Announcements

In this Behind the Paper interview, we speak with Ms. Xingchen Wang, first author of a recent article published in Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991). Ms. Wang shares her perspective on the motivation behind the study, the design of the nanoparticle platform, the role of MMP-responsive drug release, and potential next steps for dual-imaging-guided cancer nanomedicine.

About the Paper:
“Biocompatible Gadolinium Oxide Nanoparticles Incorporated Doxorubicin Enables Magnetic Resonance and Photoacoustic Dual Imaging for Cancer Theranostics”
by Xingchen Wang, Yuta Imai, Yu Kimura, Risako Miura, Hirohiko Imai and Teruyuki Kondo
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060343

About the Author:
Ms. Xingchen Wang is a PhD candidate at the Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University. Her doctoral dissertation focuses on the fusion of nanotechnology and cancer theranostics. She specializes in the development of highly biocompatible gelatin-coated Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles for target drug delivery and dual modality imaging. She uses enzyme-responsive nanomaterials to bridge the gap between accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. She has successfully designed and developed several nanoparticle systems that utilize tumor-specific microenvironments for controlled drug release. She hopes to contribute to research on nanoparticles in engineering and further their application to medical and clinical contexts.

The following is an interview with Ms. Wang:

1. Could you briefly introduce the background of this study and explain what inspired your team to develop this gadolinium oxide nanoparticle platform for cancer theranostics?

Our team has years of research enhancing the capabilities of MRI contrast agents. Through the development of Gd nanomaterials, we have accumulated a wide range of experience, including Gd dendrimers and Gd₂O₃ nanoparticles. The novelty of the nano-system is that the control of size enables the ability to increase the contrast of MRI images, in vivo biological distribution dynamics, and tumor passive accumulation. Under such a background, we aimed to expand their role beyond the diagnosis of Gd nanomaterials to integrated cancer theranostics

By developing a multifunctional nano-particle platform that combines dual MRI/photoacoustic imaging and enzyme-response drug supply, we aimed to realize more accurate tumor visualization along with selective therapeutic activation in the tumor microenvironment.

2. What do you consider the main novelty of this work compared with previous gadolinium-based theranostic nanoparticles and dual MRI/photoacoustic imaging probes?

The key feature of our platform is the integration of drug release and dual MRI/photoacoustic imaging in response to tumor microenvironments. MRI provides the entire body with anatomical information about deep tissues, while photoacoustic imaging provides high spatial/temporal resolution of the specific body. By combining these modalities, our platform enables much more reliable and accurate tumor detection than using either modality alone. Furthermore, the nanoparticles are passively accumulated in the tumor through a tumor-specific EPR effect, and the gelatin on the surface of the nanoparticles is hydrolyzed by MMP-2/9 enzyme activity and anti-cancer drugs are released.

3. Your study uses MMP-responsive degradation of succinylated PEG-gelatin to trigger doxorubicin release. Could you explain why this enzyme-responsive mechanism is advantageous for selective tumor therapy?

The major advantage of our MMP-compatible design is that drug release in the tumor microenvironment is selective. MMP-2 and MMP-9 are highly secreted in various invasive solid tumors but only show extremely low activity in normal tissues. This biological differentiation allows the autonomous release of preferential anti-cancer agents to the tumor site, significantly reducing the toxicity to normal tissues. As a result, it is possible to minimize the side effects of anti-cancer drugs on normal cells.

Another significant advantage is that this mechanism continues to support visualization capabilities in MR/PA dual imaging. In vivo experiments demonstrated that tumor reduction could be tracked using these two imaging modalities, a result that would be beneficial for optimizing treatment.

4. What was the main challenge in preparing or evaluating the SPG–DOX–Gd nanoparticles, and how did your team address it?

The main challenge was to attain both sufficient stability in the physiological environment and efficient responsiveness in the tumor site. If the nanoparticle structure is too unstable, drug leaks occur before they accumulate in the tumor. Conversely, if the structure is overly stable, the drug release at the tumor site becomes inefficient. To cope with this problem, the composition and chemical modification of the gelatin shell were carefully optimized. Accordingly, the optimization process of selecting surface coatings that respond to tumor-related MMP enzymes has succeeded in establishing a nanoparticle system that efficiently releases the drug only at the tumor site, while maintaining stability under physiological conditions.

5. Could you share what made Nanomaterials a suitable venue for this work, and how you found the journal’s editorial communication, peer-review, and publication process?

We decided to submit our research because our research content was fully consistent with the Special Issue “Nanomaterials in Medicine and Healthcare” of Nanomaterials. In other words, the development of theranostic probes based on a multifunctional nano-materials platform, as well as the study on dual imaging and drug delivery, conforms to the scope of the studies covered by this journal. The peer review process was very professional, and the peer reviewers provided valuable suggestions and were able to have sufficient scientific discussions. As a result, they helped to significantly improve the quality of our manuscript. Consequently, we appreciate that our research results were shared with the scientific community in a timely manner.

We are pleased to announce that Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991) has expanded its social media presence with the launch of its official Bluesky account: https://bsky.app/profile/nanomaterialsmdpi.bsky.social.

In addition to our existing LinkedIn, X, and Facebook accounts, the new Bluesky account will provide another channel for sharing journal updates, Special Issue information, and research highlights across nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Nanomaterials publishes peer-reviewed, open access research on nanomaterials, including their synthesis, characterization, properties, modeling, and applications in areas such as energy, catalysis, photonics, electronics, sensing, environmental science, and biomedicine. Through our social media channels, we aim to help readers follow recent developments in the field and stay informed about journal activities.

We welcome researchers, authors, reviewers, editors, and readers interested in nanomaterials research to follow our Bluesky account and share it with colleagues who may find it useful.

Nanomaterials Editorial Office

We are pleased to share a selection of papers published in Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991) in Q1 2026 that have attracted high readership to date. This collection is based on objective article view data and highlights topics that have drawn attention from readers across different areas of nanomaterials research. The selected articles cover a broad range of subjects, including materials synthesis, surface and interface engineering, sensing, energy storage, photonic devices, environmental applications, and biomedical nanomaterials.

1. “Identifying Key Factors Affecting mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticles Drug Product Formulation Stability”
by Alireza Nomani, Aishwarya Saraswat, Heather Brown, Jimmy Chun-Tien Kuo, Huu Thuy Trang Duong, Jikang Wu, Yu Zhang, Yue Fu, Youmi Moon, Shafiq Wahidi et al.
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040268

2. “Advances in Porous Silicon Materials for Sensing, Energy Storage, and Microelectronics”
by Yujie Wang and Donghua Wang
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040257

3. “Sustainable Carbon Nanomaterials from Biomass Precursors: Green Synthesis Strategies and Environmental Applications”
by Ernesto Almaraz-Vega, Aislinn Itzel Morales-Vargas, Guillermo Gómez Delgado, Laura Castellanos-Arteaga, Ofelia Iñiguez Gómez and Claudia Cecilia Flores Salcedo
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16010075

4. “Compact, Energy-Efficient, High-Speed Electro-Optic Microring Modulator Based on Graphene-TMD 2D Materials”
by Jair A. de Carvalho, Daniel M. Neves, Vinicius V. Peruzzi, Anderson L. Sanches, Antonio Jurado-Navas, Thiago Raddo, Shyqyri Haxha and Jose C. Nascimento
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(3), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16030167

5. “Scanning-Based Dynamic Mask Projection for Ultrafast Laser Ablation of Thin Films”
by Jonas Amann, Markus Kircher, Andreas Otto, Balint Istvan Hajas, Alexander Kirnbauer, Justas Baltrukonis and Roland Fürbacher
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040262

6. “Nanomaterial-Enabled Modulation of Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Dendritic Cells to Enhance Cancer Immunotherapy”
by Anbu Mozhi Thamizhchelvan, Kory Wells, Jacob Pham, Ashan Galhena and Woojin Kim
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(3), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16030172

7. “Innovative Trinuclear Copper(I)-Based Metal–Organic Framework: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in Laser-Induced Graphene Supercapacitors”
by Hiba Toumia, Yu Kyoung Ryu, Habiba Zrida, Alicia De Andrés, María Belén Gómez-Mancebo, Natalia Brea Núñez, Fernando Borlaf, Ayoub Haj Said and Javier Martinez
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(3), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16030155

8. “Miniaturized High-Speed FBG Interrogator Based on a Photonic AWG Chip”
by Yunjing Jiao, Kun Yao, Qijing Lin, Jiaqi Du, Yueqi Zhao, Kaichen Ye, Bin Sun and Zhuangde Jiang
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(2), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16020089

9. “Core–Shell Plasmonic Nanocomposites with Synergistic Photothermal and Photochemical Activity for Biomedical Applications”
by Anca Roibu, Florina Silvia Iliescu, Ana-Maria Zamfirescu, Elena Radu, Laura-Elena Andrei, Amarachi Rosemary Osi, Georgeta-Luminița Gheorghiu, Cornel Cobianu and Ciprian Iliescu
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(3), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16030174

10. “Recent Advances and Challenges of Textile-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Smart Healthcare and Sports Applications”
by Lijun Chen, Jie Wu, Ke Xu, Yuanyuan Zhang and Chaoyu Chen
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(2), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16020141

The following collection features 10 selected papers on advanced nanosensors for environmental monitoring, which were recently published in Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991). They cover recent advancements in nanomaterial-based sensing strategies for the detection of PFAS, heavy metal ions, and hazardous gases, as well as the design of electrochemical, fluorescent, and chemoresistive sensor platforms for water and air monitoring. Taken together, they reflect ongoing efforts to improve the sensitivity, selectivity, and practical applicability of nanosensors for tracking environmental pollutants and supporting more effective monitoring of water and atmospheric quality. The following papers will be of particular interest to you:

1. “An MIP-Based PFAS Sensor Exploiting Nanolayers on Plastic Optical Fibers for Ultra-Wide and Ultra-Low Detection Ranges—A Case Study of PFAS Detection in River Water”
by Rosalba Pitruzzella, Alessandro Chiodi, Riccardo Rovida, Francesco Arcadio, Giovanni Porto, Simone Moretti, Gianfranco Brambilla, Luigi Zeni and Nunzio Cennamo
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(21), 1764; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14211764
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/21/1764

2. “Rapid and Ultrasensitive Short-Chain PFAS (GenX) Detection in Water via Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy with a Hierarchical Nanofibrous Substrate”
by Ali K. Ismail, Shobha Mantripragada, Renzun Zhao, Sherine O. Obare and Lifeng Zhang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(9), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15090655
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/9/655

3. “Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanomaterials-Based Electrochemical Sensing Interfaces for Monitoring Heavy Metal Ions in Aqueous Environments”
by Cheng Yin, Yao Liu, Tingting Hu and Xing Chen
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(7), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15070564
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/7/564

4. “Rational Design of a Portable Chemometric-Assisted Voltammetric Sensor Based on Ion-Imprinted Polymeric Film for Co(II) Determination in Water”
by Sabrina Di Masi, Nelson Arturo Manrique Rodriguez, Marco Costa, Giuseppe Egidio De Benedetto and Cosimino Malitesta
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(6), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14060536
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/6/536

5. “Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of N, S Co-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots for Fluorescent Sensing of Fe(III) and Hydroquinone in Water and Cell Imaging”
by Zhaochuan Yu, Chao Deng, Wenhui Ma, Yuqian Liu, Chao Liu, Tingwei Zhang and Huining Xiao
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(22), 1827; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14221827
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/22/1827

6. “Recent Advances in Chemoresistive Gas Sensors Using Two-Dimensional Materials”
by Jae-Kwon Ko, In-Hyeok Park, Kootak Hong and Ki Chang Kwon
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1397; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171397
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/17/1397

7. “Highly Sensitive and Selective SnO₂-Gr Sensor Photoactivated for Detection of Low NO₂ Concentrations at Room Temperature”
by Isabel Sayago, Carlos Sánchez-Vicente and José Pedro Santos
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14241994
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/24/1994

8. “Hierarchical Heterojunctions of Metal Sulfide WS₂ Nanosheets/Metal Oxide In₂O₃ Nanofibers for an Efficient Detection of Formaldehyde”
by Lei Zhu, Jiaxin Zhang, Jianan Wang, Jianwei Liu and Wei Yan
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(21), 1702; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14211702
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/21/1702

9. “Sub-ppb H₂S Sensing with Screen-Printed Porous ZnO/SnO₂ Nanocomposite”
by Mehdi Akbari-Saatlu, Masoumeh Heidari, Claes Mattsson, Renyun Zhang and Göran Thungström
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(21), 1725; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14211725
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/21/1725

10. “Oxygenated VOC Detection Using SnO₂ Nanoparticles with Uniformly Dispersed Bi₂O₃”
by Haoyue Yang, Koichi Suematsu, Felipe Hiroshi Mashiba, Ken Watanabe and Kengo Shimanoe
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2032; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242032
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/14/24/2032 

The Editorial Office of Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991) is pleased to announce an open call for applications for the position of Section Editor-in-Chief for the journal Section “Nanofabrication and Nanomanufacturing”.

We are seeking an outstanding researcher with a strong scientific background in nanoprocessing approaches, including various top-down, bottom-up, and hybrid nanofabrication approaches, covering patterning, etching, deposition, and nanoscale structural modulation. The ideal candidate should demonstrate enthusiasm for editorial leadership, support MDPI’s mission and values, and actively promote open access publishing.

Previous editorial experience—such as editing Special Issues or Topical Collections, or serving as a Reviewer or Editorial Board Member—will be considered an advantage.

Responsibilities of the Section Editor-in-Chief:

The selected candidate will play a key role in overseeing the growth and scientific development of the section and its Editorial Board. The initial appointment term will be two years and includes the following responsibilities:

• Acting as an ambassador for Nanomaterials, MDPI, and open access publishing;
• Making scientific decisions regarding the scope and direction of the Section;
• Inviting distinguished scientists to join the Editorial Board;
• Suggesting and supporting topics for Special Issues;
• Providing guidance and support to Editorial Board Members and editorial staff where required;
• Maintaining oversight of the editorial process for manuscripts submitted to the Section, including making final publication decisions following peer review and revisions;
• Upholding MDPI’s peer review standards and publication ethics guidelines.

Benefits of the position:

The Section Editor-in-Chief will be eligible for the following:

• An annual honorarium;
• Travel grants for international conferences;
• The opportunity to publish 1 paper per year free of charge in Nanomaterials;
• The ability to invite high-quality papers at a discount.

This position is open to experts in related aspects of nanofabrication and nanomanufacturing and will remain open until the journal formally announces the Section Editor-in-Chief online. To apply for this position, recommend potential candidates, or request further information, please contact the Nanomaterials Editorial Office.

Application process:

Researchers interested in applying are invited to submit the following materials to the Editorial Office at nanomaterials@mdpi.com:

• A current CV;
• A brief vision statement outlining their ideas and plans for the future development of the “Nanofabrication and Nanomanufacturing” Section and the journal.

For additional information regarding the position, please feel free to contact the Editorial Office.

The Editorial Office, in collaboration with the Editorial Board, will carefully review all applications and contact shortlisted candidates directly.

Effective visual representation clarifies research methodology and results. A clear graphical abstract allows readers to easily understand a study’s main points. To support our authors in preparing these materials, we have curated a list of 10 highly cited papers from Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991), published in 2024, with well-structured graphical abstracts. These selections illustrate the integration of impactful research with standard visual communication.

1. “Enhanced Adsorption of Methylene Blue Dye on Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes”
by Ludovica Ceroni, Stefania Benazzato, Samuel Pressi, Laura Calvillo, Ester Marotta and Enzo Menna
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(6), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14060522

2. “Strontium and Zinc Co-Doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles for Potential Use in Bone Tissue Engineering Applications”
by Parichart Naruphontjirakul, Meng Li and Aldo R. Boccaccini
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(7), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14070575

3. “Synthesis, Characterization, and Ecotoxicology Assessment of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by In Vivo Models”
by Ileska M. Casiano-Muñiz, Melissa I. Ortiz-Román, Génesis Lorenzana-Vázquez and Félix R. Román-Velázquez
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(3), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14030255

4. “Microwave-Responsive Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Enhanced In Vitro Controlled Release of Doxorubicin”
by Syeda Fiza Fatima, Rana Sabouni, Ghaleb Husseini, Vinod Paul, Hassan Gomaa and Remya Radha
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131081

5. “Pain-Free Alpha-Synuclein Detection by Low-Cost Hierarchical Nanowire Based Electrode”
by Gisella M. Di Mari, Mario Scuderi, Giuseppe Lanza, Maria Grazia Salluzzo, Michele Salemi, Filippo Caraci, Elena Bruno, Vincenzina Strano, Salvo Mirabella and Antonino Scandurra
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(2), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14020170

6. “Metal–Organic Frameworks for Overcoming the Blood–Brain Barrier in the Treatment of Brain Diseases: A Review”
by Hafezeh Nabipour and Sohrab Rohani
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171379

7. “Poly(Allylamine Hydrochloride) and ZnO Nanohybrid Coating for the Development of Hydrophobic, Antibacterial, and Biocompatible Textiles”
by Nives Matijaković Mlinarić, Barbara Wawrzaszek, Klaudia Kowalska, Atiđa Selmani, Aleksander Učakar, Janja Vidmar, Monika Kušter, Nigel Van de Velde, Polonca Trebše, Andrijana Sever Škapin et al.
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(7), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14070570

8. “Simultaneous Detection of Carbon Quantum Dots as Tracers for Interwell Connectivity Evaluation in a Pattern with Two Injection Wells”
by Stephania Rosales, Karol Zapata, Farid B. Cortes, Benjamín Rojano, Carlos Diaz, Carlos Cortes, David Jaramillo, Adriana Vasquez, Diego Ramirez and Camilo A. Franco
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(9), 789; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14090789

9. “Sensors Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers in the Field of Cancer Biomarker Detection: A Review”
by Camila Quezada, S. Shiva Samhitha, Alexis Salas, Adrián Ges, Luis F. Barraza, María Carmen Blanco-López, Francisco Solís-Pomar, Eduardo Pérez-Tijerina, Carlos Medina and Manuel Meléndrez
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(16), 1361; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14161361

10. “Graphene Oxide (GO)-Based Bioink with Enhanced 3D Printability and Mechanical Properties for Tissue Engineering Applications”
by Katarzyna Kosowska, Paulina Korycka, Kamila Jankowska-Snopkiewicz, Joanna Gierałtowska, Milena Czajka, Katarzyna Florys-Jankowska, Magdalena Dec, Agnieszka Romanik-Chruścielewska, Maciej Małecki, Kinga Westphal et al.
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(9), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14090760

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Nanomaterials 2025 Most Popular Cover Selection. Each winner will receive CHF 100 and a certificate. The winners are listed below, in no particular order.

	“Nanocomposites for Multifunctional Sensors: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Exploration” by Antonio del Bosque, Georgios Lampropoulos and Diego Vergara Nanomaterials 2025, 15(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15010034 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/1/34
	“Progress in Nanofluid Technology: From Conventional to Green Nanofluids for Biomedical, Heat Transfer, and Machining Applications” by Beatriz D. Cardoso, Glauco Nobrega Andrews Souza, Inês S. Afonso, Lucas B. Neves, Carlos Faria, João Ribeiro and Rui A. Lima Nanomaterials 2025, 15(16), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15161242 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/16/1242
	“Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles Functionalized with a Cardio-Specific Peptide” by Federica Mancini, Lorenzo Degli Esposti, Alessio Adamiano, Jessica Modica, Daniele Catalucci, Dora Mehn, Otmar Geiss and Michele Iafisco Nanomaterials 2025, 15(2), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15020094 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/2/94
	“Will Quantum Topology Redesign Semiconductor Technology?” by Giuseppina Simone Nanomaterials 2025, 15(9), 671; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15090671 Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/9/671

We are thrilled to share the updated Exceptional Reviewers List 2026. This program was established to recognize and honor scholars who have consistently delivered exceptional review reports to our journal. Committed to fostering rigorous research and promoting knowledge exchange, Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991) acknowledges the vital role our reviewers play in maintaining the quality and integrity of the articles we publish. According to surveys conducted in 2025, 93% of our authors rated the peer review process as good or excellent, reflecting the strength and effectiveness of our reviewer community.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the reviewers who have generously volunteered their time and expertise to assist in Nanomaterials’ peer-review process. Their dedication and attention to detail in evaluating manuscripts, offering valuable feedback, and contributing to academic rigor are truly commendable.

The Exceptional Reviewers List was introduced in April 2024. Each quarter, we will select a group of outstanding reviewers and introduce them here.

Q1
Name: Dr. Marcin Szalkowski
Affiliation: Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
Interests: plasmonics; nanotechnology; luminescence; optics; lanthanides

Name: Dr. Zina Vuluga
Affiliation: National Institute for Research and Development in Chemistry and Petrochemistry—ICECHIM, 060021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: polymer composites and nanocomposites; inorganic-organic hybrid; nanomechanical characterization; plastic materials processing; compatibilization; polymer-inorganic interface

Name: Prof. Dr. Larry Forbes
Affiliation: Department of Mathematics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, G.P.O. Box 37, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia
Interests: electronic and magnetic properties of condensed matter; superconductivity; microfluidics and nanofluidics; medical physics

The following collection features 10 selected papers on agricultural nanotechnology and soil remediation, recently published in Nanomaterials (ISSN: 2079-4991). These papers cover recent work on nanopesticides, nanocarriers, nanofertilizers, plant–nanomaterial interactions, and nanomaterial-based strategies for the remediation of contaminated soils. Together, they reflect ongoing efforts to support crop production, reduce environmental impact, and improve soil management through the design and application of functional nanomaterials. We believe the following papers will be of particular interest to you:

1. “Nanocarrier-Based Eco-Friendly RNA Pesticides for Sustainable Management of Plant Pathogens and Pests”
by Heng Qiao, Jingyi Chen, Min Dong, Jie Shen and Shuo Yan
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(23), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14231874

2. “pH and Pectinase Dual-Responsive Zinc Oxide Core-Shell Nanopesticide: Efficient Control of Sclerotinia Disease and Reduction of Environmental Risks”
by Qiongmei Mai, Yu Lu, Qianyu Cai, Jianglong Hu, Yunyou Lv, Yonglan Yang, Liqiang Wang, Yuezhao Zhou and Jie Liu
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(24), 2022; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14242022

3. “Surface Polyphenol Coordination Drives Efficient Foliar Deposition of Pesticide Nanocarriers”
by Manli Yu, Bo Cui, Lidong Cao, Qiliang Huang, Junwei Yao and Zhanghua Zeng
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(23), 1775; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15231775

4. “Transport of Nanoparticles into Plants and Their Detection Methods”
by Anca Awal Sembada and I. Wuled Lenggoro
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(2), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14020131

5. “Iron–Integrated Nitrogen–Rich Nanocarriers Boost Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation and Growth in Soybean (Glycine max)”
by Taiming Zhang, Weichen Zhao, Muhammed Nadeem, Usama Zaheer and Yukui Rui
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(18), 1453; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15181453

6. “Multi-Batch Consecutive Foliar Spraying Zinc–Carbon Dot Nano-Fertilizer Improving Soil Health for Bok Choy Cultivation Production”
by Mengna Tao, Jiangshan Zhang, Yuying Ren, Dingge Zhang, Bingxu Cheng and Chuanxi Wang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(22), 1714; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15221714

7. “Nano-Biotechnology in Soil Remediation: Use of Nanomaterials to Promote Plant Growth and Stress Tolerance”
by Xunfeng Chen, Shuoqi Wang, Huijuan Lai, Linjing Deng, Qin Zhong, Charles Obinwanne Okoye, Qijian Niu, Yanping Jing, Juncai Wang and Jianxiong Jiang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(22), 1743; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15221743

8. “Green Synthesis of Biochar-Supported Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron Using Tea Polyphenol for Efficient Cadmium Immobilization in Soil”
by Ziyong Jia, Huizi Wang, Shupei Yuan, Weifeng Zhang and Daijun Zhang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(19), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15191460

9. “Dosage of Sulfidized Nano Zero-Valent Iron, Soil Moisture and pH Influences on Fraction of Arsenic and Cadmium in Contaminated Paddy Soil”
by Jiabing Wu, Jianxiong Xie, Hang Wei, Pengran Guo and Zhiliang Chen
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(23), 1768; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15231768

10. “A Mechanistic Approach Toward Enhanced Remediation Potential of Thiacloprid by Zero-Valent Iron/Biochar Supplemented with Organic Acids”
by Lin Pan, Shuai Qu and Longfei Liu
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(8), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15080570