Themed collection Targeted biomedical applications of nanomaterials
Introduction to targeted biomedical applications of nanomaterials
Dhiraj Bhatia, Mukesh Dhanka, Anjali Awasthi, Kamlendra Awasthi and Kaushik Chatterjee introduce the Journal of Materials Chemistry B, Nanoscale, Materials Advances and Nanoscale Advances themed collection on targeted biomedical applications of nanomaterials.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 12-14
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB90187H
Unlocking new possibilities: application of MXenes in 3D bioprinting for advanced therapy
This article presents MXenes' potential in 3D bioprinting, discussing their benefits for bio-printed scaffolds, 3D bioprinting techniques, bio-ink criteria, applications of MXene-incorporated constructs, current challenges, and future directions.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 20037-20047
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02906B
DNA-amphiphilic nanostructures: synthesis, characterization and applications
DNA's extraordinary potential reaches far beyond its role as a carrier of genetic information.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 18-52
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03236E
Carbon-based nanocarriers for plant growth promotion: fuelling when needed
CB-NMs, have revolutionized the agricultural sector in various ways including the on-demand supply of essential nutrients, biomolecules, and growth factors to plants.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03268C
Surface engineering of orthopedic implants for better clinical adoption
Enhancing cell-material interactions through surface engineering to create biomimetic environments and extend implant life.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11302-11335
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01563K
Bioactive glass–polymer nanocomposites: a comprehensive review on unveiling their biomedical applications
A comprehensive overview of bioactive glass–polymer nanocomposites highlighting the various fabrication strategies, the materials involved and the major biomedical applications.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11278-11301
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01525H
DNA-templated fluorescent metal nanoclusters and their illuminating applications
After the discovery of DNA during the mid-20th century, a multitude of novel methodologies have surfaced which exploit DNA for its various properties.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 18715-18731
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03429E
Unleashing nanotechnology to redefine tumor-associated macrophage dynamics and non-coding RNA crosstalk in breast cancer
Nanocarrier-based targeting tumor-associated macrophages can reprogram pro-tumor M2 macrophages into anti-tumor M1 macrophages, offering a promising approach for advanced breast cancer treatment. Image created in BioRender.com.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 18274-18294
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02795G
Biopolymeric and lipid-based nanotechnological strategies for the design and development of novel mosquito repellent systems: recent advances
This review critically examines the recent advances in the innovative use of biopolymeric and lipid-based nanomaterials in developing safer and more effective mosquito-repellent formulations to prevent mosquito-transmitted diseases.
Nanoscale Adv., 2024,6, 4751-4780
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00474D
Light-responsive functional nanomaterials as pioneering therapeutics: a paradigm shift to combat age-related disorders
Aging leads to diseases marked by plaque formation, increased senescent cells, and compromised body organ systems. Light-responsive nanomaterials offer a promising therapeutic approach to address the various aspects of age-related pathologies.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 8212-8234
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00578C
Biosensors for detection of airborne pathogenic fungal spores: a review
An overview of biosensors for airborne pathogenic fungal spore detection.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 15419-15445
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01175A
Advancements in rheumatoid arthritis therapy: a journey from conventional therapy to precision medicine via nanoparticles targeting immune cells
Advancements in RA therapy from conventional drugs to nanomedicines based on immune cell therapy, which increases the specificity of the treatment and decreases the off-site effects, are reported. Images are created with BioRender.com.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 14975-14993
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02182G
DNA functionalized programmable hybrid biomaterials for targeted multiplexed applications
With the advent of DNA nanotechnology, DNA-based biomaterials have emerged as a unique class of materials at the center of various biological advances.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 7267-7291
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00287C
Revolutionizing cancer therapy using tetrahedral DNA nanostructures as intelligent drug delivery systems
DNA nanostructures have surfaced as intriguing entities with vast potential in biomedicine, notably in the drug delivery area.
Nanoscale Adv., 2024,6, 3714-3732
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00145A
Self-healing, injectable chitosan-based hydrogels: structure, properties and biological applications
Conventional biomaterials suffer from mechanical stresses and biochemical degradation, compromising performance and structural integrity.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 5365-5393
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00131A
Quercetin nanocrystal-loaded alginate hydrogel patch for wound healing applications
A quercetin nanocrystal containing alginate hydrogel patch demonstrates rapid wound healing of skin wounds in rat and mouse models.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01699H
Fabrication and characterization of ConA-conjugated curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for theranostic applications in lung cancer treatment
ConA-conjugated curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles, their characterization (UV-vis, DSC, PSA, ATR-FTIR, XRD, SEM), and therapeutic applications in lung cancer, including drug release, anti-proliferation assays, and lung model studies.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03157A
The interaction of glycogen nanoparticles with human blood
We investigate the interactions of glycogen nanoparticles (emerging biomaterials for theranostic applications) from different sources with human blood, finding that all are hemocompatible nanomaterials. Image via Blender Foundation (www.blender.org).
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 252-260
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03034F
Engineering of redox-triggered polymeric lipid hybrid nanocarriers for selective drug delivery to cancer cells
Synthesis and fabrication of redox-switchable polymeric lipid hybrid nanocarriers that selectively deliver berberine and induce apoptosis in GSH-rich cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01236D
An electrochemical immunosensor based on a nano-ceria integrated microfluidic chip for interleukin-8 biomarker detection
A nano-ceria integrated microfluidic electrochemical immunosensor for IL8 biomarker detection in human saliva samples.
Nanoscale Adv., 2025,7, 196-208
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00636D
Maximising efficacy in HER2-positive breast cancer: immunoliposomal co-delivery of miR155 inhibitor and paclitaxel for targeted therapy
An immunoliposome-based targeted delivery of paclitaxel and miR155 inhibitor to HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Preclinical studies reveal reduced tumor volume, apoptosis induction, and minimal toxicity, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01090F
Enzyme-free detection of creatinine as a kidney dysfunction biomarker using TiO2 flow-through membranes
Electrochemical oxidation of creatinine via TiO2 nanotube flow-through membranes (TNTsM).
Nanoscale Adv., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00562G
In vivo transplantation of intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids with decellularized liver-derived hydrogels supports hepatic cellular proliferation and differentiation in chronic liver injury
Liver-based hydrogel transplanted hepatocyte and cholangiocyte organoids as an efficient cell source and therapy for renewal of hepatocytes, angiogenesis, restoration of hepatocyte functions and resolution of liver injury.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01503G
3D-printed biomimetic scaffolds loaded with ADSCs and BMP-2 for enhanced rotator cuff repair
The schematic diagram of a 3D-printed biomimetic scaffold applied to tendon–bone interface repair.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 12365-12377
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01073F
A bioinspired porous and electroactive reduced graphene oxide hydrogel based biosensing platform for efficient detection of tumor necrosis factor-α
Synthesis of an L-cys_rGO hydrogel and fabrication of a BSA/anti-TNF-α/L-cys_rGO hydrogel/gSPE immunosensor.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 12207-12219
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01216J
In vitro β-catenin attenuation by a mefloquine-loaded core–shell nano emulsion strategy to suppress liver cancer cells
Liver cancer, with 800 000 new cases annually, is driven by Wnt/β-catenin pathway mutations in over 80% of cases. This study aims to develop a novel strategy to target this pathway, inhibit cancer cell growth and downregulate oncogenic gene expression.
Nanoscale Adv., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00547C
Photophysical, thermal and imaging studies on vancomycin functional branched poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) of differing degrees of branching containing nile red for detection of Gram-positive bacteria
Highly branched poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) additives chain end functionalised with vancomycin have been designed to agglutinate and report on targetted Gram-positive strains of bacteria (S. aureus).
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11996-12006
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01544D
Post-therapy via integrated curcumin and doxorubicin modified cerium-based UiO-66 MOFs using an antioxidant and anticancer therapeutic strategy
The integration capitalizes on the free radical scavenging abilities of cerium-based materials, boosting the system's antioxidant capacity. This novel drug delivery preserves the tumor suppressive impact of the anticancer drugs.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11983-11995
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01206B
A lignin-based biocomposite hydrogel for antimicrobial and wound healing applications
Brief method for hydrogel preparation.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 9445-9457
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00680A
Development of a two-dimensional peptide functionalized-reduced graphene oxide biomaterial for wound care applications
Peptide functionalized-reduced graphene oxide biomaterial for wound care applications.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 20986-21001
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02233E
Selective assembly and insertion of ubiquicidin antimicrobial peptide in lipid monolayers
The selective assembly of ubiquicidin antimicrobial peptide near a lipid monolayer was explored in this article aiming to understand the role of available lipids in a bacterial membrane.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11731-11745
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01487A
Folic acid-targeted redox responsive polylactic acid-based nanoparticles co-delivering pirarubicin and salinomycin suppress breast cancer tumor growth in vivo
Schematic illustration of design, administration, and mechanism of action of Pira/Sal dual-loaded FA-conjugated redox responsive [S-(PLA-b-PEG-CONH)]2 block copolymeric nanoparticles.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 20131-20146
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02365J
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid microparticles are effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis
Sustained delivery of NDGA via polymeric microparticles maintains therapeutic levels in joints, reduces cartilage damage, and alleviates post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in mice through ROS modulation and autophagy induction.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 11172-11186
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01342E
L-cysteine capped MoS2 QDs for dual-channel imaging and superior Fe3+ ion sensing in biological systems
L-Cysteine capped MoS2 QDs are synthesized and employed for dual-channel imaging and superior Fe3+ ion sensing in biological systems.
Nanoscale Adv., 2024,6, 5694-5707
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00505H
Rebamipide nanocrystal with improved physicomechanical properties and its assessment through bio-mimicking 3D intestinal permeability model
This study investigated the development and evaluation of rebamipide nanocrystals (REB-NCs) a BCS class IV drug for enhancing solubility and permeability, and used as anti-ulcer medication.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 19786-19805
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03137G
In situ thermosensitive H2O2/NO self-sufficient hydrogel for photothermal ferroptosis of triple-negative breast cancer
Schematic illustrating calcium peroxide (CaO2) nanoparticles capable of supplying H2O2/NO upon NIR trigger, synergising with a ferroptosis inducer, RSL-3 (CPIR NPs) for photothermal ferroptosis through mitochondrial damage and lipid peroxidation.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 18899-18909
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02907K
Encapsulation of telmisartan inside insulinoma-cell-derived extracellular vesicles outperformed biomimetic nanovesicles in modulating the pancreatic inflammatory microenvironment
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic condition, characterized by hyperglycaemia, oxidative imbalance, pancreatic β-cell death, and insulin insufficiency.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10294-10308
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00808A
Influence of lipid vesicle properties on the function of conjugation dependent membrane active peptides
Membrane active peptides (MAPs) can provide novel means to trigger the release of liposome encapsulated drugs to improve the efficacy of liposomal drug delivery systems.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10320-10331
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01107D
Surface modification of medical grade biomaterials by using a low-temperature-processed dual functional Ag–TiO2 coating for preventing biofilm formation
Ag–TiO2 coating on various medical-grade biomaterials demonstrates their antibacterial and antibiofilm properties.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 10093-10109
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00701H
Cellular uptake and viability switching in the properties of lipid coated carbon quantum dots for potential bioimaging and therapeutics
Carbon quantum dots derived from mango leaves exhibited red fluorescence.
Nanoscale Adv., 2024,6, 5069-5079
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00306C
Incorporation of green synthesized ZnO with the support of rGO sheets into PVDF membranes to improve their filtration and antifouling properties for wastewater treatment
A rGO/ZnO nanocomposite membrane had excellent filtration properties with good antifouling behaviour.
New J. Chem., 2024,48, 17013-17026
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NJ03127J
Engineering hemin-loaded hyaluronan needle-like microparticles with photoprotective properties against UV-induced tissue damage
Hemin-loaded hyaluronan needle-like microparticles can protect against the UV-induced damage of dermal fibroblasts and the accompanied oxidative and nitrosative stress.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9639-9655
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01529K
Liposome biodistribution mapping with in vivo X-ray fluorescence imaging
X-ray fluorescence imaging tracks liposomes with high resolution and penetration depth. The encapsulated ruthenium(II) polypyridyl dye enables dual mode imaging.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 17404-17411
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02793K
Iron oxide nanoparticle-stabilized Pickering emulsion-templated porous scaffolds loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for bone tissue engineering
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) loaded onto the porous acrylate-based scaffolds significantly enhance the expression of osteogenic markers.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9312-9324
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB00286E
Soft nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents and carriers of microbiocides for enhanced inhibition activity
Antibiotic resistance continues to pose significant health challenges. Dual action soft nanoparticles provide an advantageous platform to address it.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 9296-9311
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01200C
Design and synthesis of a shikimoyl-functionalized cationic di-block copolypeptide for cancer cell specific gene transfection
Targeted and efficient gene delivery systems hold tremendous potential for the improvement of cancer therapy by enabling appropriate modification of biological processes and the strategic design of the delivery vector plays a critical role in the improved efficacy.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 8952-8965
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01233J
Shape anisotropy induced jamming of nanoparticles at liquid interfaces: a tensiometric study
Self-assembly phenomena at the liquid–liquid interface measured using inverted pendant drop tensiometry, provide insights into the jamming of nanocolloids governed through structural organization at the nanoscale due to their shape anisotropy.
Nanoscale Adv., 2024,6, 4683-4692
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00280F
G4-Hemin-loaded 2D nanosheets for combined and targeted chemo-photodynamic cancer therapy
A supramolecular strategy for the fabrication of a PDT-active 2D nanosheet loaded with a POD-mimicking DNAzyme for the synergetic combination of PDT and CDT for targeted cancer therapy is reported.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 16195-16203
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01494D
Quorum sensing inhibiting dihydropyrrol-2-ones embedded polymer/graphene oxide nanocomposite waterborne antimicrobial coatings
This work reports the fabrication of nanocomposite antimicrobial films loaded with quorum sensing inhibiting compounds exhibiting maximum ~7log10 reduction in bacterial cell viability highlighting the role of preparation strategy in microbial coatings.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 8366-8375
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01026D
NIR-responsive porous gold nanorod dispersed in a 3D gelatin scaffold for stimulus-responsive drug release and synergistic therapy
Biodegradable porous nanomaterials have emerged as a promising avenue for tumor drug delivery owing to their capacity to encapsulate large quantities of drugs and their compatibility with biological systems.
Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 6853-6863
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00400K
DNA tetrahedral nanocages as a promising nanocarrier for dopamine delivery in neurological disorders
DNA cages loaded with Dopamine as carriers for dopamine release in neuronal cells for applications in neurological disorders.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 15158-15169
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00612G
Laser-patterned epoxy-based 3D microelectrode arrays for extracellular recording
Epoxy-based 3D microelectrode arrays facilitate extracellular recordings in non-planar environments.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 14295-14301
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01727G
Nitrogen-doped carbon dots: a novel biosensing platform for selective norfloxacin detection and bioimaging
Nitrogen-based quantum dots (N-Ch-CQDs) serve as an efficient biosensor platform with bioimaging capabilities to combat antibiotic resistance resulting from norfloxacin residues, which pose a significant public health threat due to their incomplete metabolism and non-biodegradable nature.
J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024,12, 7635-7645
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TB01006J
Efficient detection of p-nitrophenol via a polypyrrole flower-decorated nickel foam-based electrochemical sensor
PPy flower/Ni foam-based electrode has been used for the selective detection of p-NP which showed linear detection of 0.01–20 nM, LOD of 7.18 pM and high sensitivity of 5.37 μA nM−1 cm−2.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 13915-13924
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01580K
Design and synthesis of a nucleobase functionalized peptide hydrogel: in vitro assessment of anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects
Over the past several years, a significant increase in the expanding field of biomaterial sciences has been observed due to the development of biocompatible materials based on peptide derivatives that have intrinsic therapeutic potential.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 13613-13626
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01149J
Functionalized Graphitic Carbon Nitride as an Efficient Electro-Analytical Platform for the Label-free Electrochemical Sensing of Interleukin-8 in Saliva Samples
Nanoscale, 2024, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02039A
Titania (TiO2) nanotube surfaces doped with zinc and strontium for improved cell compatibility
Titanium-based orthopedic implants are gaining popularity in recent years due to their excellent biocompatibility, superior corrosion resistance and lightweight properties.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 12510-12522
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01123F
About this collection
Nano-biomaterials, i.e., nanomaterials derived or inspired from biological molecules, have gained substantial influence in recent times in terms of their fine tunability, scale-up potential, excellent interface and adaptation with biological systems. Multiple different approaches involving physical and computational modelling, chemical structure synthesis and characterization and biological modifications have been used to develop next generation bionanodevices that can interface with biological systems in a very focused manner. Some of the recent devices have already made their way to clinical trials and many others are in different stages of the pipeline for translational applications.
This new collection in Nanoscale, Journal of Materials Chemistry B, Nanoscale Advances and Materials Advances will focus on the design of multifunctional hybrid nanomaterials for different applications and on interfacing nanomaterials with biological systems for translational studies. The scope of this collection loosely aligns with the 2023 International Conference on Nanomaterials in Biology (ICNB 2023), held at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar along with Soft Materials Research Society, from 19–22 November 2023.
This collection is guest edited by Professor Dhiraj Bhatia (IIT Gandhinagar, India), Professor Mukesh Dhanka (IIT Gandhinagar, India), Dr Anjali Awasthi (University of Rajasthan, India), Professor Kamlendra Awasthi (Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, India) and Professor Kaushik Chatterjee (IISc Bangalore, India).