Themed collection Recent Review Articles

Stimulus-responsive nanomaterials for ocular antimicrobial therapy
This review highlights recent stimulus-responsive antimicrobial nanotherapeutics for ocular infections, focusing on their design, progress, and advantages/limitations.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05462H
The Application Prospect of Metal/Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05504G
A review on the insights into redox-based regeneration strategies for LiFePO4 batteries
This review systematically compiles studies on redox reactions during SLFP regeneration, which are crucial for enhancing the understanding the regeneration of SLFP batteries.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 12048-12064
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04671D

Iron-based nanozymes induced ferroptosis for tumor therapy
This review highlights iron-based nanozymes including iron oxides, single-atom nanozymes, and MOFs that induce ferroptosis via ROS generation and Fenton chemistry, achieved by POD-, CAT-, OXD- and SOD-like activities.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00880H
Polymer additives in liquid electrolytes for advanced lithium batteries
This review focuses on the recent application progress of polymer additives in liquid electrolytes for lithium batteries.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11275-11292
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00470E

Recent progress of noble metal-based nanozymes: structural engineering and biomedical applications
This review highlights the recent progress in structural engineering of noble metal-based nanozymes and their enzyme-like properties in various enzyme-mimicking reactions and diverse biomedical applications.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 10557-10580
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05514D

Spin effects in metal halide perovskite semiconductors
This review explores the spin effects in both achiral and chiral metal halide perovskites and their opto-spintronic applications.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 9895-9906
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00127G
Flexible fibrous electrodes for implantable biosensing
This review explores advancements, applications, challenges, and future prospects of flexible fibrous electrodes for implantable biosensing, highlighting their potential in biomedical monitoring and human–machine interfaces. Images reproduced with permission, full details in paper.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 9870-9894
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04542D

Mechanism of methane activation and graphene growth on oxide ceramics
Mechanisms of graphene growth via chemical vapor deposition on oxide ceramics such as Al2O3, MgO, CaO, and SiO2 are discussed, with a focus on substrate-specific methane activation processes, toward versatile three-dimensional graphene synthesis.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00569H
Biomimetic ion channels with subnanometer sizes for ion sieving: a mini-review
The ion-selective transport property of biological systems has inspired the development of biomimetic ion channels. This mini-review highlights the mechanisms, recent fabrication strategies and applications of biomimetic ion channels.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 9021-9039
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00758E
Smart MXene-based microrobots for targeted drug delivery and synergistic therapies
This review emphasizes the groundbreaking potential of MXene-based microrobots in developing targeted drug delivery and synergistic therapeutic approaches.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 9040-9056
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05160B
Cu-based bimetallic catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction: before and beyond the tandem effect
Cu-based bimetallic catalysts show enhanced electrochemical CO2 reduction performance via the tandem effect. This review traces their progress, highlighting design advances, mechanisms, and challenges to guide efficient CO2 conversion.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 9057-9071
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04790G
Functionalization of rod-shaped plant viruses for biomedical applications
This review explores the development of biomedical nanomaterials based on rod-shaped plant viruses, providing insights into the design of innovative biomaterials for applications related to drug delivery, bioimaging and immune-therapy. Created in https://BioRender.com.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 9072-9085
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05354K

Hydrogen bubble evolution and its induced mass transfer on zinc electrodes in alkaline and neutral media
Hydrogen bubble evolution presents both challenges and opportunities in Zn-based batteries. While bubble evolution induces electrode instability and dendrite formation, it can also optimize mass transfer through controlled fluid dynamics.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 8453-8465
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05108D

Characterisation of polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery
Polymeric nanoparticles represent an innovative approach to drug delivery, particularly for addressing complex diseases like cancer.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 7738-7752
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00071H
External strategies for enhanced sensing performance of self-powered polyvinylidene fluoride-based sensors
External strategies such as electrode design, stress/heat transfer improvements, microstructure optimization, and multifunctional synergy show great potential for improving sensing performance of PVDF-based sensors. Images reproduced with permission, full details in paper.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 6981-6992
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05200E

Sustainable nanofibrous membranes for air filtration, water purification and oil removal
The increasing demand for sustainable solutions to address environmental and energy challenges has driven the development of advanced materials. This paper highlights recent advancements in the development of sustainable nanofibrous membranes.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 6427-6447
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04673K
Recent advances in multimodal mechanoluminescent sensors enabled by nanostructure design
Multifunctional coupling and signal decoupling achieved through nanostructure and supramolecule design, enable multimodal mechanoluminescent materials to play an increasingly important role in interdisciplinary applications and cutting-edge fields.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 6414-6426
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04875J
Multifunctional DNA nanomaterials: a new frontier in rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and treatment
DNA nanomaterials offer promising advancements in addressing the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through targeted drug delivery, biomarker detection, and therapeutic innovation.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 4974-4999
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04013A
Colloidal semiconductor quantum shells for solution-processed laser applications
Laser diodes based on solution-processed semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) present an economical and color-tunable alternative to traditional epitaxial lasers.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 3698-3707
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04653F
Leveraging the dual role of ROS in liver diseases with nanomaterials: clearing and amplifying for therapy
The dual role of ROS in liver diseases, and the potential of nanomaterials with catalytic activity for therapeutic applications are examined.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 3688-3697
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04469J
NIR-II upconversion nanomaterials for biomedical applications
This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent biomedical applications of upconversion nanomaterials specifically within the near-infrared two-region (NIR-II) window (1000–1700 nm).
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 2985-3002
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04445B
Mathematically inspired structure design in nanoscale thermal transport
Mathematically inspired structure design has emerged as a powerful approach for tailoring material properties, especially in nanoscale thermal transport, with promising applications both within this field and beyond.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 3003-3013
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04385E

Advances in integrated power supplies for self-powered bioelectronic devices
The emerging integrated power supplies for self-powered bioelectronic devices over the past few years are summarized. Additionally, the challenges and future perspectives in self-powered device design and manufacturing are also indicated.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 2423-2437
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04645E

Design strategies and performance enhancements of PVDF-based flexible electrolytes for high-performance all-solid-state lithium metal batteries
Lithium metal is considered one of the most promising anode materials for lithium batteries due to its high theoretical specific capacity (3860 mA h g−1) and low redox potential (−3.04 V).
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 2408-2422
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04583A
Organic semiconductor bulk heterojunctions for solar-to-chemical conversion: recent advances and challenges
This minireview highlights recent progress in BHJ-based photoelectrochemical cells and photocatalysts for solar-to-chemical conversions.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1889-1921
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03938F
Chiral nanomaterials as vaccine adjuvants: a new horizon in immunotherapy
Chiral nanomaterials are emerging as a promising class of vaccine adjuvants with the potential to significantly enhance vaccine efficacy, especially in the context of cancer immunotherapy.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1932-1935
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03542A

Advances in simulating dilute alloy nanoparticles for catalysis
Dilute and single-atom alloy catalysts have attracted tremendous attention in heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, we discuss recent progress on simulating their stability and catalytic behavior.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1936-1953
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03761H
Near-infrared circularly polarized luminescence enabled by chiral inorganic nanomaterials
We summarize the latest developments in NIR-CPL generated by chiral inorganic nanomaterials and provide new perspectives for constructing NIR-CPL materials and developing new applications for chiral nanomaterials.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1922-1931
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03743J
Bioinspired solid-state nanochannels for molecular analysis
Solid-state nanochannel sensors consisting of recognition elements and nanochannels are capable of detecting a wide range of small molecules including gas molecules, drug molecules and biomolecules.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1225-1237
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03711A
Unveiling nanoparticle–immune interactions: how super-resolution imaging illuminates the invisible
This mini-review focuses on how super-resolution techniques uncover the detailed interactions between nanoparticles and immune cells.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1213-1224
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03838J

Chirality generation on carbon nanosheets by chemical modification
Chirality is an intriguing property of molecules, and exciting area of study involves the generation of chirality in nanographenes (NGs), also known as graphene quantum dots.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 774-787
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02952F

Current state and potential of polymersomes as ocular drug delivery systems
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01273B
Quantum and critical Casimir effects: bridging fluctuation physics and nanotechnology
This review sheds light on the primary representation of fluctuation-induced forces, the Casimir effect, both in its classical (critical) and quantum expressions, highighting their role on the development of nanoscale devices.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01288K
Computational modelling of nanoparticle catalysis
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04364B
Recent advances of metal cluster-based SERS probes for biomedical applications
This review summarizes the latest progress in the field of SERS, including advanced substrate materials and their enhancement mechanisms, with an emphasis on metal cluster-based SERS probes and their biomedical applications.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01131K
Polymeric nanoparticle synthesis for biomedical applications: advancing from wet chemistry methods to dry plasma technologies
This review critically compares wet chemical and plasma polymerization methods for polymeric nanoparticle synthesis, highlighting plasma polymerization as a dry, scalable platform with insights into clinical translation and commercialization.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00436E
Challenges and future prospects of the 2D material-based composites for microwave absorption
2D materials, including graphene, boron nitride (BN), and MXene, have attracted wide attention in microwave absorption due to their unique lamellar structure, large specific surface area, low density, and good thermal and chemical stability.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00925A
Metal-based micro/nanomaterials for hydrogen therapy and their biomedical applications
This review comprehensively explores the biological effects of hydrogen, hydrogen release mechanisms, synthesis methods, and biomedical applications of hydrogen-releasing metal-based micro/nanomaterials.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00271K
Metal–organic frameworks for NH3 adsorption and separation
MOFs are promising NH3 adsorbent candidates due to their highly tunable structure and functionality, which can precisely match the characteristics required for NH3 adsorbents in multiple application scenarios.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00651A
Optimization of the hole-injection layer for quantum dot light-emitting diodes
This review summarizes the optimization strategies for the HILs in QLEDs, focusing on the design of single HILs, dual HILs, and doped HILs. Additionally, treatment methods that can further optimize the interfacial properties are discussed.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01052G

Material characterization methods for investigating charge storage processes in 2D and layered materials-based batteries and supercapacitors
An overview of the characterization techniques for probing charge storage mechanisms of 2D and thin-layered materials as electrodes in electrochemical energy storage systems.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00649J

Advancements in DNA-PAINT: applications and challenges in biological imaging and nanoscale metrology
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04544K
Advances in Multimodal Electrohydrodynamic Printing for High-Resolution Sensor Fabrication: Mechanisms, Materials, and Applications
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01375E
2D MoTe2 memristors for energy-efficient artificial synapses and neuromorphic applications
2D-materials for memristor-based low-power neuromorphic computing.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01509J
Recent advances for core–shell gallium-based liquid metal particles: properties, fabrication, modification, and applications
Summary of the surface properties, fabrication, modification, and applications of Ga-LMPs.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11934-11959
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05380J
Advances in perovskite-based neuromorphic computing devices
This review summarizes the latest research progress on neural morphology computing devices based on perovskite materials with different structures and summarizes different application scenarios.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 12014-12047
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00335K
Single electron transistor based charge sensors: fabrication challenges and opportunities
The Single Electron Transistor is crucial in various fields including semiconductor device fabrication, material science, medical imaging, Single Electron Memory, Spintronics, SET Microscopy and Bio Sensor.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11960-12013
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00384A
Material selection, preparation, driving and applications of light-driven micro/nano motors: a review
Light-driven MNMs with three different propulsion mechanisms. The TOC was reproduced with permission (Copyright 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2023, American Chemical Society; 2021 Elsevier).
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11894-11933
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05202A

MXenes in healthcare: transformative applications and challenges in medical diagnostics and therapeutics
Schematic representation of the multifaceted applications of MXenes in biomedical fields. This figure was Created with Biorender.com.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11785-11811
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04853A
More than a delivery system: the evolving role of lipid-based nanoparticles
Lipid-based nanoparticles are an important class of drug delivery vehicles. This review explores the use of lipid structures to make functional and targeted nanocarriers. highlighting use of synthetic and natural lipids. BioRender was used in part to generate the graphical abstract.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11864-11893
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04508D

Progress in computational methods and mechanistic insights on the growth of carbon nanotubes
Advancements in modern computational tools reveal key CNT growth mechanisms and pave the way for targeted synthesis and scalable production.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11812-11863
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05487C
Research progress of transition metal catalysts for electrocatalytic EG oxidation
The synthesis method and properties of electrocatalysts for EGOR reaction are described. Images reproduced with permission; see Acknowledgements for details.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05000B
Inspiration of plant-related adhesion for plant wearable sensor interface design
This review presents a systematic framework outlining the construction strategies for adhesion layers in plant wearable devices, drawing inspiration from plant-based adhesion interfaces.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00359H
Challenges, opportunities, and roadmap for ionic liquid-based electrolytes in advancing energy storage devices
This review offers a thorough and authoritative overview of research advancements in the field of ionic liquid-based electrolytes with an emphasis on Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00522A
Nonlinear photonics in glass systems doped with quantum dots and plasmonic nanoparticles
This review highlights the recent advances in engineering glass systems doped with quantum dots and plasmonic nanoparticles for nonlinear photonics, focusing on their application in optical switching for pulse laser generation.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00669D
Hydrogel-Exosome Complexes: A Novel Strategy for Cardiovascular Regeneration
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00892A
Recent progress of carbon dots in the theranostics of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR01322D

Emerging frontiers in chiral metal–organic framework membranes: diverse synthesis techniques and applications
In this review, the preparation and applications of chiral metal–organic framework (MOF) membranes for sensing and separation of enantiomers and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) are summarized.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00938C
Graphene quantum dots induced performance for intelligence memristors
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00597C
Nanocellulose hydrogels from agricultural wastes: methods, properties, and application prospects
This review highlights the preparation, properties, and versatile applications of nanocellulose-based hydrogels from agricultural wastes, focusing on sustainability, biomedical use, packaging, water purification, and future development trends.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00997A
Progress in understanding triple ionic–electronic conduction in perovskite oxides for protonic ceramic fuel cell applications
Optimizing ORR in PCFC cathodes by balancing proton and oxygen–ion transport.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11133-11151
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05513F
Recent progress in ultraviolet photodetectors based on low-dimensional materials
UV photodetectors utilizing 0D, 1D, and 2D materials and heterostructures, enable high responsivity and fast response times. Their integration enhances charge transport, minimizes dark current, and improves UV sensing for advanced optoelectronics.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11246-11274
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04317K
Advances in Ga2O3-based memristor devices, modeling, properties, and applications for low power neuromorphic computing
Ga2O3-based memristor with low-power operation, fast switching via conductive filaments, and potential integration with neuromorphic systems mimicking the human visual pathway.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11152-11190
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04865B
Strategies for industrial-grade seawater electrolysis: from electrocatalysts and device design to techno-economic analysis
Electrocatalysts for industrial-grade seawater electrolysis.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11101-11132
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05520A
Advances in portable fiber optic-based aptasensors for on-site detection: design, evolution, and application
The emergence of on-site detection using portable devices has transformed traditional analytical methods, which rely on precise but bulky laboratory instruments, into a promising technique for point-of-care testing.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11221-11245
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04846F
Nanogold-albumin conjugates: transformative approaches for next-generation cancer therapy and diagnostics
Schematic illustration of nanogold-albumin conjugates for application in next-generation cancer therapy and diagnostics. Material reproduced with permission; see full details in
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11191-11220
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05279J

Metal–organic frameworks: a biomimetic odyssey in cancer theranostics
This review emphasizes the need for continued research into biomimetic MOFs for cancer theranostics, highlighting their potential to overcome current obstacles and provide safe, effective, and targeted therapeutic options. The graphical abstract was created in BioRender (www.biorender.com).
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00794A

Carbon dot–phthalocyanine hybrids: synergistic effects that boost their multifaceted applications
This review covers recent advances in Pc@CD hybrids, emphasizing synthesis, conjugation strategies, and enhanced properties that drive applications in sensing, electrocatalysis, phototherapy, and photocatalysis.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00466G
Chemically active colloidal superstructures
This review explores the self-propulsion mechanisms of chemically driven colloidal motors, the principles of their chemical communication, and strategies for the directed assembly of active colloidal superstructures.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NR00650C
About this collection
In addition to high impact and high quality research across nanoscience & nanotechnology, Nanoscale publishes topical review articles. Reviews will be added to this webpage as soon as possible after publication.