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Search Results (2,176)

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Keywords = nanoparticles and nanotechnology

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24 pages, 1384 KB  
Review
Breast Cancer Treatments: Drugs Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway, TNBC Therapy and Future Directions: A Review
by Klaudia Dynarowicz, Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher, Katarzyna Koszarska, Aleksandra Kotlińska and David Aebisher
Life 2025, 15(10), 1583; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15101583 - 10 Oct 2025
Abstract
Breast cancer affects women at an increasingly younger age, with genetic predispositions and other factors contributing to its second-highest cancer mortality rate. The diversity of pharmacological treatment stems from its heterogeneity, which favors a more precise approach to each subtype. Despite the extensive [...] Read more.
Breast cancer affects women at an increasingly younger age, with genetic predispositions and other factors contributing to its second-highest cancer mortality rate. The diversity of pharmacological treatment stems from its heterogeneity, which favors a more precise approach to each subtype. Despite the extensive advances in medicine in recent decades, the problem of treating cancer patients remains significant. The problem with modern therapeutic methods is low effectiveness, emerging side effects, difficulty in eliminating all cancer cells, and the quite common use of monotherapy and the associated drug resistance, which may lead to disease progression. The aim of this review is to present the latest therapeutic strategies (combination therapies) used in the treatment of breast cancer. PubMed databases and clinical data from ClinicalTrials.gov were used for this purpose. The review included characteristics of the latest clinical trials from the last year (2024–2025), which present currently recruiting studies of breast cancer treatment with immunotherapy. The review also presented characteristics of clinical trials from the last 5 years (2020–2025) using nanoparticles as an adjunct to breast cancer treatment. Articles published between 2016 and August 2025 (excluding articles that describe the first use of a given drug) were included in the review. The review analyzed drugs targeting molecular targets, including intracellular pathways responsible for cell cycle regulation, as well as new directions such as nanotechnology in treatment breast cancer. Full article
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11 pages, 1037 KB  
Review
Research Progress in the Application of Nanotechnology in Fracturing: A Review
by Lei Liang, Huiru Lei, Qinwen Zhang, Wei Zhao, Dong Liao, Dong Wang, Yujia Xiong, Lang Liu, Hualin Liu and Zilai Mei
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(20), 1539; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15201539 - 10 Oct 2025
Viewed by 39
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing is a core stimulation technology for enhancing hydrocarbon production. However, it faces significant technical bottlenecks in unconventional reservoirs. These bottlenecks include poor adaptability to high-temperature and high-salinity environments, water-sensitive formation damage, and insufficient long-term fracture conductivity. Nanotechnology leverages unique properties of [...] Read more.
Hydraulic fracturing is a core stimulation technology for enhancing hydrocarbon production. However, it faces significant technical bottlenecks in unconventional reservoirs. These bottlenecks include poor adaptability to high-temperature and high-salinity environments, water-sensitive formation damage, and insufficient long-term fracture conductivity. Nanotechnology leverages unique properties of nanomaterials, such as surface effects, quantum size effects, and designability. Nanotechnology offers systematic solutions for optimizing fracturing fluids, enhancing proppant performance, and innovating waterless fracturing techniques. This review outlines the current status of fracturing technology, exploring the role of nanoparticles in improving fluid rheology, proppant strength, and interface regulation, and discusses future challenges. Studies show that nanomodified fracturing fluids can increase high-temperature viscosity retention by over 300%. Meanwhile, waterless fracturing reduces water consumption by 80%. Despite challenges in particle agglomeration and cost, nanotechnology demonstrates significant potential in boosting recovery and reducing environmental impact. Nanotechnology is positioned as a transformative technology for future unconventional resource development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano Surface Engineering: 2nd Edition)
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30 pages, 2315 KB  
Review
Progress in NiO Based Materials for Electrochemical Sensing Applications
by Praveen Kumar, Mohammad Aslam, Saood Ali, Khaled Hamdy, Khursheed Ahmad and Danishuddin
Biosensors 2025, 15(10), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15100678 - 9 Oct 2025
Viewed by 249
Abstract
Nickel oxide (NiO), a wide bandgap p-type semiconductor, has emerged as a promising material for electrochemical sensing owing to its excellent redox properties, chemical stability, and facile synthesis. Its strong electrocatalytic activity enables effective detection of diverse analytes, including glucose, hydrogen peroxide, environmental [...] Read more.
Nickel oxide (NiO), a wide bandgap p-type semiconductor, has emerged as a promising material for electrochemical sensing owing to its excellent redox properties, chemical stability, and facile synthesis. Its strong electrocatalytic activity enables effective detection of diverse analytes, including glucose, hydrogen peroxide, environmental pollutants, and biomolecules. Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of NiO-based nanostructures such as nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanoflakes, which offer enhanced surface area and improved electron transfer. Integration with conductive materials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) further enhance sensor performance through synergistic effects. Innovations in synthesis techniques, including hydrothermal, sol–gel, and green approaches, have expanded the applicability of NiO in next-generation sensing platforms. This review summarizes recent progress in the structural engineering, composite formation, and electrochemical mechanisms of NiO-based materials for advanced electrochemical sensing applications. Full article
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15 pages, 878 KB  
Article
The Effect of Native Strain-Based Biofertilizer with TiO2, ZnO, FexOx, and Ag NPs on Wheat Yield (Triticum durum Desf.)
by Andrés Torres-Gómez, Cesar R. Sarabia-Castillo, René Juárez-Altamirano and Fabián Fernández-Luqueño
Agriculture 2025, 15(19), 2093; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15192093 - 8 Oct 2025
Viewed by 194
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of applying a biofertilizer, alone and in combination with nanoparticles (NPs), under controlled greenhouse conditions to improve soil quality and wheat performance (soil from the region of General Cepeda, Coahuila, Mexico, was used). The integration of the biofertilizer [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of applying a biofertilizer, alone and in combination with nanoparticles (NPs), under controlled greenhouse conditions to improve soil quality and wheat performance (soil from the region of General Cepeda, Coahuila, Mexico, was used). The integration of the biofertilizer with FexOx NPs proved particularly effective in enhancing soil physical and biological parameters as well as promoting superior crop growth compared with individual treatments. The incorporation of NPs markedly improved the biofertilizer’s biocompatibility and stability, reinforcing its potential for optimizing plant nutrition, nutrient use efficiency, and overall agricultural sustainability. In addition, the combined treatments enhanced the utilization of native microbial diversity, thereby contributing to increased soil fertility and the quality and yield of crops in the study region. The best yield obtained in previous harvests (8.3 Mg ha−1) was improved to 8.48 Mg ha−1 with application of the biofertilizer with FexOx NPs. Moreover, shoot length increased significantly with the combination of the biofertilizer and ZnO NPs as well as with FexOx NPs separately, whereas root length was maximized with the addition of the biofertilizer alone. These findings underscore the synergistic effects of combining biofertilizers with metal-based nanoparticles to sustainably enhance wheat growth and productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Engineered Nanomaterials on Soil Health and Plant Growth)
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16 pages, 2906 KB  
Article
Tailored Synthesis and Profiling of Capped Silver and Selenium Nanoparticles for Topical Applications in Paediatric Dentistry
by Amjad Almuqrin, Chaminda Jayampath Seneviratne, Laurence J. Walsh and Sobia Zafar
Dent. J. 2025, 13(10), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13100456 - 6 Oct 2025
Viewed by 146
Abstract
Background: Silver fluoride medicaments effectively arrest caries progression but cause permanent staining. Nanoparticles are increasingly utilised in paediatric dentistry due to their antimicrobial properties. Aim: This study reports the synthesis and characterisation of silver and selenium nanoparticles stabilised with natural agents. Methods: Six [...] Read more.
Background: Silver fluoride medicaments effectively arrest caries progression but cause permanent staining. Nanoparticles are increasingly utilised in paediatric dentistry due to their antimicrobial properties. Aim: This study reports the synthesis and characterisation of silver and selenium nanoparticles stabilised with natural agents. Methods: Six silver and selenium nanoparticles were chemically synthesised and stabilised using biocompatible eco-friendly capping agents, including casein, bovine serum albumin, chitosan, citrate, and tannic acid. Characterisation was performed using Tyndall scattering, UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and ICP-OES. Results: The synthesised particles were spherical in shape, ranging in size from 2.5 to 24 nm for silver and 35 to 43 nm for selenium. Elemental analysis confirmed the absence of heavy metals. Conclusions: These findings highlight the successful synthesis of capped silver and selenium nanoparticles. The observed characteristics suggest potential relevance for future antimicrobial applications in paediatric dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Restorative Dentistry and Traumatology)
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24 pages, 3163 KB  
Article
Machine Learning Investigation of Ternary-Hybrid Radiative Nanofluid over Stretching and Porous Sheet
by Hamid Qureshi, Muhammad Zubair and Sebastian Andreas Altmeyer
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(19), 1525; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15191525 - 5 Oct 2025
Viewed by 248
Abstract
Ternary hybrid nanofluid have been revealed to possess a wide range of application disciplines reaching from biomedical engineering, detection of cancer, over or photovoltaic panels and cells, nuclear power plant engineering, to the automobile industry, smart cells and and eventually to heat exchange [...] Read more.
Ternary hybrid nanofluid have been revealed to possess a wide range of application disciplines reaching from biomedical engineering, detection of cancer, over or photovoltaic panels and cells, nuclear power plant engineering, to the automobile industry, smart cells and and eventually to heat exchange systems. Inspired by the recent developments in nanotechnology and in particular the high potential ability of use of such nanofluids in practical problems, this paper deals with the flow of a three phase nanofluid of MWCNT-Au/Ag nanoparticles dispersed in blood in the presence of a bidirectional stretching sheet. The model derived in this study yields a set of linked nonlinear PDEs, which are first transformed into dimensionless ODEs. From these ODEs we get a dataset with the help of MATHEMATICA environment, then solved using AI-based technique utilizing Levenberg Marquardt Feedforward Algorithm. In this work, flow characteristics under varying physical parameters have been studied and analyzed and the boundary layer phenomena has been investigated. In detail horizontal, vertical velocity profiles as well as temperature distribution are analyzed. The findings reveal that as the stretching ratio of the surface coincide with an increase the vertical velocity as the surface has thinned in this direction minimizing resistance to the fluid flow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Theory and Simulation of Nanostructures)
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11 pages, 5419 KB  
Article
Radiosensitization by Docetaxel Prodrug-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles in Pancreatic Cancer Xenografts
by Abdulaziz Alhussan, Nolan Jackson, Nancy Dos Santos, Sam Chen, Yuen Yi C. Tam and Devika B. Chithrani
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(19), 1521; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15191521 - 5 Oct 2025
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Cancer treatments are limited by poor tumor specificity and toxicity. We tested a radiosensitizing approach using PEG/RGD-functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs), a lipid-nanoparticle–encapsulated docetaxel prodrug (LNPDTX–P), and external-beam radiotherapy (RT). In MIA PaCa-2 xenografts, intravenous GNPs (2 mg/kg) and LNPDTX–P (6 [...] Read more.
Cancer treatments are limited by poor tumor specificity and toxicity. We tested a radiosensitizing approach using PEG/RGD-functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs), a lipid-nanoparticle–encapsulated docetaxel prodrug (LNPDTX–P), and external-beam radiotherapy (RT). In MIA PaCa-2 xenografts, intravenous GNPs (2 mg/kg) and LNPDTX–P (6 mg/kg) were given before 5 Gy RT. Both LNPDTX–P + RT and GNPs + LNPDTX–P + RT reduced tumor volume by ~40% and significantly prolonged survival versus RT alone (p < 0.001). Adding GNPs did not enhance efficacy, indicating LNPDTX–P was the main driver under this regimen. These results demonstrate nanocarrier-enabled radiosensitization in vivo and support further studies toward clinical translation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Roadmaps for Nanomaterials in Radiation Therapy)
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15 pages, 1075 KB  
Article
Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Azithromycin-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Alone and in Combination with Cetirizine Dihydrochloride Against Resistant Isolates of Respiratory Tract Infections
by Umbreen Anwar, Adeel Sattar, Muhammad Adil Rasheed, Muhammad Abu Bakr Shabbir and Mateen Abbas
Antibiotics 2025, 14(10), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14100992 - 3 Oct 2025
Viewed by 408
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern, with considerable socio-economic consequences. Researchers are exploring alternative strategies, including nanotechnology, which has shown significance in targeted drug delivery. This study evaluates the synergistic antibacterial activity of azithromycin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (AZM-CSNPs) against azithromycin-resistant clinical [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern, with considerable socio-economic consequences. Researchers are exploring alternative strategies, including nanotechnology, which has shown significance in targeted drug delivery. This study evaluates the synergistic antibacterial activity of azithromycin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (AZM-CSNPs) against azithromycin-resistant clinical respiratory isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae). Methods: A total of 87 sputum samples (n = 87) were collected and analyzed. The ermB gene for K. pneumoniae and the ermA gene for MRSA were used to confirm resistant isolates. Among 87 samples, 29 manifested K. pneumoniae, and 32 exhibited MRSA-positive cultures, confirmed through phenotypic and genotypic methods. The RT-PCR is performed by using a cDNA Kit to determine the gene expression. Results: The results elucidate resistance of K. pneumoniae against several antibiotics, including azithromycin (15 µg), chloramphenicol (30 µg), and amoxicillin (30 µg), while MRSA also showed resistance to cefoxitin (30 µg), azithromycin (15 µg), and gentamycin (10 µg). Reduction in the MIC value of the nanoparticle formulation showed their effectiveness. The AZM-CSNPs combined with cetirizine dihydrochloride helped to down-regulate the resistant genes. Conclusions: Notably, a strong synergistic effect was observed with AZM-CSNPs in combination with cetirizine, significantly enhancing antibacterial efficacy against resistant isolates. Full article
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38 pages, 2063 KB  
Review
Nanostructured Materials in Glucose Biosensing: From Fundamentals to Smart Healthcare Applications
by Rajaram Rajamohan and Seho Sun
Biosensors 2025, 15(10), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15100658 - 2 Oct 2025
Viewed by 579
Abstract
The rapid development of nanotechnology has significantly transformed the design and performance of glucose biosensors, leading to enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and real-time monitoring capabilities. This review highlights recent advances in glucose-sensing platforms facilitated by nanomaterials, including metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based nanostructures, [...] Read more.
The rapid development of nanotechnology has significantly transformed the design and performance of glucose biosensors, leading to enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and real-time monitoring capabilities. This review highlights recent advances in glucose-sensing platforms facilitated by nanomaterials, including metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based nanostructures, two-dimensional materials, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The integration of these nanoscale materials into electrochemical, optical, and wearable biosensors has addressed longstanding challenges associated with enzyme stability, detection limits, and invasiveness. Special emphasis is placed on non-enzymatic glucose sensors, flexible and wearable devices, and hybrid nanocomposite systems. The multifunctional properties of nanomaterials, such as large surface area, excellent conductivity, and biocompatibility, have enabled the development of next-generation sensors for clinical, point-of-care, and personal healthcare applications. The review also discusses emerging trends such as biodegradable nanosensors, AI-integrated platforms, and smart textiles, which are poised to drive the future of glucose monitoring toward more sustainable and personalized healthcare solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Glucose Biosensors)
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55 pages, 6540 KB  
Review
Green-Synthesized Nanomaterials for Water Disinfection: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Environmental Safety
by Jannatul Ferdush, Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Md Mahadi Hassan Parvez, Md. Abdullah Al Mohotadi and Md. Nizam Uddin
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(19), 1507; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15191507 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 573
Abstract
Safe drinking water is essential, yet millions of people remain exposed to contaminated supplies. Conventional treatments such as chlorination and UV light can kill microbes, but they also create harmful byproducts, face resistance issues, and are not always sustainable. Green-synthesized nanomaterials (GSNMs) are [...] Read more.
Safe drinking water is essential, yet millions of people remain exposed to contaminated supplies. Conventional treatments such as chlorination and UV light can kill microbes, but they also create harmful byproducts, face resistance issues, and are not always sustainable. Green-synthesized nanomaterials (GSNMs) are emerging as an eco-friendly alternative. Produced with plants, microbes, algae, and natural polymers, these materials merge nanotechnology with green chemistry. Among them, silver, zinc oxide, copper oxide, titanium dioxide, and graphene-based nanomaterials show strong antimicrobial effects by disrupting membranes, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), and damaging genetic material. Compared with chemically made nanoparticles, GSNMs are often safer, cheaper, and more environmentally compatible. Nevertheless, concerns about toxicity, environmental fate, and large-scale use remain. This review highlights recent progress in GSNM synthesis, antimicrobial mechanisms, and safety considerations, highlighting their potential to enable sustainable water disinfection while identifying critical areas for further research. Full article
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27 pages, 608 KB  
Review
Temperature Dependence of the Response Functions of Graphene: Impact on Casimir and Casimir–Polder Forces in and out of Thermal Equilibrium
by Galina L. Klimchitskaya and Vladimir M. Mostepanenko
Physics 2025, 7(4), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/physics7040044 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 235
Abstract
We review and as well obtain some new results on the temperature dependence of spatially nonlocal response functions of graphene and their applications to the calculation of both the equilibrium and nonequilibrium Casimir and Casimir–Polder forces. After a brief summary of the properties [...] Read more.
We review and as well obtain some new results on the temperature dependence of spatially nonlocal response functions of graphene and their applications to the calculation of both the equilibrium and nonequilibrium Casimir and Casimir–Polder forces. After a brief summary of the properties of the polarization tensor of graphene obtained within the Dirac model in the framework of quantum field theory, we derive the expressions for the longitudinal and transverse dielectric functions. The behavior of these functions at different temperatures is investigated in the regions below and above the threshold. Special attention is paid to the double pole at zero frequency, which is present in the transverse response function of graphene. An application of the response functions of graphene to the calculation of the equilibrium Casimir force between two graphene sheets and the Casimir–Polder forces between an atom (nanoparticle) and a graphene sheet is considered with due attention to the role of a nonzero energy gap, chemical potential and a material substrate underlying the graphene sheet. The same subject is discussed for out-of-thermal-equilibrium Casimir and Casimir–Polder forces. The role of the obtained and presented results for fundamental science and nanotechnology is outlined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Condensed Matter Physics)
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20 pages, 3372 KB  
Article
Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Cotton Fabrics Functionalized via In Situ Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Solanum tuberosum Peel Extract
by Nonsikelelo Sheron Mpofu, Josphat Igadwa Mwasiagi, Cleophas Achisa Mecha and Eric Oyondi Nganyi
Polymers 2025, 17(19), 2598; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17192598 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 328
Abstract
The functionalization of textiles with nanomaterials through green synthesis offers a promising pathway for sustainable material innovation. This study explores the in situ green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto cotton fabrics using Solanum tuberosum (potato) peel extract as a natural reducing and [...] Read more.
The functionalization of textiles with nanomaterials through green synthesis offers a promising pathway for sustainable material innovation. This study explores the in situ green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto cotton fabrics using Solanum tuberosum (potato) peel extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesis conditions were optimized by varying silver nitrate concentration, extract volume, temperature, pH, and reaction time, after which the optimized protocol was applied for fabric treatment. The presence and distribution of AgNPs were confirmed through UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The treated fabrics demonstrated strong and durable antibacterial performance, with inhibition zones of 23 ± 0.02 against Escherichia coli and 16 ± 0.01 against Staphylococcus aureus. Notably, antibacterial activity was retained even after 20 washing cycles, demonstrating the durability of the treatment. Mechanical testing revealed a 32.25% increase in tensile strength and a corresponding 10.47% reduction in elongation at break compared to untreated fabrics, suggesting improved durability with moderate stiffness. Air permeability decreased by 8.8%, correlating with the rougher surface morphology observed in Scanning Electron Microscopy images. Thermal analysis showed a decrease in thermal stability relative to untreated cotton, highlighting the influence of AgNPs on degradation behavior. Overall, this work demonstrates that potato peel waste, an abundant and underutilized biomass, can be used as a sustainable source for the green synthesis of AgNP-functionalized textiles. The approach provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategy for developing multifunctional fabrics, while supporting circular economy goals in textile engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Electrospinning Processes and Green Solvents)
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22 pages, 3810 KB  
Article
Nanofibrous Polymer Filters for Removal of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles from Industrial Processes
by Andrzej Krupa, Arkadiusz Tomasz Sobczyk and Anatol Jaworek
Membranes 2025, 15(10), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15100291 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 302
Abstract
Filtration of submicron particles and nanoparticles is an important problem in nano-industry and in air conditioning and ventilation systems. The presence of submicron particles comprising fungal spores, bacteria, viruses, microplastic, and tobacco-smoke tar in ambient air is a severe problem in air conditioning [...] Read more.
Filtration of submicron particles and nanoparticles is an important problem in nano-industry and in air conditioning and ventilation systems. The presence of submicron particles comprising fungal spores, bacteria, viruses, microplastic, and tobacco-smoke tar in ambient air is a severe problem in air conditioning systems. Many nanotechnology material processes used for catalyst, solar cells, gas sensors, energy storage devices, anti-corrosion and hydrophobic surface coating, optical glasses, ceramics, nanocomposite membranes, textiles, and cosmetics production also generate various types of nanoparticles, which can retain in a conveying gas released into the atmosphere. Particles in this size range are particularly difficult to remove from the air by conventional methods, e.g., electrostatic precipitators, conventional filters, or cyclones. For these reasons, nanofibrous filters produced by electrospinning were developed to remove fine particles from the post-processing gases. The physical basis of electrospinning used for nanofilters production is an employment of electrical forces to create a tangential stress on the surface of a viscous liquid jet, usually a polymer solution, flowing out from a capillary nozzle. The paper presents results for investigation of the filtration process of metal oxide nanoparticles: TiO2, MgO, and Al2O3 by electrospun nanofibrous filter. The filter was produced from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The concentration of polymer dissolved in dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and acetone mixture was 15 wt.%. The flow rate of polymer solution was 1 mL/h. The nanoparticle aerosol was produced by the atomization of a suspension of these nanoparticles in a solvent (methanol) using an aerosol generator. The experimental results presented in this paper show that nanofilters made of PVDF with surface density of 13 g/m2 have a high filtration efficiency for nano- and microparticles, larger than 90%. The gas flow rate through the channel was set to 960 and 670 l/min. The novelty of this paper was the investigation of air filtration from various types of nanoparticles produced by different nanotechnology processes by nanofibrous filters and studies of the morphology of nanoparticle deposited onto the nanofibers. Full article
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21 pages, 9399 KB  
Article
Combined Effect of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Color Stability and Antifungal Activity of Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomers: An In Vitro Study
by Ali Sabah Mohammad and Zhala Dara Omar Meran
Prosthesis 2025, 7(5), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis7050122 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 268
Abstract
Objective: Maxillofacial silicone elastomers represent a standard material in maxillofacial prosthetic applications due to their excellent biocompatibility and aesthetic properties. However, their long-term performance is limited by color degradation and susceptibility to fungal colonization. Incorporating nanoparticles into silicone matrices has emerged as a [...] Read more.
Objective: Maxillofacial silicone elastomers represent a standard material in maxillofacial prosthetic applications due to their excellent biocompatibility and aesthetic properties. However, their long-term performance is limited by color degradation and susceptibility to fungal colonization. Incorporating nanoparticles into silicone matrices has emerged as a potential solution to enhance durability and hygiene. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles used individually and in combination to evaluate the color stability and antifungal activity of pigmented maxillofacial silicone elastomers. Material and Methods: Fifty specimens were fabricated for each test and divided into five groups: Group (A) control (pigmented silicone only, no nanoparticles), Group (B) ZnO (1.5 wt%), Group (C) TiO2 (2.5 wt%), and two combinations: Group(D1) (0.75 wt% ZnO + 1.25 wt% TiO2) and Group (D2)(0.5 wt% ZnO + 0.83 wt% TiO2) ratios. Color stability was assessed before and after 500 h of artificial aging using CIELAB-ΔE values and visual scoring. Antifungal activity was evaluated against Candida albicans using the disk diffusion method. Attenuated Total Reflectance with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along side with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were applied for Specimen characterization. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results: The dual-nanoparticle group with 0.75% ZnO and 1.25% TiO2 demonstrated the best color stability (ΔE = 0.86 ± 0.50) and strongest antifungal activity (inhibition zone: 7.8 ± 3.8 mm) compared to the control (ΔE = 2.31 ± 0.62; no inhibition). Single-nanoparticle groups showed moderate improvements. A significant Association (r = 0.89, p < 0.01) was found between nanoparticle dispersion and material performance. Conclusions: Incorporating ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles into maxillofacial silicone elastomers significantly enhances color stability and antifungal efficacy. The combined formulation showed a synergistic effect, offering promising potential for improving the longevity and hygiene of maxillofacial prostheses. Full article
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39 pages, 4595 KB  
Review
Recent Advances in Metal Nanoclusters: From Novel Synthesis to Emerging Applications
by Alexandru-Milentie Hada, Marc Lamy de la Chapelle, Monica Focsan and Simion Astilean
Molecules 2025, 30(19), 3848; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30193848 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 592
Abstract
Metallic nanoclusters (NCs), composed of a few to a hundred atoms, occupy a unique space between molecules and nanoparticles, exhibiting discrete electronic states, strong photoluminescence, and size-dependent catalytic activity. Their ultrasmall cores (<3 nm) and ligand-controlled surfaces confer tunable optical, electronic, and catalytic [...] Read more.
Metallic nanoclusters (NCs), composed of a few to a hundred atoms, occupy a unique space between molecules and nanoparticles, exhibiting discrete electronic states, strong photoluminescence, and size-dependent catalytic activity. Their ultrasmall cores (<3 nm) and ligand-controlled surfaces confer tunable optical, electronic, and catalytic properties, making them attractive for diverse applications. In recent years, significant progress has been made toward developing faster, more reproducible, and scalable synthesis routes beyond classical wet-chemical reduction. Emerging strategies such as microwave-, photochemical-, sonochemical-, and catalytically assisted syntheses, together with smart, automation-driven platforms, have improved efficiency, structural control, and environmental compatibility. These advances have accelerated the deployment of NCs in imaging, sensing, and catalysis. Near-infrared emitting NCs enable deep-tissue, high-contrast fluorescence imaging, while theranostic platforms combine diagnostic precision with photothermal or photodynamic therapy, gene delivery, and anti-inflammatory treatment. NC-based sensors allow ultrasensitive detection of ions, small molecules, and pathogens, and atomically precise NCs have enabled efficient CO2 reduction, water splitting, and nitrogen fixation. Therefore, in this review, we highlight studies reported in the past five years on the synthesis and applications of metallic NCs, linking emerging methodologies to their functional potential in nanotechnology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallic Nanoclusters and Their Interaction with Light)
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