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Nanomaterials
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Nanostructured Materials for Biological and Pharmaceutical Applications (Third Edition)
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Nanostructured Materials for Biological and Pharmaceutical Applications (Third Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2026 | Viewed by 7388

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Zili Sideratou

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Guest Editor
Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR Demokritos, 15310 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
Interests: multifunctional liposomes; functional dendritic polymers; drug delivery; hybrid carbon-based nanomaterials; multifunctional coatings; antibacterial nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanotechnology is an emerging field that involves the manipulation of matter at the nanometer scale, resulting in a new class of materials with enhanced properties for a wide range of applications. In terms of terminology, nanotechnology is defined as the science and engineering concerned with the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of materials and devices with at least one dimension at the nanometer scale. Currently, nanomedicine—which focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases using nanoscale tools—and biomedical engineering are among the most promising and challenging fields in the application of nanostructured materials. Nanostructured materials—including inorganic or organic, crystalline or amorphous forms, and supramolecular structures such as micelles, liposomes, polymersomes, dendrimers, cyclodextrins, polymeric, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, lipid and polymeric nanocapsules, carbon nanostructures, quantum dots, and others—have been widely used in biological and pharmaceutical applications due to their excellent structural properties and their ability to be functionalized with specific ligands. These features allow for controllable size and shape, enhanced targetability, high loading capacity, and controlled release of drugs and other bioactive molecules. Although various types of nanostructured materials have been developed and proposed for biological applications, only a limited number have received approval, primarily due to challenges related to biocompatibility, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo targeting efficacy. Therefore, there is still significant room for improvement, particularly in addressing issues such as cytotoxicity, immunogenicity, and limited biocompatibility more extensively.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight recent advances in all aspects relevant to the design, synthesis, and characterization of nanostructured materials, for intended applications such as drug and gene delivery systems, stimulus-responsive therapeutics, bioimaging agents, bioanalytical diagnostics, theranostics, tissue engineering scaffolds and devices, and antibacterial agents, among possible others. This Special Issue of Nanomaterials will collate original high-quality research papers focused on the most recent advances and comprehensive reviews addressing state-of-the-art topics in the field of various nanostructured materials for biological and pharmaceutical applications.

Dr. Zili Sideratou
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. 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

  • nanostructured materials
  • drug and gene delivery systems
  • stimuli-responsive therapeutics
  • bioimaging agents
  • bio-analytical diagnostics
  • theranostics
  • antibacterial/antimicrobial/antiviral agents
  • drug targeting
  • triggered drug release

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 2844 KB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Citrus sinensis Leaves: Effects of Experimental Parameters, Antimicrobial Evaluation and Development of Chitosan Composites
by Jordana Bortoluz, Axel J. P. Jacquot, Lucas C. Colissi, Paula Sartori, Lílian V. R. Beltrami, Régis Guégan, Giovanna Machado, Mariana Roesch-Ely, Janaina S. Crespo and Marcelo Giovanela
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(6), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16060369 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 844
Abstract
Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) have received considerable attention because of their wide range of applications, particularly in the development of antimicrobial materials for medical, environmental, and industrial purposes. However, conventional synthesis routes often involve the use of toxic chemicals and environmentally harmful conditions. [...] Read more.
Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) have received considerable attention because of their wide range of applications, particularly in the development of antimicrobial materials for medical, environmental, and industrial purposes. However, conventional synthesis routes often involve the use of toxic chemicals and environmentally harmful conditions. To overcome these limitations, green synthesis strategies have been developed as sustainable alternatives through the use of natural reducing and stabilizing agents. In this study, Citrus sinensis leaf extract, which exhibits high antioxidant capacity, was investigated for green synthesis of CuONPs, followed by their subsequent incorporation into a chitosan polymeric matrix. The optimal synthesis conditions were achieved at a pH of 7.0 using copper(II) acetate monohydrate (Cu(CH3COO)2·H2O) at a concentration of 10.0 g L−1 and a calcination temperature of 300 °C. The resulting CuONPs exhibited a heterogeneous morphology, with average particle sizes ranging from 20 to 30 nm, and demonstrated satisfactory antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The incorporation of these NPs into chitosan yielded composite materials with enhanced antimicrobial performance, highlighting the added value of polymer–NP hybrid systems. Although these composite materials were not evaluated under realistic operational conditions, the optimized green protocol provides a robust methodological basis for future studies targeting water disinfection and other environmentally relevant technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biological and Pharmaceutical Applications (Third Edition))
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35 pages, 16280 KB  
Article
Engineering Mesoporous Silica Hosts for Ultrasmall ZnO Nanoparticles: A Dendritic Polymer-Assisted Strategy Towards Sustainable, Safe, and Effective Antibacterial Systems
by Aggeliki Papavasiliou, Kyriaki Marina Lyra, Elias Sakellis, Albany Milena Lozano Násner, Jose Gallego, Fotios K. Katsaros and Zili Sideratou
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(22), 1697; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15221697 - 9 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1265
Abstract
In response to the urgent need for sustainable antibacterial solutions against antibiotic-resistant pathogens, this study presents a facile dendritic polymer-assisted approach for synthesizing highly active ZnO/mesoporous silica nanocomposites (SBA-15, SBA-16, KIT-6, MSU-X). Two hyperbranched polymers—polyethyleneimine (PEI) and carboxy-methylated polyethyleneimine (Trilon-P, TrP)—were employed as [...] Read more.
In response to the urgent need for sustainable antibacterial solutions against antibiotic-resistant pathogens, this study presents a facile dendritic polymer-assisted approach for synthesizing highly active ZnO/mesoporous silica nanocomposites (SBA-15, SBA-16, KIT-6, MSU-X). Two hyperbranched polymers—polyethyleneimine (PEI) and carboxy-methylated polyethyleneimine (Trilon-P, TrP)—were employed as templating and metal-trapping agents. The influence of pore geometry, polymer functionality, and polymer-loading method (wet or dry impregnation) on ZnO nanoparticle (NP) formation was systematically examined. All nanocomposites exhibited high structural homogeneity, incorporating ultrasmall or amorphous ZnO NPs (1–10 nm) even at 8 wt.% Zn loading. Zn uptake was strongly dependent on polymer end groups, while the spatial distribution of ZnO NPs was dictated by the silica host structure. Antibacterial assays against Staphylococcus aureus revealed remarkable activity, particularly for ZnO/SBA-15_PEI, ZnO/SBA-16_PEI, and ZnO/MSU-X_TrP nanocomposites, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1–2.5 μg mL−1 Zn and over 90% mammalian cell viability. Life Cycle Assessment identified energy use as the main environmental factor, with ZnO/SBA-15_PEI_WI displaying the lowest impact. Overall, the interplay between silica pore architecture, polymer type, and impregnation method governs ZnO accessibility and bioactivity, establishing a versatile strategy for designing next-generation ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites with tunable antibacterial efficacy and minimal cytotoxic and environmental footprint. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biological and Pharmaceutical Applications (Third Edition))
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16 pages, 8894 KB  
Article
Internalization of Lipid-Coated Gold Nanocomposites and Gold Nanoparticles by Mouse SC-1 Fibroblasts in Monolayer and Spheroids
by Julia E. Poletaeva, Boris P. Chelobanov, Anna V. Epanchintseva, Anastasiya V. Tupitsyna, Ilya S. Dovydenko and Elena I. Ryabchikova
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(18), 1419; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15181419 - 15 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 951
Abstract
In this study, we have established that unique composite particles (MLNCs) carried siRNA on a gold core and were covered with a lipid shell. MLNCs successfully delivered siRNa into cells in the presence of serum. We developed the photofixation method, allowing us to [...] Read more.
In this study, we have established that unique composite particles (MLNCs) carried siRNA on a gold core and were covered with a lipid shell. MLNCs successfully delivered siRNa into cells in the presence of serum. We developed the photofixation method, allowing us to obtain MLNCs bearing a fixed protein corona. To understand the mechanisms of the influence that the protein corona has on the interaction of particles with cells, it is necessary to study the interaction of “naked” MLNCs with cells. This study aimed to examine the pathways of MLNC penetration into SC-1 fibroblasts used to confirm the efficacy of siRNA delivery. We studied fibroblasts in monolayer and spheroid form, and citrate AuNPs were used as a comparison particle. The same particles served as cores for MLNCs. The obtained results showed active penetration by clathrin-mediated endocytosis of “naked” MLNCs into SC-1 fibroblasts, regardless of the form of cultivation. AuNPs penetrated into monolayer fibroblasts by macropinocytosis and into spheroids by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The penetration depth into the spheroids was about 40 μm for both types of particles (spheroid size was 350–400 μm). The particles migrated through the intercellular spaces, passing through intercellular contacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biological and Pharmaceutical Applications (Third Edition))
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20 pages, 4902 KB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of ZrO2 and MgO Nanoparticles Biosynthesized from Unripe Solanum trilobatum Fruits: Insights from In Vitro and In Silico Studies
by Kumaresan Rathika, Periyanayagam Arockia Doss, John Rose Arul Hency Sheela, Velayutham Gurunathan, K. J. Senthil Kumar, Chidambaram Sathishkumar, Vediyappan Thirumal and Jinho Kim
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(17), 1372; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15171372 - 5 Sep 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1292
Abstract
Herbs offer people not just sustenance and housing but also serve as a key supplier of pharmaceuticals. This research is designed to assess the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of green-produced zirconium dioxide and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2 and MgO NPs) utilizing extracts [...] Read more.
Herbs offer people not just sustenance and housing but also serve as a key supplier of pharmaceuticals. This research is designed to assess the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of green-produced zirconium dioxide and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2 and MgO NPs) utilizing extracts from unripe Solanum trilobatum fruit. ZrO2 and MgO NPs have garnered considerable interest owing to their superior bioavailability, lower toxicity, and many uses across the healthcare and commercial industries. Scientific approaches, such as diverse spectroscopic and microscopic approaches, validated the creation of agglomerated spherical ZrO2 and MgO NPs, measuring between 15 and 30 and 60 and 80 nm, with a mixed-phase composition consisting of monoclinic and tetragonal phases for ZrO2 and a face-centered cubic structure for MgO NPs. UV–vis studies revealed a distinct peak at 378 and 290 nm for ZrO2 and MgO NPs, suggesting efficient settling through the phytonutrients in S. trilobatum. The antioxidant capacity of ZrO2 and MgO NPs was evaluated utilizing DPPH and FRAP reducing power assays. The diabetic effectiveness of ZrO2 and MgO NPs was examined by alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase assays. The optimum doses of 500 and 1000 μg/mL were shown to be efficient in reducing radical species. Green-produced ZrO2 and MgO NPs exhibited a dose-dependent reaction, with greater amounts of ZrO2 and MgO NPs exerting a more pronounced inhibitory effect on the catalytic sites of enzymes. This work suggests that ZrO2 and MgO NPs may attach to charge-carrying entities and function as rival inhibitors, therefore decelerating the enzyme–substrate reaction and inhibiting enzymatic degradation. Molecular docking analysis of ZrO2 and MgO NPs with three proteins (2F6D, 2QV4, and 3MNG) implicated in antidiabetic and antioxidant studies demonstrated the interaction of ZrO2 and MgO NPs with the target proteins. The results indicated the in vitro effectiveness of phytosynthesized ZrO2 and MgO NPs as antidiabetic antioxidant agents, which may be used in the formulation of alternative treatment strategies against diabetes and oxidative stress. In summary, the green production of ZrO2 and MgO NPs with Solanum trilobatum unripe fruit extract is an efficient, environmentally sustainable process that yields nanomaterials with significant antioxidant and antidiabetic characteristics, underscoring their prospective uses in biomedical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biological and Pharmaceutical Applications (Third Edition))
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Review

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33 pages, 3281 KB  
Review
Engineered MoS2 Nanoplatforms for Drug-Enhanced Cancer Phototherapy: From Design Strategies to Translational Opportunities
by Catarina Tavares, Maria Carolina Dias, Bruno Freitas, Fernão D. Magalhães and Artur M. Pinto
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(8), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16080445 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 744
Abstract
Cancer remains a major global health challenge, and the limitations of conventional therapies have intensified interest in treatment strategies that combine improved selectivity with reduced systemic toxicity. Photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy have emerged as minimally invasive approaches capable of achieving spatiotemporally controlled [...] Read more.
Cancer remains a major global health challenge, and the limitations of conventional therapies have intensified interest in treatment strategies that combine improved selectivity with reduced systemic toxicity. Photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy have emerged as minimally invasive approaches capable of achieving spatiotemporally controlled tumour ablation. In this context, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a transition metal dichalcogenide with strong near-infrared absorption, high photothermal conversion efficiency, and versatile surface chemistry, has gained increasing attention as a multifunctional platform for drug delivery and light-triggered cancer therapy. This review examines recent advances in engineered MoS2 nanoplatforms for drug-enhanced cancer phototherapy, with emphasis on how surface design and therapeutic cargoes mechanistically amplify light-triggered tumour killing. Approaches such as polymer coatings, biomimetic membranes, targeting ligands, chemotherapeutic agents, nucleic acids, and photosensitisers have been explored to improve colloidal stability, tumour targeting, immune evasion, and stimulus-responsive drug release, while also adding complementary cytotoxic pathways such as chemotherapy, ROS generation, or gene silencing. Available in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that these systems generally exhibit favourable short-term biocompatibility under the tested conditions and can produce significant antitumour effects following irradiation. The review also discusses key biological barriers and translational challenges, including biodistribution, long-term safety, reproducibility, and regulatory considerations, highlighting opportunities for the development of clinically viable MoS2-based phototherapeutic platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biological and Pharmaceutical Applications (Third Edition))
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53 pages, 3485 KB  
Review
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 - 27 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1535
Abstract
Nanomedicine changes our lives by impacting diagnostics and therapeutics. In the biomedical domain, core–shell nanostructures have significant potential for photothermal therapy, diagnostics, sensing, drug delivery, and imaging. This work reviews the synergistic photothermal and photochemical effects of core–shell nanocomposites in the biomedical field. [...] Read more.
Nanomedicine changes our lives by impacting diagnostics and therapeutics. In the biomedical domain, core–shell nanostructures have significant potential for photothermal therapy, diagnostics, sensing, drug delivery, and imaging. This work reviews the synergistic photothermal and photochemical effects of core–shell nanocomposites in the biomedical field. Several historical points in the development of nanostructures and fundamental core–shell plasmonic nanocomposites are provided in the introductory sections. Further, we analyzed the core–shell construction and its main biomedical applications: antimicrobial, cancer therapy, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. Moreover, we present relevant design considerations, performance optimization, and toxicity studies focused on synergistic photothermal–photochemical effects. Despite the promising biomedical research, several challenges remain before core–shell nanocomposites are widely translated into clinical settings and highlight the potential from technological and legal perspectives. The review concludes by outlining the pathways by which the synergistic photothermal–photochemical response of the core–shell nanocomposites plays a key role in nanomedicine and personalized medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Biological and Pharmaceutical Applications (Third Edition))
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