Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
10.3
4.8
Journals
Nanomaterials
Special Issues
Polymer-Based Nanomaterials for Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Environmental Applications—New Trends, Benefits...
nanomaterials-logo
Submit to Nanomaterials Review for Nanomaterials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Polymer-Based Nanomaterials for Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Environmental Applications—New Trends, Benefits and Future Opportunities

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 10715

Editors

Dr. Joanna Rydz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
Interests: (bio)degradable polyester; ecomaterial; polylactide; polyhydroxyalkanoate; three-dimensional printing; environmental impact; prediction study; compostability; biodegradability; weathering test
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marta Musioł

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
Interests: biodegradable or/and compostable polymers; biocomposites; (bio)degradation; composting
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Barbara Zawidlak-Węgrzyńska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, Academy of Silesia, 40-555 Katowice, Poland
Interests: biomaterials; biocompatibility of polymer systems; (bio)degradable and synthetic polymers in medical applications; degradation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural or synthetic polymer-based nanomaterials offer a versatile platform with unique properties that make them promising candidates for various applications, especially in the fields of biomedicine and environmental science. The ability to tailor their properties, such as specific surface area, flexibility, high biological safety and, depending on the polymer, tailored (bio)degradation, allows for precise design and customization for specific functions, including drug delivery, imaging, and environmental remediation. These materials have opened up new possibilities for advanced technologies that can address complex challenges in healthcare and environmental sustainability.

This Special Issue focuses to present the wide field and the utilization of polymer-based nanomaterials for pharmaceutical, biomedical and environmental applications. We encourage authors to contribute original research articles and review articles covering the recent progress on polymer-based nanomaterials to present the potential of these materials in the above-mentioned fields.

Dr. Joanna Rydz
Dr. Marta Musioł
Dr. Barbara Zawidlak-Węgrzyńska
Guest Editors

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). 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

  • polymer-based nanomaterials
  • nanoparticles
  • biodegradation
  • pharmacy
  • biomedicine
  • environment
  • cyrcular economy

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.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research

3 pages, 148 KB  
Editorial
Polymer-Based Nanomaterials for Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Environmental Applications—New Trends, Benefits and Future Opportunities
by Joanna Rydz, Marta Musioł and Barbara Zawidlak-Węgrzyńska
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(14), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16140846 - 10 Jul 2026
Viewed by 425
Abstract
Natural or synthetic polymer-based nanomaterials offer a versatile platform with unique properties that make them promising candidates for various applications, especially in the fields of biomedicine and environmental science [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanomaterials for Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Environmental Applications—New Trends, Benefits and Future Opportunities)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

13 pages, 2217 KB  
Article
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 - 3 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 669
Abstract
The widespread and exponentially increasing use of polymer-based commodities is, nowadays, a basically intrinsic element of contemporary life as well as a substantial environmental concern. Moreover, it has led to significant adverse consequences especially when recovery and recycling are unsatisfactory, conditions favoring the [...] Read more.
The widespread and exponentially increasing use of polymer-based commodities is, nowadays, a basically intrinsic element of contemporary life as well as a substantial environmental concern. Moreover, it has led to significant adverse consequences especially when recovery and recycling are unsatisfactory, conditions favoring the formation of microplastics and nanoplastics with significant consequences on aquatic systems, soil, atmosphere, as well as biota and human health. Although the topic is undergoing massive investigation and research, there is less data about the behavior of multiphase polymer systems, especially as far as nanocomposites are concerned. In this paper, we simulated the two main generation mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastics (photo-oxidation and mechanical fragmentation) of a polypropylene/clay nanocomposite and systematically characterized the amount and size distribution of the obtained microplastics. It was found that the presence of this nanoclay can lead to reduced microplastic generation, due to mitigation of the photo-oxidation processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanomaterials for Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Environmental Applications—New Trends, Benefits and Future Opportunities)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2827 KB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of PVDF/PVPylated-TiO2 Composite Membrane with Enhanced Antifouling Performance
by Jie Zhang, Shiying Bo, Chunhua Wang, Qiancheng Xiong, Bingqiong Tan, Zicong Jian, Feiyan Xie, Jianpeng Li, Zicheng Xiao and Guocong Liu
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(2), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16020104 - 13 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 716
Abstract
Hydrophilic modification of polymeric membranes by employing TiO2 nanoparticles has attracted much attention in enhancing antifouling performance. Micelles of PVPylated-TiO2 nanoparticles were designed to alleviate the agglomeration of TiO2 nanoparticles via steric hindrance and electrostatic stabilization effect. Herein, Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) [...] Read more.
Hydrophilic modification of polymeric membranes by employing TiO2 nanoparticles has attracted much attention in enhancing antifouling performance. Micelles of PVPylated-TiO2 nanoparticles were designed to alleviate the agglomeration of TiO2 nanoparticles via steric hindrance and electrostatic stabilization effect. Herein, Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) was used as a surfactant to mitigate the thorny agglomeration of nanoparticles in the casting solution and simultaneously as a pore-forming additive during the membrane preparation process. The lowest backscattering (BS) peak and turbiscan stability index (TSI) of the composite casting solution indicated the effective dispersion and stabilization under the steric interaction of 4 wt.% PVP. Properties such as the fully developed finger-like structure of cross-sectional morphologies, water permeability, negative Zeta potential, and hydrophilicity were enhanced evidently by the optimal modification of PVPylated-TiO2 materials. High interaction energy indicated by classic extended Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (XDLVO) theory as well as the high relative flux during the filtration of various model foulants demonstrated the effective antifouling modification. The results of critical flux and fouling rate in 30 min also verified the enhancement of the antifouling performance of PVDF/PVPylated-TiO2 composite membrane. This work provides a feasible strategy to construct composite membranes with high antifouling performance for wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanomaterials for Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Environmental Applications—New Trends, Benefits and Future Opportunities)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 10277 KB  
Article
Comparative Study of Free and Encapsulated Hypocrellin B on Photophysical-Chemical Properties, Cellular Uptake, Subcellular Distribution, and Phototoxicity
by Weiyan Kang, Feng Zhao, Jixing Cheng, Kaijie Feng, Liang Yan, Yue You, Jinxia Li and Jing Meng
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(12), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15120889 - 9 Jun 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1945
Abstract
The present study compared the free and encapsulated photosensitizer hypocrellin B (HB) in terms of photophysical-chemical properties, cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, and phototoxicity. The hydrophobic HB was encapsulated into liposomes (HB@Lipo) or poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (HB@PLGA). Encapsulation into nanocarriers exerted [...] Read more.
The present study compared the free and encapsulated photosensitizer hypocrellin B (HB) in terms of photophysical-chemical properties, cellular uptake, subcellular distribution, and phototoxicity. The hydrophobic HB was encapsulated into liposomes (HB@Lipo) or poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (HB@PLGA). Encapsulation into nanocarriers exerted no obvious influence on the photophysical-chemical properties of HB, including UV-visible absorbance, fluorescence spectra, singlet oxygen (1O2) production capacity, and photostability. Free and encapsulated HB revealed some disparities in cellular uptake and subcellular localization patterns. In 2D-cultured B16 cells and tumor spheroids, free HB exhibited the fastest cellular uptake, while HB@PLGA had the lowest, as evidenced. Subcellular localization analysis first revealed a significant colocalization of free HB, HB@Lipo, and HB@PLGA within lipid droplets, with minimal colocalization in mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. Unlike free HB and HB@Lipo, HB@PLGA exhibited strong lysosomal colocalization, indicating a unique intracellular trafficking pathway for PLGA-encapsulated HB. Upon laser irradiation, both free and encapsulated HB induced pronounced phototoxicity with substantial ROS production, confirming the robust PDT effect of HB. The photodynamic killing effect correlated with the intracellular HB content. These findings highlighted the impact of nanoformulation on HB’s cellular behavior and therapeutic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanomaterials for Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Environmental Applications—New Trends, Benefits and Future Opportunities)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 4442 KB  
Article
Controllable Preparation of Low-Cost Coal Gangue-Based SAPO-5 Molecular Sieve and Its Adsorption Performance for Heavy Metal Ions
by Le Kang, Boyang Xu, Pengfei Li, Kai Wang, Jie Chen, Huiling Du, Qianqian Liu, Li Zhang and Xiaoqing Lian
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(5), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15050366 - 27 Feb 2025
Cited by 58 | Viewed by 2903
Abstract
With the advancement of industrial production and urban modernization, pollution from heavy metal ions and the accumulation of solid waste have become critical global environmental challenges. Establishing an effective recycling system for solid waste and removing heavy metals from wastewater is essential. Coal [...] Read more.
With the advancement of industrial production and urban modernization, pollution from heavy metal ions and the accumulation of solid waste have become critical global environmental challenges. Establishing an effective recycling system for solid waste and removing heavy metals from wastewater is essential. Coal gangue was used in this study as the primary material for the synthesis of a fully coal gangue-based phosphorus-silicon-aluminum (SAPO-5) molecular sieve through a hydrothermal process. The SAPO-5 molecular sieve was characterized through several methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET surface analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), to examine its mineral phases, microstructure, pore characteristics, and material structure. Adsorption performance towards wastewater with Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions was investigated. It was found that the adsorption processes of these ions are well described by both the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir isotherm. According to the Langmuir model, the coal gangue-based SAPO-5 molecular sieve exhibited maximum adsorption capacities of 93.63 mg·g−1 for Cd2+ and 157.73 mg·g−1 for Pb2+. After five cycles, the SAPO-5 molecular sieve retained strong stability in adsorbing Cd2+ and Pb2+, with residual adsorption capacities of 77.03 mg·g−1 for Cd2+ and 138.21 mg·g−1 for Pb2+. The excellent adsorption performance of the fully solid waste coal gangue-based SAPO-5 molecular sieve is mainly attributed to its mesoporous channel effects, the complexation of -OH functional groups, and electrostatic attraction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanomaterials for Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Environmental Applications—New Trends, Benefits and Future Opportunities)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2547 KB  
Article
Novel Bis(4-aminophenoxy) Benzene-Based Aramid Copolymers with Enhanced Solution Processability
by Wonseong Song, Amol M. Jadhav, Yeonhae Ryu, Soojin Kim, Jaemin Im, Yujeong Jeong, Vanessa, Youngjin Kim, Yerin Sung, Yuri Kim and Hyun Ho Choi
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(20), 1632; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14201632 - 11 Oct 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2498
Abstract
Aramid copolymers have garnered significant interest due to their potential applications in extreme environments such as the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. Recent developments in aramid copolymers have moved beyond their traditional use in high-strength, high-temperature resistant fibers. There is now a demand [...] Read more.
Aramid copolymers have garnered significant interest due to their potential applications in extreme environments such as the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. Recent developments in aramid copolymers have moved beyond their traditional use in high-strength, high-temperature resistant fibers. There is now a demand for new polymers that can easily be processed into thin films for applications such as electrical insulation films and membranes, utilizing the inherent properties of aramid copolymers. In this work, we demonstrate two novel aramid copolymers that are capable of polymerizing in polar organic solvents with a high degree of polymerization, achieved by incorporating flexible bis(4-aminophenoxy) benzene moieties into the chain backbone. The synthesized MBAB-aramid and PBAB-aramid have enabled the fabrication of exceptionally thin, clear films, with an average molecular weight exceeding 150 kDa and a thickness ranging from 3 to 10 μm. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveal that the thin films of MBAB-aramid and PBAB-aramid exhibited glass transition temperatures of 270.1 °C and 292.7 °C, respectively, and thermal decomposition temperatures of 449.6 °C and 465.5 °C, respectively. The mechanical tensile analysis of the 5 μm thick films confirmed that the tensile strengths, with elongation at break, are 107.1 MPa (50.7%) for MBAB-aramid and 113.5 MPa (58.4%) for PBAB-aramid, respectively. The thermal and mechanical properties consistently differ between the two polymers, which is attributed to variations in the linearity of the polymer structures and the resulting differences in the density of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and pi-pi interactions. The resulting high-strength, ultra-thin aramid materials offer numerous potential applications in thin films, membranes, and functional coatings across various industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanomaterials for Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Environmental Applications—New Trends, Benefits and Future Opportunities)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop