Advanced Nanostructures for Environmental and Biomedical Applications

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

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Catalysts catalysts	4.0	7.6	2011	15.9 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Chemistry chemistry	2.4	3.9	2019	15 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Materials materials	3.2	6.4	2008	15.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.6	8.6	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	4.3	9.2	2010	14 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Polymers polymers	4.9	9.7	2009	14.4 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Open AccessArticle

Prussian Blue Nanoparticles Confined in Chitosan for In Vivo Cesium Ion Removal

by Irina E. Bordianu-Antochi, Afitz Da Silva, Giovanni Massasso, Françoise Quignard, Vanja Stojanovic, Magali Gary-Bobo, Joulia Larionova and Yannick Guari

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(9), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16090544 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2026

Viewed by 509

Abstract

The development of efficient and biocompatible sorbent nanomaterials for cesium removal is critical for environmental and biomedical decontamination. Here, hybrid composites based on ultra-small Prussian blue or Zn Prussian blue-type nanoparticles confined within porous chitosan beads are proposed for Cs⁺ extraction. Nanoparticle [...] Read more.

The development of efficient and biocompatible sorbent nanomaterials for cesium removal is critical for environmental and biomedical decontamination. Here, hybrid composites based on ultra-small Prussian blue or Zn Prussian blue-type nanoparticles confined within porous chitosan beads are proposed for Cs⁺ extraction. Nanoparticle confinement ensures homogeneous dispersion and improved accessibility of ion-exchange sites, while preserving the porous polymeric network, as confirmed by physicochemical characterization. Cs⁺ adsorption was investigated under neutral and acidic conditions (pH 7.2 and 1.2), at concentrations of 0–9 mmol/L and contact times of 0–50 h, showing efficient uptake and favorable kinetics, with confirmed stability in simulated gastric fluid. In vivo performance was assessed in a mouse model of cesium contamination (70 mg Cs⁺/kg). Treatment with nanocomposites (225 mg/kg) was compared to bulk Prussian blue (75 mg/kg), revealing enhanced detoxification efficiency. Histological analysis of liver, spleen, and kidney tissues showed no detectable structural damage, consistent with unchanged systemic biomarkers. Overall, the proposed chitosan-confined Prussian blue-type nanocomposites combine high Cs⁺ removal efficiency, kinetic accessibility, and in vivo safety, highlighting their potential for decorporation applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanostructures for Environmental and Biomedical Applications)

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15 pages, 1051 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Oil in Water Microemulsions Loaded with Natural Products Curcumin and Mangiferin Are Effective Against Fusarium verticillioides

by Lucia Grifoni, Cristiana Sacco, Rosa Donato, Giulia Vanti, Maria Camilla Bergonzi and Anna Rita Bilia

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(9), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16090542 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2026

Viewed by 457

Abstract

The search for harmless alternative solutions to protect crops has become urgent and has recently attracted widespread attention from researchers around the world focusing on natural polyphenols, which represent a treasure chest of molecules with potent activities. Due to the low water solubility [...] Read more.

The search for harmless alternative solutions to protect crops has become urgent and has recently attracted widespread attention from researchers around the world focusing on natural polyphenols, which represent a treasure chest of molecules with potent activities. Due to the low water solubility of polyphenols, microemulsions were selected as nanovectors. Curcumin and mangiferin solubility in different excipients was evaluated by HPLC. Microemulsion was developed using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. Sizes and polydispersity of microemulsion globules were evaluated by dynamic light scattering. Activity against Fusarium verticillioides was evaluated by a microdilution method. Vitamin E acetate was selected as the oily phase, Transcutol P as cosurfactant and Tween 80 as surfactant. S_mix was composed of Transcutol P and Tween 80 in a 1:2 gravimetric ratio and combined with oil-phase vitamin E acetate at a weight ratio of 3:1. Microemulsions were loaded with 5 mg/mL of each polyphenol and recovery results were 99.5% and 99.3% for curcumin and mangiferin, respectively. Sizes of the lipid phase were 121.7 ± 29.2 nm and 172.6 ± 19.3 nm, respectively, for mangiferin and curcumin microemulsions. F. verticillioides was very susceptible to both microemulsions with a very high activity at a dose of 0.9 mg/mL (log-4 reduction), evidencing a possible use of these nanoformulations to protect crops from F. verticillioides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanostructures for Environmental and Biomedical Applications)

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13 pages, 2304 KB  

Open AccessArticle

The Development of an Electrochemical Sensor Based on Silver Nanoparticle/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanocomposites for the Detection of Acebutolol in Treating Cardiovascular Complications

by Abdulmohsen K. D. Alsukaibi, Tse-Wei Chen, Shen-Ming Chen, Mohd Wajid A. Khan, Subuhi Sherwani, Mohammad Shahid Ali, Ahmed Al Otaibi, Faheem Ahmed and Zoheb Karim

Catalysts 2026, 16(5), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16050388 - 28 Apr 2026

Viewed by 299

Abstract

The quantitative analysis of cardio selective beta-blockers, such as the antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic medication acebutolol (ABT), is critical for biomedical and environmental monitoring. This study describes the development of a high-performance electrochemical sensing platform for ABT based on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) [...] Read more.

The quantitative analysis of cardio selective beta-blockers, such as the antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic medication acebutolol (ABT), is critical for biomedical and environmental monitoring. This study describes the development of a high-performance electrochemical sensing platform for ABT based on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified with a silver nanoparticle/hexagonal boron nitride (Ag NPs/h-BN) nanocomposite. The morphological and structural properties of the synthesized materials were examined by using a microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The Ag NPs/h-BN/SPCE demonstrated exceptional electrocatalytic activity toward ABT oxidation, characterized by a significant reduction in overpotential and a substantial enhancement in peak current relative to unmodified and mono-component electrodes. This superior performance is attributed to the synergistic integration of Ag NPs and h-BN, which provides a high density of active sites, an expanded electroactive surface area, and accelerated charge transfer kinetics. Under optimized experimental conditions, the sensor exhibited a broad linear dynamic range of 0.01–284 μM, a remarkably low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0049 μM, and a high sensitivity of 0.873 µA µM⁻¹ cm⁻² for ABT detection. Furthermore, the platform displayed excellent selectivity in the presence of common interfering species and robust reproducibility (RSD of 4.8%). The practical utility of the Ag NPs/h-BN/SPCE was successfully validated through the precise quantification of ABT in complex biological and environmental matrices. This work provides a versatile strategy for the rational design of metal nanocatalysts confined within h-BN frameworks for the development of advanced electrochemical diagnostic tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanostructures for Environmental and Biomedical Applications)

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24 pages, 2499 KB  

Open AccessReview

Next-Generation Carbon-Based Quantum Dots for Healthcare and Beauty Applications

by Muhammad Noor Nordin, Nur Farhana Shahrul Azhar, Nurhakimah Norhashim, Ili Farhana Mohamad Ali Nasri and Noor Hafidzah Jabarullah

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(3), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16030182 - 29 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1223

Abstract

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted intense research interest due to their unique physicochemical properties and broad application potential. CQDs are a new class of ultrasmall fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (<10 nm) that exhibit bright photoluminescence, broad excitation spectra, high quantum yields (QYs), and [...] Read more.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted intense research interest due to their unique physicochemical properties and broad application potential. CQDs are a new class of ultrasmall fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (<10 nm) that exhibit bright photoluminescence, broad excitation spectra, high quantum yields (QYs), and excellent photostability. Structurally, they consist of graphitic sp²/sp³-hybridized carbon with amorphous or nanocrystalline cores. Unlike conventional semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs), which often contain toxic group II–VI, III–VI, or IV–VI elements, CQDs offer a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative for biomedical and cosmetic applications. This review summarizes recent advances in green-chemistry approaches for CQD synthesis, including top-down, bottom-up, waste-derived, and surface-functionalization methods. Particular attention is given to natural carbon sources, which provide low-cost, sustainable, and eco-friendly routes for scalable production. The optical, electronic, and toxicological properties of CQDs are discussed to clarify their performance and safety profiles. Special emphasis is placed on their emerging roles in wound healing and cosmetic formulations, which remain underexplored despite their promising potential. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review focusing on the current progress, key challenges, and future perspectives of CQDs in beauty and personal care applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanostructures for Environmental and Biomedical Applications)

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14 pages, 2995 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Foam-Based Wearable Devices Embedded with Shear-Thickening Fluids for Biomedical Protective Applications

by Oluwaseyi Oyetunji and Abolghassem Zabihollah

Materials 2026, 19(2), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19020391 - 19 Jan 2026

Viewed by 808

Abstract

Falls are a leading cause of bone fractures among the elderly, particularly hip fractures resulting from side falls. This research deals with the feasibility of application of shear-thickening fluids (STFs) to design self-protective wearable devices to rapidly respond to sudden impact due to [...] Read more.

Falls are a leading cause of bone fractures among the elderly, particularly hip fractures resulting from side falls. This research deals with the feasibility of application of shear-thickening fluids (STFs) to design self-protective wearable devices to rapidly respond to sudden impact due to falls. The device consists of a lightweight, flexible foam structure embedded with STF-filled compartments, which remain soft during normal movements but stiffen upon sudden impact, effectively dissipating energy and reducing force trans-mission to the bones. First, a foam-based sandwich panel filled with STF is fabricated and subjected to several falling scenarios through a ball drop test. The induced strain of the device with and without STF is measured using Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors. Then, the effect of localized STF is explored by fabricating a soft 3D-printed (TPU) sandwich panel filled with STF at selected cavities. It was observed that the application of STF reduces the induced strain by approximately 50% for the TPU skin device and 30% for the foam-based device. This adaptive response mechanism offers a balance between comfort and protection, ensuring wearability for daily use while significantly lowering fracture risks. The proposed solution aims to enhance fall-related injury prevention for the elderly, improving their quality of life and reducing healthcare burdens associated with fall-related fractures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanostructures for Environmental and Biomedical Applications)

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18 pages, 511 KB  

Open AccessReview

Rare-Earth Oxide Nanoparticles: A New Weapon Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens with Potential Wound Healing Treatment

by Albert Donald Luong, Moorthy Maruthapandi, Aharon Gedanken and John H. T. Luong

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(24), 1862; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15241862 - 11 Dec 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1480

Abstract

Rare-earth oxide (REO) nanoparticles (NPs)—such as cerium (CeO₂), samarium (Sm₂O₃), neodymium (Nd₂O₃), terbium (Tb₄O₇), and praseodymium (Pr₂O₃)—have demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Their [...] Read more.

Rare-earth oxide (REO) nanoparticles (NPs)—such as cerium (CeO₂), samarium (Sm₂O₃), neodymium (Nd₂O₃), terbium (Tb₄O₇), and praseodymium (Pr₂O₃)—have demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Their effectiveness is attributed to unique physicochemical properties, including oxygen vacancies and redox cycling, which facilitate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage microbial membranes and biomolecules. Additionally, electrostatic interactions with microbial surfaces and sustained ion release contribute to membrane disruption and long-term antimicrobial effects. REOs also inhibit bacterial enzymes, DNA, and protein synthesis, providing broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal pathogens. However, dose-dependent cytotoxicity to mammalian cells—primarily due to excessive ROS generation—and nanoparticle aggregation in biological media remain challenges. Surface functionalization with polymers, peptides, or metal dopants (e.g., Ag, Zn, and Cu) can mitigate cytotoxicity and enhance selectivity. Scalable and sustainable synthesis remains a challenge due to high synthesis costs and scalability issues in industrial production. Green and biogenic routes using plant or microbial extracts can produce REOs at lower cost and with improved safety. Advanced continuous flow and microwave-assisted synthesis offer improved particle uniformity and production yields. Biomedical applications include antimicrobial coatings, wound dressings, and hybrid nanozyme systems for oxidative disinfection. However, comprehensive and intensive toxicological evaluations, along with regulatory frameworks, are required before clinical deployment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanostructures for Environmental and Biomedical Applications)

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18 pages, 3811 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Jet Splitting Enabled One-Step Fabrication of Hierarchically Structured PLA Membranes for High-Performance PM_0.3 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 959

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 PM_0.3, 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 PM_2.5 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

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanostructures for Environmental and Biomedical Applications)

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20 pages, 4501 KB  

Open AccessArticle

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

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1442

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

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Nanostructures for Environmental and Biomedical Applications)

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