Biomass-Based Functional Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Application

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 6132

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
Interests: lignin nanoparticles; nanocellulose; lignin molecular simulation; green chemistry; biomass-based nanocarriers
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, titled "Biomass-Based Functional Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Application", delves into a rapidly growing field that merges the power of renewable resources with cutting-edge nanotechnology. The exploration of these materials represents a significant leap forward in developing sustainable and high-performance solutions for the future. Biomedicine, environmental remediation, energy storage, and structural materials are just a few of the diverse fields poised to benefit from this exciting area.

This approach leverages readily available biomass—such as plants, wood, or algae—as a source material for the creation of nanostructures. This renewable resource offers a clear advantage over traditional methods that rely on limited or environmentally damaging resources. By harnessing biomass and employing various synthesis techniques, scientists can create nanomaterials with a vast array of functionalities. These functionalities can range from enhanced electrical conductivity for energy applications to biocompatibility for drug delivery in the medical field.

Furthermore, biomass-based nanomaterials often boast biodegradability and lower toxicity compared to certain traditional nanomaterials. This translates to a reduced environmental footprint throughout the material's lifecycle.

The scope of this Special Issue encompasses various research areas including nanotechnology, materials science, chemistry, and engineering. Key focuses involve the synthesis and characterization of these nanomaterials, as well as exploring their application potential in diverse fields.

We encourage submissions that explore all aspects of this exciting research area.

Dr. Liheng Chen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • biomass
  • nanocellulose
  • lignin nanoparticles
  • nanocomposites
  • sustainable materials
  • materials science
  • biomedicine
  • environmental remediation
  • energy storage

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 6692 KiB  
Article
Solvent-Induced Lignin Conformation Changes Affect Synthesis and Antibacterial Performance of Silver Nanoparticle
by Dan Li and Liheng Chen
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(11), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14110957 - 30 May 2024
Viewed by 1280
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates the development of novel, sustainable, and biocompatible antibacterial agents. This study addresses cytotoxicity and environmental concerns associated with traditional silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by exploring lignin, a readily available and renewable biopolymer, as a platform for AgNPs. We [...] Read more.
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates the development of novel, sustainable, and biocompatible antibacterial agents. This study addresses cytotoxicity and environmental concerns associated with traditional silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by exploring lignin, a readily available and renewable biopolymer, as a platform for AgNPs. We present a novel one-pot synthesis method for lignin-based AgNPs (AgNPs@AL) nanocomposites, achieving rapid synthesis within 5 min. This method utilizes various organic solvents, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to a wide range of lignin-dissolving systems. Characterization reveals uniform AgNP size distribution and morphology influenced by the chosen solvent. This adaptability suggests the potential for incorporating lignin-loaded antibacterial drugs alongside AgNPs, enabling combined therapy in a single nanocomposite. Antibacterial assays demonstrate exceptional efficacy against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with gamma-valerolactone (GVL)-assisted synthesized AgNPs exhibiting the most potent effect. Mechanistic studies suggest a combination of factors contributes to the antibacterial activity, including direct membrane damage caused by AgNPs and sustained silver ion release, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. This work presents a straightforward, adaptable, and rapid approach for synthesizing biocompatible AgNPs@AL nanocomposites with outstanding antibacterial activity. These findings offer a promising and sustainable alternative to traditional antibiotics, contributing to the fight against antibiotic resistance while minimizing environmental impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass-Based Functional Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Application)
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Review

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41 pages, 3621 KiB  
Review
Chitosan and Its Nanoparticles: A Multifaceted Approach to Antibacterial Applications
by Emir Akdaşçi, Hatice Duman, Furkan Eker, Mikhael Bechelany and Sercan Karav
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15020126 - 16 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2164
Abstract
Chitosan, a multifaceted amino polysaccharide biopolymer derived from chitin, has extensive antibacterial efficacy against diverse pathogenic microorganisms, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, in addition to fungi. Over the course of the last several decades, chitosan nanoparticles (NPs), which are polymeric and bio-based, [...] Read more.
Chitosan, a multifaceted amino polysaccharide biopolymer derived from chitin, has extensive antibacterial efficacy against diverse pathogenic microorganisms, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, in addition to fungi. Over the course of the last several decades, chitosan nanoparticles (NPs), which are polymeric and bio-based, have garnered a great deal of interest as efficient antibacterial agents. This is mostly due to the fact that they are used in a wide variety of applications, including medical treatments, food, chemicals, and agricultural products. Within the context of the antibacterial mechanism of chitosan and chitosan NPs, we present a review that provides an overview of the synthesis methods, including novel procedures, and compiles the applications that have been developed in the field of biomedicine. These applications include wound healing, drug delivery, dental treatment, water purification, agriculture, and food preservation. In addition to this, we focus on the mechanisms of action and the factors that determine the antibacterial activity of chitosan and its derivatives. In conjunction with this line of inquiry, researchers are strongly urged to concentrate their efforts on developing novel and ground-breaking applications of chitosan NPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass-Based Functional Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Application)
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18 pages, 1105 KiB  
Review
Biochar in the Remediation of Organic Pollutants in Water: A Review of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon and Pesticide Removal
by Jelena Beljin, Nina Đukanović, Jasmina Anojčić, Tajana Simetić, Tamara Apostolović, Sanja Mutić and Snežana Maletić
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15010026 - 27 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2164
Abstract
This review explores biochar’s potential as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for remediating organic pollutants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides, in water. Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass pyrolysis, has demonstrated adsorption efficiencies exceeding 90% under optimal conditions, depending on [...] Read more.
This review explores biochar’s potential as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for remediating organic pollutants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides, in water. Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass pyrolysis, has demonstrated adsorption efficiencies exceeding 90% under optimal conditions, depending on the feedstock type, pyrolysis temperature, and functionalization. High surface area (up to 1500 m2/g), porosity, and modifiable surface functional groups make biochar effective in adsorbing a wide range of contaminants, including toxic metals, organic pollutants, and nutrients. Recent advancements in biochar production, such as chemical activation and post-treatment modifications, have enhanced adsorption capacities, with engineered biochar achieving superior performance in treating industrial, municipal, and agricultural effluents. However, scaling up biochar applications from laboratory research to field-scale wastewater treatment poses significant challenges. These include inconsistencies in adsorption performance under variable environmental conditions, the high cost of large-scale biochar production, logistical challenges in handling and deploying biochar at scale, and the need for integration with existing treatment systems. Such challenges impact the practical implementation of biochar-based remediation technologies, requiring further investigation into cost-effective production methods, long-term performance assessments, and field-level optimization strategies. This review underscores the importance of addressing these barriers and highlights biochar’s potential to offer a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economically viable solution for large-scale wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass-Based Functional Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Application)
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