Topic Editors

Faculty of Physics, Institute for Research-Development-Innovation in Applied Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Faculty of Physics, BabeÈ™-Bolyai University, M. Kogalniceanu 1, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Advanced Nanostructures for Environmental and Biomedical Applications

Abstract submission deadline
30 June 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
30 September 2026
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1491

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advancements in nanotechnology have facilitated the development of advanced nanostructures with precisely designed properties, leading to innovative solutions in multiple fields. In the domain of environmental applications, the utilization of nanomaterials, encompassing metal oxides, carbon-based structures, and semiconductor nanoparticles, is imperative for water purification, air filtration, and pollutant degradation via (photo)catalysis. The distinctive characteristics of nanomaterials, including their substantial surface area, high reactivity, and adaptable properties, contribute to a considerable enhancement in their efficacy in the removal of contaminants and the mitigation of environmental hazards. In the biomedical field, nanostructures have found extensive application in a variety of areas, including drug delivery systems, biosensors, tissue engineering, and antimicrobial coatings. The use of functionalized nanoparticles, liposomes, and hydrogels in these contexts facilitates targeted and controlled drug release, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Furthermore, nanostructured materials play a crucial role in regenerative medicine by fostering cell growth and tissue repair. This Topic thus focuses on recent research and reviews on the synthesis, characterization, and environmental and biomedical applications of advanced nanostructures.

Research topics may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Novel photocatalysts;
  • Environmental applications based on nanostructures;
  • Water splitting;
  • Wastewater treatment;
  • Air purification;
  • Pollutant photocatalytic removal;
  • Composites for energy;
  • Nanostructures for tissue engineering;
  • Biomaterials;
  • Drug delivery;
  • Hydrogels;
  • Biocomposites.

Prof. Dr. Lucian Baia
Dr. Monica Baia
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • photocatalysts
  • pollutant removal
  • energy
  • environment
  • hydrogels
  • drug nanocarriers
  • drug delivery
  • pharmaceutical applications
  • in vitro studies
  • in vivo studies

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Catalysts
catalysts
4.0 7.6 2011 16.6 Days CHF 2200 Submit
Chemistry
chemistry
2.4 3.9 2019 18.5 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Molecules
molecules
4.6 8.6 1996 16.1 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Nanomaterials
nanomaterials
4.3 9.2 2010 15.4 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Polymers
polymers
4.9 9.7 2009 14 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Materials
materials
3.2 6.4 2008 15.2 Days CHF 2600 Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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18 pages, 3811 KB  
Article
Jet Splitting Enabled One-Step Fabrication of Hierarchically Structured PLA Membranes for High-Performance PM0.3 Filtration
by Yintao Zhao, Ying Chen and Xin Ning
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(18), 1452; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15181452 - 20 Sep 2025
Viewed by 409
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) suspended in the air has posed significant potential threats to human health. However, current air filters designed to intercept PM are confronted with several challenges, including a complicated preparation process, monotonous protective performance, and uncomfortable wearability. Herein, a novel jet-splitting [...] Read more.
Particulate matter (PM) suspended in the air has posed significant potential threats to human health. However, current air filters designed to intercept PM are confronted with several challenges, including a complicated preparation process, monotonous protective performance, and uncomfortable wearability. Herein, a novel jet-splitting electrospinning strategy was demonstrated to simply fabricate a hierarchically structured PLA membrane with a high filtration performance, antibacterial performance, and rapid heat dissipation for effective and comfortable air filtering. Formulating a cationic antibacterial surfactant in the PLA solution to tailor the splitting of charged jets enables the simultaneous formation of nanofibers, submicron-fibers, and beads in the hierarchical filtration network by the single-jet electrospinning. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of multi-scale fibers and beads, the hierarchically structured filter exhibited an excellent filtration efficiency of 99.979% and high quality factor of 0.45 Pa−1 against PM0.3, with a remarkably low pressure drop of 18.7 Pa. Furthermore, the hierarchical structure endowed the filter with excellent stability in filtration performance, even under 20-cyclic and 480 min long-term tests, high-humidity tests with sodium chloride aerosol particles, and the 20-cycle PM2.5 smoke tests. Simultaneously, the filter also demonstrated remarkable antibacterial performance and an excellent heat dissipation property—all achieved due to its PLA formulation and the hierarchical structure. Full article
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20 pages, 4501 KB  
Article
Performance Study of Biomass Carbon-Based Materials in Electrocatalytic Fenton Degradation of Printing and Dyeing Wastewater
by Lie Wen, Yan An and Yanhua Lei
Catalysts 2025, 15(9), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15090818 - 28 Aug 2025
Viewed by 769
Abstract
Biomass carbon materials exhibit a significant specific surface area, carbon defects, and oxygen-containing functional groups during the electrochemical cathodic oxygen reduction (ORR) process, resulting in an enhanced adsorption–desorption of reaction intermediates (e.g., *OH and *OOH) by the catalyst. In this study, a cost-effective [...] Read more.
Biomass carbon materials exhibit a significant specific surface area, carbon defects, and oxygen-containing functional groups during the electrochemical cathodic oxygen reduction (ORR) process, resulting in an enhanced adsorption–desorption of reaction intermediates (e.g., *OH and *OOH) by the catalyst. In this study, a cost-effective biomass-derived carbon material (HBC-500) was prepared through low-temperature pyrolysis at 500 °C using Spirulina as a precursor for H2O2 production. By employing surface engineering modification of the carbon-based material to promote the ORR process’s two-electron selectivity, HBC-500 demonstrated consistent experimental results with the RRDE findings at pH = 5, yielding 238.40 mg·L−1 of hydrogen peroxide within a 90 min duration at a current density of 50 mA·cm−2. Furthermore, HBC-500 accomplished over 95% degradation within 30 min at pH = 5 and maintained approximately 91.79% electrocatalytic activity after undergoing five consecutive electrocatalytic cycles lasting 300 min. These results establish HBC-500 biomass carbon material as a highly suitable candidate for H2O2 production and Fenton degradation of organic wastewater. Full article
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