composites”
by Fusen Yang, Zhixing Zhang, Yiyu Feng, Mengmeng Qin and Wei Feng
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(11), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16110648 

6. “Covalent Organic Frameworks for CO₂ Capture: From Design to Application”
by Hafezeh Nabipour and Sohrab Rohani
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(12), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16120777 

7. “Influence of the Presence of a Nano-Sized Filler in the Generation of Microplastics from Polypropylene Nanocomposites”
by Marco Morreale, Erika Indovino, Luigi Botta and Francesco Paolo La Mantia
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(3), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16030201 

8. “Inverse Design of Optical Color Routers with Improved Fabrication Compatibility”
by Sushmit Hossain, Zerui Liu, Nishat Tasnim Hiramony, Tinghao Hsu, Himaddri Roy, Hongming Zhang and Wei Wu
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040251 

9. “Insight into the Mechanism of MXene Electrodes in Alkali Metal Batteries”
by Sunaina Rafiq, Marco Agostini, Muhammad Abdullah Iqbal, Alessandra Gentili, Maria Assunta Navarra, Maria Grazia Betti and Carlo Mariani
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(5), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16050330 

10. “Interference-Enhanced Absorption in Miniaturized Graphene Plasmonic Terahertz Detectors via Substrate-Defined Fabry−Pérot Cavities”
by Runli Li, Shaojing Liu, Ximiao Wang, Hongjia Zhu, Yongsheng Zhu, Shangdong Li, Huanjun Chen and Shaozhi Deng
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(13), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16130794 

Our portfolio of journals available for publishing up-to-date research in immediate open access format has been further expanded. In June 2026, eleven new journals released their inaugural issues and two transferred journals released their first issue as part of MDPI, covering the subjects of environmental & earth sciences, chemistry & materials science, public health & healthcare, engineering, medicine & pharmacology, and biology & life sciences. 

We extend our gratitude to the Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members who will shape the future course of these new journals. Each journal is dedicated to upholding strong editorial standards through a thorough peer review process, enabling impactful open access scholarship. 

Please feel free to browse and discover more about the new journals below. 

We would like to thank everyone who has supported the development of open access publishing. If you would like to create a new journal, you are welcome to send an application here or contact the New Journal Committee (newjournal-committee@mdpi.com).

Peer review is the invisible foundation of academic progress. The 2025 MDPI Top Reviewers are some of the key experts who helped build it.

We are honored to recognize 1000 individuals from our global community of 210,000 reviewers across 67 countries and territories—chosen for their commitment to rigorous, constructive peer review and the consistency of their contributions throughout 2025.

The Top Reviewers provided constructive and impartial feedback that makes research stronger and more impactful, and we are grateful for it.

The names of these reviewers are listed below in alphabetical order by first name:

(Note: we respected all privacy preferences, with part of nominees opting for limited attribution.)

Emerging air-quality challenges increasingly require sensing systems capable of detecting and interpreting volatile chemicals under complex, dynamically changing, and often poorly controlled environmental conditions. Volatile organic compounds and other gaseous pollutants may occur at low concentrations, fluctuate over time and coexist within multicomponent mixtures, making their selective and reliable monitoring particularly demanding. Meeting these challenges requires the coordinated development of selective recognition elements, high-performance sensing materials and robust data-interpretation strategies.

Nature offers highly efficient models for chemical recognition. Biological olfactory systems can identify and discriminate complex volatile mixtures through highly selective molecular interactions, inspiring the development of bio-derived and biomimetic sensing interfaces. In this context, odorant-binding proteins and other biologically derived recognition elements can be engineered as functional sensing layers, combining molecular selectivity, reversibility and room-temperature operation.

Building on this molecular-recognition perspective, advanced nanomaterials can further enhance gas adsorption, surface reactivity and signal transduction. Magnetic nanomaterials offer promising opportunities for the development of high-performance gas-sensing systems, providing tunable physicochemical properties and new possibilities for the design of responsive sensing interfaces.

The transition from advanced sensing materials to reliable real-world monitoring platforms, however, also requires effective system integration and data interpretation. Sensor arrays, temperature-controlled operation and machine-learning approaches can compensate for the limited selectivity and environmental cross-sensitivity of individual sensors, transforming low-cost sensing elements into more robust and actionable monitoring systems.

Following this progression, the webinar will first examine bioinspired materials for volatile chemical sensing, with particular attention to odorant-binding proteins derived from the black soldier fly for the recognition of decomposition-related VOCs. It will then explore magnetic nanomaterials as potential systems for high-performance gas sensing in air-quality monitoring. Finally, it will address data-driven electronic noses combining MOS sensor arrays, temperature modulation and machine learning for indoor and outdoor VOC monitoring under real-world conditions.

By connecting biological recognition, nanomaterial engineering and data-driven system integration, the webinar will provide a multidisciplinary perspective on the development of selective, low-power and deployable sensing technologies for environmental monitoring, organic-waste valorization and air-quality assessment.

Date: 7 July 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m. CEST | 8:30 a.m. EDT | 8:30 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 897 9593 1423
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/Biomedicines-26

Register now for free!

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Please register as the session will be recorded, and we will inform you when the recording is available for viewing.

Webinar Chair:

• Dr. Antonella Macagnano, National Research Council—Institute for Atmospheric Pollution Research, Italy.

Invited Speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Krishna Persaud, The University of Manchester, UK
• Topic: “Bioinspired Materials for Volatile Chemical Sensing”
• Dr. Daniel Matatagui Cruz, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
• Topic: “Magnetic Nanomaterials as Potential Systems for High-Performance Gas Sensors in Air Quality Monitoring”
• Dr. Donatella Puglisi, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
• Topic: “Data-Driven Electronic Noses for Real-World VOC Monitoring”

Relevant Special Issue:
“Hybrid and Functional Nanomaterials for Next-Generation Air Quality Monitoring”
Guest Editor: Dr. Antonella Macagnano
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026

For more information about this webinar, please visit the following website: https://sciforum.net/event/Nanomaterials-31?subscribe.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact nanomaterials@mdpi.com.

Nanomaterials Webinar Secretariat

Conference: The 52nd International Conference on Micro and Nano Engineering
Date: 21–24 September 2026
Location: Xi’an, China
Booth No.: 41

MDPI will be attending the 52nd International Conference on Micro and Nano Engineering (MNE 2026) as an exhibitor. The conference will be held from 21 to 24 September 2026. We welcome researchers from different backgrounds to visit and share their latest ideas with us.

MNE is a major annual international conference, devoted to micro and nano engineering, held in a European country every September. The conference brings together engineers and scientists from across the world to discuss recent progress and future trends in the fabrication, manufacturing, operation and application of micro and nano-structures and devices. Applications in electronics, magnetics, photonics, electromechanics, environment and life sciences are also discussed. MNE 2026 will be the 52nd conference in a series that was started in Cambridge in 1975 and which was held most recently in Turin (2021), Leuven (2022), Berlin (2023),  Montpellier (2024) and Southampton (2025). In September 2026, MNE will take place in Interlaken, Switzerland – an idyllic lakeside town nestled between the lakes of Thun and Brienz and framed by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the infamous Bernese Alps. It is estimated that the conference will attract 600-700 participants.

The following open access journals will be represented:

• Micromachines;
• Sensors;
• Micro;
• Nanomanufacturing;
• Nanoenergy Advances;
• Biomimetics;
• Metrology;
• Applied Nano;
• JETA;
• JMMP;
• Hardware;
• Nanomaterials;
• Actuators;
• Electronics;
• Microelectronics.

If you are planning to attend this conference, please do not hesitate to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://mne2026.imnes.org/.

The production and application of nanomaterials is a continuously expanding topic with relevance in fields such as electronics, mechatronics, and space crafts as well as medicine, drug production and delivery, gene therapy, etc. All these novelties require follow-up in terms of methods for safety assessments related to human and environmental health. Moreover, these methods can be utilized as highly effective predictive tools based on the concept of “safe by design”.

The saftest and least expensive strategy is to prevent negative effects, because once harm is done, analysis is required, which is extremely expensive. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help scientists couple modeling and simulations with practical in-field or in-lab safety assessments.

Date: 13 July 2026
Time: 3:00 p.m. CEST
Webinar ID: 813 9173 0136
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/Nanomaterials-29?subscribe

Register now for free!

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email outlining how to join this webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway, and we will let you know when the recording is available to watch.

Webinar Chair and Speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Nelson Marmiroli, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Italy;
• Prof. Dr. Nelson Marmiroli, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Italy;
• Prof. Dr. Maria Pilar Vinardell, Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Barcelona, Spain;
• Prof. Dr. Jason C. White, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, USA.

Relevant Special Issue:
“Nanobiotechnology in Biology and Medicine”
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Nelson Marmiroli and Dr. Luca Pagano
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026

The following collection features 10 selected papers on surface functionalization and the interface engineering of nanomaterials, which were recently published in Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). They cover recent advancements in interface engineering, surface engineering, surface functionalization, and self-assembly, such as surface chemistry regulation, adsorption phenomena, thin film fabrication, surfactant-assisted assembly, and interfacial self-organization. The following papers will be of particular interest to you:

1. “Surface Functionalization of Nanocarriers with Anti-EGFR Ligands for Cancer Active Targeting”
by Alessandra Spada and Sandrine Gerber-Lemaire
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(3), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15030158
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/3/158

2. “Advancements in Ti₃C₂ MXene-Integrated Various Metal Hydrides for Hydrogen Energy Storage: A Review”
by Adem Sreedhar and Jin-Seo Noh
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(9), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15090673
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/9/673

3. “Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Modern Science and Technology: Multifunctional Roles in Healthcare, Environmental Remediation, and Industry”
by Veeranjaneya Reddy Lebaka, Perugu Ravi, Madhava C. Reddy, Chandrasekhar Thummala and Tapas Kumar Mandal
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(10), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15100754
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/10/754

4. “Scaling Amphiphilicity with Janus Nanoparticles: A New Frontier in Nanomaterials and Interface Science”
by Mirela Honciuc and Andrei Honciuc
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(14), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15141079
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/14/1079

5. “Advancements in Antimicrobial Surface Coatings Using Metal/Metaloxide Nanoparticles, Antibiotics, and Phytochemicals”
by Preetha Ebenezer, S. P. S. N. Buddhika Sampath Kumara, S. W. M. A. Ishantha Senevirathne, Laura J. Bray, Phurpa Wangchuk, Asha Mathew and Prasad K. D. V. Yarlagadda
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(13), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15131023
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/13/1023 

6. “Electrical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes: From Individual to Assemblies”
by Yuxin Xiang, Lili Zhang and Chang Liu
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(15), 1165; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15151165
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/15/1165

7. “Coating Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Associated Composites on Electrodes, Thin Film Polymeric Materials, and Glass Surfaces”
by Md Zahidul Hasan, Tyeaba Tasnim Dipti, Liu Liu, Caixia Wan, Li Feng and Zhongyu Yang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(15), 1187; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15151187
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/15/1187

8. “High-Performance Hydrogen Sensing at Room Temperature via Nb-Doped Titanium Oxide Thin Films Fabricated by Micro-Arc Oxidation”
by Chilou Zhou, Zhiqiu Ye, Yue Tan, Zhenghua Wu, Xinyi Guo, Yinglin Bai, Xuying Xie, Zilong Wu, Ji’an Feng, Yao Xu et al.
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(2), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15020124
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/2/124

9. “Reliable Atom Probe Tomography of Cu Nanoparticles Through Tailored Encapsulation by an Electrodeposited Film”
by Aydan Çiçek, Florian Knabl, Maximilian Schiester, Helene Waldl, Lidija D. Rafailović, Michael Tkadletz and Christian Mitterer
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15010043
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/1/43

10. “Formation of Wrinkled Nanostructures via Surface–Bulk Curing Disparity in Ethyl Cyanoacrylate: Toward Superhydrophobic Surface Applications”
by Changwoo Lee, Heon-Ju Choi, Kyungeun Jeong, Kyungjun Lee and Handong Cho
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15010012
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/1/12

In this Behind the Paper interview, we speak with Prof. John H. T. Luong, an Editorial Board Member of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991) and the author of a recent review published in the journal. Drawing on his perspective as both an author and Editorial Board Member, Prof. Luong shares his views on the motivation behind the review, the role of rare-earth oxides (REOs) as biofilm-modulating materials, the benchmark status of cerium oxide, and future directions for mechanism-guided antibiofilm material design.

About the Paper:
“Biofilm Control with Rare-Earth Oxides: A Mechanistic Framework for Next-Generation Antibiofilm Materials”
by John H. T. Luong
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(5), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16050302

About the Author:
John H. T. Luong was a Principal (Distinguished) Scientist at the National Research Council of Canada and has held senior academic appointments internationally, including Professor and Division Head of Biomedical Engineering at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and Invited Professor at Zhengzhou University, China under the Thousand Talents Program. He has also served as a Walton Fellow at University College Cork, Ireland and as a Visiting Professor at the National University of Singapore/Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Material, Bar-Ilan University, Israel, Institut d'Electronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie, Université de Lille, France, and the Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India. He has published 447 papers, 4 books and 8 US patents.

The following is an interview with Prof. Luong:

1. What motivated you to prepare this review, and why is the topic timely now?

Biofilms remain one of the most persistent challenges in medicine and wound care, yet most antimicrobial strategies still rely on conventional bactericidal approaches that perform poorly against matrix-protected communities. Rare-earth oxides (REOs) have emerged as intriguing candidates because they interact with biofilms in fundamentally different ways, modulating the matrix and microenvironment rather than simply killing planktonic cells. The field has grown rapidly but in a fragmented manner, with studies scattered across materials science, microbiology, and catalysis.

Our motivation was to consolidate these findings into a mechanistic framework that clarifies how REOs function and how they can be rationally engineered. Given the rising urgency of antimicrobial resistance and the need for non-antibiotic strategies, this topic is particularly timely.

2. REOs as biofilm-modulating platforms vs. bactericidal agents—what does this mean?

Most antimicrobials are evaluated based on their ability to kill free-floating bacteria, but biofilms behave very differently. Their resilience stems from the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix, which acts as a physical and chemical shield. REOs do not rely primarily on killing; instead, they alter the biofilm microenvironment—destabilizing EPS, binding extracellular DNA, modulating redox balance, and interfering with quorum-sensing (QS) signals. These actions weaken the structural and communication networks that biofilms depend on, making them more permeable and more susceptible to host defenses or antibiotics. This distinction is important because it shifts the design philosophy from “stronger killing” to “smarter disruption,” which is more aligned with how biofilms actually function.

3. Why is cerium oxide (CeO₂) the benchmark material?

Cerium oxide stands out because of its unique redox cycling between Ce³⁺ and Ce⁴⁺, which enables dynamic scavenging or generation of reactive oxygen species depending on the local environment. This adaptability allows CeO₂ to modulate oxidative stress within biofilms in a controlled manner. Its surface oxygen vacancies also promote strong interactions with EPS components, particularly eDNA and polysaccharides. In addition, CeO₂ nanoparticles are synthetically versatile, allowing precise control over size, shape, doping, and surface chemistry. Compared with other REOs, ceria (CeO₂) has the most extensive biological literature, giving it a clearer mechanistic foundation. These combined features make CeO₂ the natural reference point for evaluating other REO systems.

4. Which matrix-level mechanisms are most important for future design?

While all four mechanisms—EPS destabilization, eDNA binding, redox modulation, and QS interference—are all relevant, EPS and eDNA interactions are likely the most impactful for future material design. These components form the structural backbone of biofilms and targeting them directly weakens the entire community regardless of species composition or resistance profile.

• Redox modulation is also promising, especially for chronic infections where oxidative imbalance plays a role in persistence.
• QS interference is mechanistically elegant but more context-dependent.

Overall, materials that combine matrix disruption with controlled redox activity offer the most predictable and broadly applicable antibiofilm performance.

5. What are the main knowledge gaps for non-ceria REOs?

Non-ceria REOs such as samarium, lanthanum, praseodymium, and neodymium oxides remain underexplored, largely because their biological properties are less well characterized, and their synthesis is less standardized. Key gaps include: (i) insufficient mechanistic studies linking their surface chemistry to biofilm responses; (ii) limited understanding of how their redox behavior compares with ceria; and (iii) a lack of systematic comparisons across REOs under identical experimental conditions. Another challenge is that many studies focus on planktonic assays, which do not capture the matrix-level interactions that define REO performance. Addressing these gaps will require coordinated efforts across materials science and microbiology.

6. Which design principle is most critical for predictable REO development?

The most critical design principle is controlling surface chemistry and defect structure, particularly oxygen vacancies and REO valence states. These features govern redox activity, ligand binding, and interactions with EPS components. Without precise control, REO behavior becomes highly variable and difficult to predict. Standardizing synthesis, doping strategies, and surface functionalization will allow researchers to tune REO properties intentionally rather than empirically. A second key principle is integrating REOs into hybrid or composite platforms—such as hydrogels, coatings, or polymer matrices—where their activity can be spatially controlled and synergistically combined with other mechanisms.

7. Which application area is closest to translation?

Chronic wound care is the application area closest to practical translation. REO-based materials align well with the needs of wound environments: they modulate oxidative stress, disrupt biofilm matrices, and can be incorporated into dressings, hydrogels, or sprayable formulations. Several preclinical studies already demonstrate improved healing outcomes when REOs are combined with standard wound therapies. Implant protection is also promising but requires more extensive biocompatibility and long-term stability data. Adjunctive antibiotic strategies are conceptually strong but need clearer regulatory pathways. For now, wound care offers the most direct route to clinical implementation.

8. How do you see Nanomaterials supporting interdisciplinary work in this field?

Nanomaterials is uniquely positioned to bridge materials science, microbiology, biology, and biomedical engineering because it attracts submissions from all four communities. The journal can play a leading role by encouraging mechanistic studies that go beyond simple antimicrobial assays and by promoting standardized characterization of nanomaterial–biofilm interactions. I would particularly welcome submissions that integrate advanced materials design with biological validation, including in situ imaging, omics-based analyses, and clinically relevant models. As the field moves toward multifunctional and adaptive materials, Nanomaterials can serve as a platform where interdisciplinary teams showcase innovations that are both scientifically rigorous and translationally meaningful.

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. James C. L. Chow has been appointed Associate Editor of the Section “Biology and Medicines” in Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991). With an extensive background in scientific research and publishing, he will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role.

Prof. Dr. James C. L. Chow is a professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and cross-appointed professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto, Canada. He is also a medical physicist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a clinician scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Research Institute. His research focuses on nanotechnology, nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy, nanotheranostics, nanodosimetry, medical imaging, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging technologies for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Prof. Dr. Chow has published extensively in the fields of medical physics, nanomedicine, radiation oncology, and biomedical engineering. He is a fellow of the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine, the Institute of Physics, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology, as well as a senior member of IEEE. His interdisciplinary research bridges materials science, physics, medicine, and artificial intelligence to advance precision healthcare and improve patient outcomes.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. James C. L. Chow, who shared his vision for the journal with us, as well as his views on the research area:

1. What motivated you to assume the role of Section Associate Editor for this journal?
Nanomaterials has established itself as a leading journal in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. My research career has focused extensively on the biomedical applications of nanomaterials, particularly nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy, nanotheranostics, and nanomedicine. Serving as Section Associate Editor provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to the scientific community by helping to identify and promote innovative, high-quality research that advances the translation of nanomaterials into clinical and healthcare applications. I am also motivated by the opportunity to support authors, reviewers, and readers in maintaining rigorous scientific standards and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

2. How do you envision the evolution of this research field in the coming years?
I believe the field will continue to move toward highly integrated and personalized approaches that combine nanomaterials, artificial intelligence, molecular imaging, and precision medicine. Future nanomaterials will be increasingly multifunctional, enabling simultaneous diagnosis, therapy, and treatment monitoring. Advances in computational modeling, machine learning, and quantum technologies may also accelerate the design and optimization of novel nanomaterials. In cancer therapy, nanotechnology is expected to play a critical role in improving treatment efficacy while reducing toxicity, ultimately supporting more personalized and effective patient care.

3. What are your thoughts on the progress of the open access model within the publishing realm?
The open access model has significantly enhanced the accessibility and dissemination of scientific knowledge. By removing subscription barriers, it allows researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and the public to access the latest findings more rapidly and equitably. Open access has also facilitated greater international collaboration and visibility for research. While challenges remain regarding publication costs and maintaining high-quality peer review, I believe the continued development of transparent editorial processes and rigorous standards will strengthen the sustainability and impact of open access publishing.

4. What advice or principles would you offer to young scholars aiming to pursue similar research paths with a focus on excellence?
I encourage young researchers to cultivate strong foundations in both fundamental science and interdisciplinary collaboration. The most impactful advances often occur at the intersection of multiple disciplines. Curiosity, persistence, scientific integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning are essential. Researchers should focus not only on publishing results but also on addressing meaningful scientific and clinical challenges. Developing strong communication skills, engaging with international collaborators, and embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence will also help young scholars make significant contributions to the field.

5. What was it like to serve as an Associate Editor for the “Biology and Medicines” Section? What are your expectations and goals in this role?
Serving as an Associate Editor is both a privilege and a responsibility. It provides a unique perspective on emerging trends, scientific rigor, and the evolving needs of the research community. My goal is to help maintain the highest standards of peer review while fostering an inclusive and constructive editorial environment. I hope to support the publication of innovative research that advances the understanding and application of nanomaterials in biology and medicine. I also look forward to promoting interdisciplinary work that bridges materials science, biomedical engineering, oncology, artificial intelligence, and translational medicine to address important healthcare challenges.