Search Results (410)

Carbon/inorganic hybrid composites have evolved from filler-reinforced materials into design platforms for coupled electromagnetic, thermal, sensing, environmental, protective and energy-related functions. Their distinctive value lies in the possibility of combining a conductive, polarizable or porous carbon phase with an inorganic phase that contributes dielectric, magnetic, catalytic, ionic, thermally conductive or barrier behavior. This review examines carbon/inorganic hybrid multifunctional composites from the viewpoint of structure–property relationships, with emphasis on interfacial design, percolation, anisotropy, hierarchical architecture, processing and metrology. Selected graphitic composite studies are discussed as case studies for broadband dielectric spectroscopy, microwave shielding, high-frequency contact metrology, thermal diffusivity analysis and impedance-monitored graphene filters; these case studies are integrated with the broader international literature on CNT and graphene polymer composites, MXene films and foams, graphene/metal oxide photocatalysts, boron nitride/carbon thermal networks, biochar–graphene adsorbents, smart coatings, sensors, supercapacitors and water remediation systems. The central argument is that credible multifunctionality requires more than measuring several properties on the same material. It requires simultaneous or service-relevant co-optimization under constraints of thickness, density, processability, aging, humidity, corrosive media, regeneration, toxicity, economic feasibility and scalable fabrication. The review concludes with design rules and reporting recommendations intended to help move the field from impressive property demonstrations toward application-ready hybrid material systems. Full article

Benefiting from tunable emission from ultraviolet to near-infrared windows, long luminescence lifetimes, and exceptional photostability, rare earth (RE)-doped nanomaterials overcome the limitations of conventional dyes and quantum dots, enabling deep-tissue, high-resolution, and low-background imaging. As multifunctional fluorescent probes, RE-doped nanomaterials are driving the development of next-generation biomedical imaging. This review summarizes recent advances in the structural design of RE-doped nanomaterials, surface engineering for biocompatibility, and targeting strategies for improved performance, and highlights their integration into advanced imaging modalities, including NIR-I/II fluorescence, FLIM, PAI, super-resolution STED, multimodal FL/MRI/CT, X-ray-excited luminescence, and persistent luminescence. Meanwhile, mechanistic insights, material innovations, and comparative advantages are discussed. Furthermore, challenges related to quantum yield, scalable synthesis, imaging resolution, and clinical translation are considered, while future directions—centered on multifunctional probe design, NIR-II imaging, and AI-assisted data analysis—are proposed, offering a versatile platform for precise multimodal imaging with significant potential to advance early diagnosis, personalized therapy, and clinical applications. Full article

Nanomaterials with multiple enzyme-like activities offer significant opportunity for constructing multifunctional sensing methods. In this work, a hydrangea flower-like cerium dioxide nanomaterial (CeO₂ NF) with both peroxidase (POD)- and hydrolase-like activities, which was surface-modified by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in situ, was prepared through an oil bath method. Based on the POD-like activity of CeO₂ NFs, an “on-off” fluorescence method was established for chiral recognition of arginine (Arg) enantiomers. Meanwhile, utilizing the hydrolase-like activity of CeO₂ NFs and their synergistic interaction with alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an “on-off-on” fluorescence method was developed for the detection of p-nitrophenol (p-NP) and ALP. The sensor demonstrated excellent chiral selectivity for Arg enantiomers, with a high enantiomeric factor (ef) of up to 2.48, allowing for the quantitative detection of L-Arg in the range of 770–940 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 26.00 μM. Furthermore, it exhibited high sensitivity for p-NP and ALP detection, with linear ranges of 10.0–84.3 μM and 300–2000 mU/mL, and LODs of 7.07 μM and 200 mU/mL, respectively. Through an enzyme kinetic analysis, fluorescence lifetime measurement, zeta potential analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the underlying catalytic and chiral recognition mechanisms were proposed. Finally, the method was validated through the accurate detection of L-Arg, p-NP, and ALP in real samples (rabbit plasma, food-grade amino acid, and water samples). Full article

Plenty of nano-antimicrobial materials have been developed successively, aiming to address severe clinical challenges such as wound healing disorders and high postoperative mortality rates caused by drug-resistant bacterial infections. However, their reliance on external stimuli (light, thermal energy, or exogenous H₂O₂ addition) for bactericidal activation severely hampers clinical translation from bench to bedside. Herein, we report an engineered Cu/CeO₂ nanoplatelet (NP) system that functions as a stimulus-independent, time-dependent nano-antibiotic against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), while also exhibiting broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In a skin wound model infected with MRSA, topical application of only 1 μg/mL achieved near-complete wound closure within 10 days. The satisfactory therapeutic effect is concluded: (1) Cu/CeO₂ NPs continuously release Cu²⁺, which damages the integrity of bacterial cell membranes and achieves efficient sterilization. (2) The antioxidant stress capacity, peroxidase, and catalase-like activity effectively alleviate oxidative stress and hypoxia conditions in the infected microenvironment, and synergistically exert multiple biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, promoting collagen deposition and the formation of new blood vessels. This study not only provides a feasible pathway for the clinical application of antibacterial nano-materials, but also offers theoretical support and practical examples for the rational design of multifunctional nano-antibiotics. Full article

Effective wound management remains a critical challenge in modern medicine, requiring a delicate balance among infection control, hemostasis, and tissue regeneration. Biopolymer-based hydrogels have emerged as leading candidates for medical use due to their biocompatibility, moisture-retention capabilities, and structural similarity to the natural ECM. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the transition from passive dressings to intelligent, multifunctional hydrogel scaffolds. We first examine the biological mechanisms of wound healing and the fundamental roles of hydrogels in maintaining an optimal microenvironment. Central to this discussion is the integration of conductive materials (including conductive polymers, carbon-based nanomaterials, and metal nanoparticles), which empower hydrogels with bio-sensing and electromechanical stimulation capabilities. Furthermore, we explore how 3D printing technologies enable the fabrication of personalized, high-precision scaffolds. The review also discusses the emerging role of integrated monitoring systems and machine learning algorithms in enhancing diagnostic accuracy. By synthesizing current research, this review identifies critical engineering hurdles and outlines the future trajectory toward automated, closed-loop wound-care systems in clinical practice. Ultimately, while these advanced electronic scaffolds offer revolutionary therapeutic paradigms, this review underscores that balancing electroconductivity with chronic cytocompatibility, refining multi-modal biosensor calibration, and navigating complex regulatory evaluation pathways remain critical prerequisites. Overcoming these fundamental translational bottlenecks is essential to realizing the next generation of automated clinical wound care. Full article

Cancer and multidrug-resistant microbial infections remain major global health challenges, underscoring the need for multifunctional, biocompatible, and environmentally sustainable therapeutic platforms. Herein, selenium–hyaluronic acid nanoconjugates (Se/HA NPs) were synthesized through an eco-friendly ascorbic acid-mediated reduction approach to improve the bio-functional stability and therapeutic performance of selenium-based nanomaterials. The formation of Se/HA NPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR analysis supported the involvement of ascorbic acid- and hyaluronic acid-associated functional groups in nanoparticle formation and stabilization. TEM revealed well-dispersed, predominantly spherical nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 29.72 to 80.38 nm, while XRD confirmed their crystalline nature with an average crystallite size of 31.2 nm. Biologically, Se/HA NPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis (21 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (24 mm), Escherichia coli (25 mm), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (27 mm), outperforming hyaluronic acid alone and showing activity comparable to standard antibiotics, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 15.62 µg/mL. Notably, Se/HA NPs showed pronounced antifungal activity against Candida albicans, with an inhibition zone of 34 mm and an MIC of 7.8 µg/mL. In MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, Se/HA NPs demonstrated potent cytotoxicity, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 8.36 µg/mL compared with 746.37 µg/mL for hyaluronic acid. Moreover, Se/HA NPs enhanced wound closure to 73.41% and showed strong anti-inflammatory activity, with an IC₅₀ of 5.37 µg/mL, demonstrating multifunctional bioactivity. Full article

Phytochemical-assisted green synthesis of silver nanoparticles offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fabrication routes by utilising plant-derived metabolites as multifunctional reducing, capping, and stabilising agents. Polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and related biomolecules mediate the reduction of Ag⁺ to Ag⁰ under mild conditions while controlling nucleation, growth, and surface stabilisation, thereby dictating nanoparticle size, morphology, and colloidal stability. This review establishes clear links between phytochemical composition and the mechanistic pathways governing nanoparticle formation and biofunctional performance. Variations in extract chemistry influence electron transfer dynamics, surface functionalisation, and physicochemical properties, ultimately modulating biological activity. Enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant effects arise from synergistic interactions between the silver core and phytochemical capping layers, promoting membrane disruption, reactive oxygen species generation, and biomolecular interference. Despite promising applications in antimicrobial coatings, food preservation, agriculture, and anticancer systems, key challenges remain, including compositional variability, limited mechanistic standardisation, and insufficient toxicological evaluation. Nonetheless, phytochemical-assisted synthesis provides a tunable and sustainable platform for AgNP production, aligning nanomaterial design with green chemistry principles while enabling multifunctional bioactivity. By integrating phytochemical composition, mechanistic synthesis pathways, and structure–activity relationships across diverse applications, this review provides a critical framework for the rational design, standardisation, and scalable development of next-generation phytochemical-mediated AgNP systems. Full article

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (CP-AgNPs) using Calotropis procera (CP) offers a sustainable approach to producing multifunctional therapeutic nanomaterials. This study aimed to synthesize CP-AgNPs and evaluate their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer potential, with a focus on Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer cells. CP-AgNPs were prepared by phytochemical reduction using CP leaf extract and characterized by UV–Vis, XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, and Zeta. Antibacterial activity against H. pylori, time-kill kinetics, and SEM imaging of membrane damage were performed. Antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS) and anti-inflammatory assays, together with cytotoxicity studies in AGS cells (DAPI, AO/EtBr, and SEM), were also conducted. CP-AgNPs exhibited an SPR peak at 432 nm, face-centered cubic crystallinity, and spherical morphology (8–32 nm). They showed strong, dose-dependent antibacterial activity against H. pylori, surpassing metronidazole at higher doses. Time-kill assays and SEM confirmed membrane disruption. Antioxidant activity was notable (IC₅₀: 40 µg/mL for DPPH; 60 µg/mL for ABTS). CP-AgNPs demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects and dose-dependent cytotoxicity in AGS cells, inducing apoptosis and morphological alterations. The broad biological activity of CP-AgNPs likely arises from the synergy between silver ions and CP phytochemicals. Their superior antibacterial effects, combined with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, indicate strong therapeutic potential for gastric diseases. Anticancer activity in AGS cells suggests additional biomedical relevance, which may involve ROS-associated and apoptosis-related pathways, as suggested by previous studies. CP-AgNPs represent a promising natural nanoplatform for managing H. pylori infection, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gastric cancer, warranting further mechanistic and in vivo studies. Full article

Bamboo, as a rapidly renewable and sustainable material, has gained increasing attention in the construction, furniture, automotive interiors, and packaging industries due to its excellent mechanical properties, light weight, and environmental friendliness. However, the inherent flammability of bamboo, characterized by its porous structure and high hemicellulose content, poses a significant fire hazard that severely limits its wide application. This review systematically synthesizes recent advances in the fire performance and flame-retardant modification of bamboo-based materials. First, the thermal degradation behavior and combustion mechanisms of bamboo are discussed in relation to its primary chemical constituents, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Subsequently, various flame-retardant strategies are reviewed, including inorganic flame retardants, phosphorus–nitrogen systems, nanomaterial-based additives, and bio-based flame-retardant approaches. The effectiveness of different modification techniques, such as impregnation treatment, adhesive modification, and surface coating, is also analyzed. Future research directions are proposed, emphasizing the development of environmentally friendly flame-retardant systems, multifunctional modification strategies, and the design of high-performance flame-retardant bamboo-based materials. This review aims to provide a comprehensive framework for advancing the fire safety design and sustainable application of bamboo-based materials. Full article

Carbon dots (CDs), including carbon quantum dots (CQDs), are ultra-small carbon-based nanomaterials, typically below 10 nm, with tunable photoluminescence, high aqueous dispersibility, favorable biocompatibility, low toxicity, and abundant surface functional groups. These properties make CDs promising multifunctional platforms for nanomedicine, particularly in bioimaging, biosensing, targeted drug/gene delivery, photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), antimicrobial treatment, and theranostic applications. This review critically examines recent advances in CD fabrication, including top-down, bottom-up, green biomass-derived, microwave-assisted, hydrothermal, and emerging hybrid strategies, with emphasis on how precursor selection, heteroatom doping, surface passivation, and polymer/ligand functionalization regulate optical performance, biological interaction, and therapeutic efficiency. The review discusses structural classification, including CQDs, graphene quantum dots (GQDs), carbon nanodots, and carbonized polymer dots (CPDs), together with major characterization approaches such as ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Particular attention is given to red/near-infrared (NIR) emission, renal clearance, drug-loading behavior, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, toxicity mechanisms, biodistribution, and long-term biosafety. This review also highlights key translational barriers, including batch-to-batch variability, limited standardization, scalable manufacturing, regulatory uncertainty, and incomplete pharmacokinetic evaluation. It considers artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) as emerging tools for reproducible CD design. CDs represent versatile and clinically promising nanoplatforms, but their translation requires standardized synthesis, rigorous safety assessment, and application-specific regulatory validation. Full article

Zeolite-based composite nanomaterials represent a versatile and mechanistically rich platform for the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs)—including pharmaceuticals, endocrine-disrupting compounds, pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—from contaminated water systems. Although pristine zeolite frameworks provide well-defined microporous architectures, tunable Si/Al ratios, and ion-exchange capacity, their intrinsic hydrophilicity restricts interaction diversity and limits performance toward the structurally heterogeneous OMPs prevalent in real aquatic environments. Composite integration with carbonaceous nanophases, functional polymers and surfactants, and catalytically active metal oxide nanoparticles substantially extends this interaction repertoire, yielding multifunctional materials whose adsorption performance exceeds that of the individual components. Drawing on a systematic survey of peer-reviewed literature published between 2016 and 2026, this review develops a mechanism-oriented, structure–property–performance framework examining five dominant adsorption mechanisms—electrostatic attraction, π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic partitioning, and micropore confinement—in relation to composite nanoarchitecture, surface chemistry, and structural parameters. The modulating influence of realistic water matrix conditions on adsorption efficiency is critically assessed, alongside challenges of regeneration, long-term stability, metal leaching, and the persistent gap between laboratory-scale synthesis and scalable deployment. Priority research directions are identified, including standardized performance evaluation under environmentally representative conditions and rational design of hierarchical multifunctional nanocomposites from earth-abundant and waste-derived precursors. Full article

In sensing technologies, a hydrogel sensor with a specific response to stimuli allows for real-time monitoring of mechanical, thermal, and biochemical signals in wearable and implantable devices. This review discusses the latest advances in hydrogel-based sensors published between 2023 and spring 2026 and the design strategies prevalent in these articles, including the use of polymers, nanomaterial reinforcement, incorporation of ionic solvents, and physical or chemical crosslinking. The influence of supramolecular hydrogels on the quality of sensor parameters, including the impact on mechanical resistance, ionic conductivity, adaptation, and self-healing, is examined. In biomedical engineering, hydrogels, thanks to their biomimetic and programmable properties, enable control of wound repair and soft tissue interfaces. The review concludes by outlining the challenges, opportunities, and advances in the chemistry and mechanics of hydrogels, which may ultimately facilitate the development of multifunctional monitoring systems in healthcare. The abundance of information requires systematic, frequent reviews to accelerate the application of innovative solutions in practice. Carbon nanostructures are a key component that ensures the sensor’s electrical conductivity. 3D printing technology has enabled the creation of individually customizable health monitoring devices. The work also highlights the use of nanodots in sensor production. Full article

The development of biocompatible functional nanostructures has emerged as a key driver in advancing nanomedicine, environmental remediation, and sustainable energy technologies. However, conventional synthesis methods often rely on toxic reagents, hazardous solvents, and energy-intensive processes, raising significant concerns regarding environmental impact and biological safety. In this context, green synthesis has gained increasing attention as a sustainable alternative, utilizing biological systems, renewable resources, and environmentally benign solvents to produce functional nanomaterials. This mini-review provides an overview of recent advances in the green synthesis of organic, inorganic, and hybrid nanostructures, highlighting their physicochemical properties and functional performance. Particular emphasis is placed on their applications in nanomedicine, including drug delivery, bioimaging, antimicrobial and anticancer therapies, and theranostic platforms. Additionally, their roles in environmental applications, such as pollutant degradation and water treatment, and in energy-related systems, including catalysis, solar energy conversion, and energy storage, are discussed with selected representative examples. Despite significant progress, key challenges remain, including limited mechanistic understanding, reproducibility issues, scalability constraints, and uncertainties related to long-term toxicity and environmental impact. Addressing these limitations will be essential for the safe and large-scale implementation of green nanotechnology. Overall, the integration of green chemistry principles with advanced nanomaterial design offers a promising pathway toward the development of multifunctional, sustainable, and high-performance nanostructures capable of addressing global health, environmental, and energy challenges. Full article

This study presents a hierarchical conductive-network strategy to overcome the performance trade-off in cement structural supercapacitors (CSSCs). By incorporating one-dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) into Portland cement, we simultaneously enhance its electrochemical and mechanical properties. The approach exploits the complementary roles of the two nanomaterials: CNTs establish a three-dimensional percolation network that facilitates electron transport, while GO promotes formation of a denser calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel and refines the pore structure by complexing with calcium ions, thereby improving ionic pathways. The k12gc sample attains a specific capacitance of 66.8 F g⁻¹ at 0.1 mA cm⁻², a 58.4% rise in conductivity and a 63% reduction in charge-transfer resistance. At the same time, the composite reduces harmful macropores by 27.9% and strengthens the material, with compressive and flexural strengths increasing by 4.8% and 8.3%, respectively. This work establishes a rational design principle based on functional division between CNTs and GO for developing high-performance, multifunctional CSSCs. Full article

Manganese-based nanomaterials have been novel multifunctional platforms in tumor immunotherapy because of their tunable multivalent states, biocompatibility, and multi-stimulus responsiveness. Current cancer treatments are insufficient and cause severe side effects; therefore, manganese-based nanomaterials are proposed in combination with immunotherapy to mitigate adverse effects. This review outlines the antitumor effects mediated by four key mechanisms: (1) activation of the cGAS-STING immune signaling pathway, (2) direct activation of immune cells, (3) induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD), and (4) modulation of the tumor microenvironment. These approaches are broadly categorized into two types: monotherapy and multimodal combination therapy. Monotherapy encompasses three specific modalities: (1) direct use as a Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) agonist, (2) vector-mediated targeted drug delivery, and (3) mediation of chemodynamic therapy to generate reactive oxygen species, thereby inducing ICD. Multimodal combination therapy involves synergistic integration with traditional or emerging treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and low-level light therapy, as well as multimodal combination treatment methods. It significantly enhances the antitumor efficacy of traditional therapies through immunostimulation, thus achieving synergistic breakthroughs in treatment efficiency and survival rate. Collectively, the multifunctional integration of manganese-based materials is a novel strategy for developing “self-adjuvant” immunotherapeutic platforms and investigating the clinical translation potential. Full article