Current Nanomaterials (Volume 11 - Issue 3)

Optimizing Gold Nanoparticle Size and Aggregation Strategies for Enhanced Sers: A Comprehensive Review

2026-07-20

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) is an ultrasensitive spectroscopy technique that leverages Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) in nanostructured metallic substrates. Its ability to detect and analyze molecules at very low concentrations is certain; however, the effectiveness is highly dependent on the size and aggregation state of the nanoparticles used as a substrate. This study analyzes the correlation between key sensitivity parameters consisting of Enhancement Factor (EF) and Limit Of Detection (LOD) in relation to the enhanced SERS. The effects of sensitivity associated with suitably sized nanoparticles focusing on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and their implementation of SERS are comprehensively analyzed. The method for controlling nanoparticle aggregation is also reviewed as a complementary strategy to enhance SERS performance alongside the optimal size. The findings indicate that the AuNPs with sizes below 55 nm provide higher EF and lower LOD due to the increased strength of the electromagnetic field, although they may suffer from aggregation instability compared to the larger nanoparticles. To manage this concern, the integrated strategies involving chemical, physical, and self-assembly techniques of controlled aggregation of AuNPs have a significant impact on forming SERS hot spots and amplifying signals. Therefore, an adaptation of the approaches to obtain the optimal size and well-distributed aggregation of AuNPs to achieve a reliable SERS substrate in various applications serves as a decisive factor. This study identifies the current gaps to address the diversity of accessible sizes of AuNPs, aggregation control, and challenges in evaluating AuNPs and introduces a future path for achieving a reliable SERS substrate in diverse applications.

Advances in Carbon-Based Flexible Thermoelectric Materials: Challenges, Prospects, and Applications for Wearable Power Solutions

2026-07-20

Carbon nanotubes have garnered a lot of attention lately due to their exceptional mechanical and electrical properties. These properties make them desirable candidates for developing flexible, highly effective, and affordable thermoelectric devices. These special materials are distinguished by their exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and changeable band gaps, effectively transforming heat into electrical energy. Carbon-based, thermoelectric materials are more appealing because of their inherent benefits, which include their abundance, non-toxicity, and appropriateness for solution processing. With wearable technology becoming increasingly ingrained in daily life, these features indicate a promising future for continuous power provision.

Improving heat transfer efficiency and their power-generating capacities are major obstacles. The several kinds of flexible thermoelectric materials, including flexible films, fibers, textiles, polymers, and composites, are thoroughly examined. There are several options for upgrading these materials. Optimizing interfacial transport mechanisms, striking a healthy balance between flexibility and thermoelectric performance, and developing three-dimensional textile devices are all critical areas of study. Furthermore, research into thermoelectric uses in recycling processes and biodegradable materials might lead to more sustainable solutions. These efforts will be essential in developing adaptable wearable technologies that are not only efficient but also ecologically beneficial. Addressing these difficulties has the potential to dramatically improve the future of thermoelectric technology, creating new paths for energy generation and creative uses in a variety of industries.

Recent Insights and Clinical Status on Novel Mefenamic Acid Nanocarriers for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

2026-07-20

Joint structure and performance can be compromised by the systemic inflammatory disorder rheumatoid arthritis, which destroys articular cartilage and erodes periarticular bone. However, due to their systemic processes, short half-lives, and poor bioavailability, the anti-inflammatory medicines and biological agents now utilized for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are unable to preferentially target inflamed joints. Anti-inflammatory medicines have made use of nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery methods. The role that inflammation plays in the genesis of disease has had far-reaching repercussions, including its ability to influence the development of disorders as diverse as inflammatory bowel disorder, RA, and osteoarthritis. In the treatment of RA, nanomaterials have the potential to both increase the absorption of the medication and selectively target the damaged joint tissue. Designer nanoparticles now have the ability to engage more thoroughly with their biological targets and a wider variety of diseases. These nanoparticles have a comparable size range and surface properties that can be modified. In this review, we have discussed the progress that has been made and the hurdles that remain in the use of nanomaterials in the treatment of RA, specifically in relation to mefenamic acid.

Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: Enhancing Delivery of Poorly Soluble Drugs

2026-07-20

Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) represent a cutting-edge advancement in drug delivery systems, designed to regulate the problems within conventional methods, particularly for poorly soluble drugs. These carriers are composed of a unique combination of solid and liquid lipids, forming a nanoscale matrix with improved stability, high drug-loading capacity, and controlled release properties. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of NLCs and their potential to enhance the bioavailability of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. The review explores formulation techniques, including high-pressure homogenization, solvent emulsification, and microemulsion methods, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. Key physicochemical properties of poorly soluble drugs, such as lipophilicity, crystallinity, and particle size, are discussed in relation to their compatibility with NLC systems. NLCs have significant potential as innovative drug delivery systems (DDS), particularly for pharmaceuticals with limited solubility. These nanoscale carriers effectively enhance drug solubility and bioavailability, protect drugs from degradation, facilitate controlled drug release, increase the drug disposition to the target organ, alter the pharmacokinetic characteristics of drug-loaded carriers, improve the therapeutic effect, decrease adverse side effects, and render them essential for pharmaceutical applications. Future perspectives emphasize the potential of NLCs in targeted drug delivery, personalized medicine, and combination therapies. The versatility and biocompatibility of NLCs make them a promising tool for addressing unmet medical needs. In conclusion, NLCs are poised to revolutionize modern pharmaceutical sciences by offering innovative solutions for drug delivery challenges, paving the way for more efficient and patient-centered curative approaches.

Current Insights into Polymeric Nanocarriers for Delivery of Phytomedicines in Breast Cancer Therapy

2026-07-20

Background and Objectives: Globally, breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant disease that affects females and is one of the major causes of cancer-related death for women. The first line of treatment for breast cancer consists of chemotherapy drugs combined with radiation and surgical intervention. However, because therapeutic agents do not yet reach the tumor site at sufficient concentrations, resulting in decreased pharmacokinetics and increased systemic adverse effects, pharmacotherapy has been altered. Chemotherapy for breast cancer is more effective and successful, and is less toxic when nanotechnology is employed. Many cancer forms develop multidrug resistance, which appears to be a critical factor in the failure of numerous chemotherapy treatment classes. Phytofabricated nanoparticles have been developed recently for targeted herbal drug administration, molecular biology screening of biological markers for malignancies, and in vivo cancer diagnostics. Phytofabricated polymeric nanoparticles are the most prominent and emerging nanocarriers that have gained much research attention in the field of novel drug delivery systems for real-time treatment of breast cancer (BC) tumors.

Methods: In herbal drug delivery technologies, the advancement of phytopharmacological science has led to the elucidation of the composition of phytoconstituents and their biological activities. Nano-sized herbal medicines can overcome inadequate bioavailability, in vivo degradation and toxicity, uneven distribution, intestinal absorption, and a non-specific site of action. The combinatorial strategy of employing both nanotechnology and herbal medications allows for therapeutic potentiation, which reduces the required dose and undesirable harmful effects. In the present study, a comprehensive search utilizes databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, etc, to locate the original research papers. In addition, diligent work is done to gather and update the progress of novel polymer-based nanocarriers for treating BC in the form of tables.

Results: Researchers have devised innovative approaches to create and cultivate nanomedicine specifically targeted at breast cancer to attain even greater gains in drug resistance reversal, antitumorigenicity, antimetastasis, and disease specificity. Nanoparticles' exceptionally high surface area-to-volume ratio makes it possible to modify their surface characteristics for better therapeutic outcomes, i.e., cancer targeting, enhanced endocytosis and transcytosis, and extended circulation. This allows for more effective entry into tumor sites, metastasis, and cancer cells. Additionally, co-administration of phytochemical combinations may enhance additive or synergistic anticancer effects.

Conclusion: Breast cancer treatment with phytofabricated polymeric nanoparticles appears to be a potential avenue of research. Furthermore, the utilization of phytofabricated polymeric nanoparticles in conjunction with other loaded phytoconstituents or chemotherapeutics demonstrated encouraging outcomes in the treatment of BC. This article depicts a comprehensive new finding that formulation scientists are developing on phytochemical-based polymeric nanocarriers to pave the way for future pharmaceutical nanotechnology research.

Comparative Therapeutic Efficacy of Lipid-Based Nanocarriers versus Traditional Treatments for Psoriasis: A Comprehensive Review

2026-07-20

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with complex autoimmune and genetic origins, affecting approximately 125 million people globally, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.9% in the U.S. to 8.5% in Norway. This disease places a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems, with the average annual treatment cost per individual in the U.S. estimated at $2,528. Existing therapies often fall short due to issues like limited drug penetration and adverse effects, leading to patient dissatisfaction and treatment discontinuation. This review examines advancements in lipid-based nanocarriers for topical psoriasis management, highlighting their potential to overcome these therapeutic barriers. Lipid-based nanocarriers, including liposomes, niosomes, and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs), enhance drug stability, controlled release, and targeted delivery, which are pivotal in improving therapeutic outcomes. Innovations in c ombinatorial lipid-based therapies show promise in preclinical and clinical studies, supporting enhanced efficacy and improved quality of life for psoriasis patients. Future research should focus on optimizing these carriers for greater precision alongside rigorous clinical evaluations to validate their safety and impact.

Fabrication and Optimization of Regorafenib-loaded Solid Lipid Nano Carrier Using Box Behnken Design: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Intra-nasal Permeation Study

2026-07-20

Background: Over the last ten years, there has been little clinical progress in the treatment of glioblastoma, partially because there are no efficient drug delivery techniques that can pass across the blood-brain-tumor-barrier. The present study deals with the development optimization of Regorafenib-loaded Solid lipid nanoparticle(RF-SLN) for intranasal delivery of Regorafenib.

Method: A Box-Behnken Design was employed to develop and optimize seventeen formulations using the solvent evaporation method, followed by ultrasonication. Each formulation was characterized in terms of particle size, entrapment efficiency (EE%), and zeta potential. The optimized SLN formulation was then converted into an in situ gel and assessed for intranasal ex vivo permeation.

Results: The optimized formulation showed a particle size of 190.1nm, EE% of 81.3%, and zeta potential of -23.8 mV. The optimized Regorafenib-SLN in-situ gel showed enhanced drug permeability as compared to the Regorafenib-in-situ gel.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that an SLN-based nanocarrier system can be successfully applied for the intranasal delivery of Regorafenib targeting to the brain.

Effect of Cellulose Acetate on the Physicochemical Properties of PVP Blended Nanofibers

2026-07-20

Introduction: Electrospun polymeric nanofibers are increasingly utilized in various fields due to their cost-effective production and diverse applications. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a popular choice for nanofiber production due to its biocompatibility and favorable mechanical properties. However, its high solubility and bead formation limit its application. This study aims to investigate the effect of blending cellulose acetate (CA) with PVP to improve the physicochemical properties of electrospun nanofibers, specifically targeting diameter reduction and minimization of bead formation.

Methods: Precursor solutions of 40 wt% PVP and 12.5 wt% CA were prepared and blended in ratios of 100:0, 90:10, and 70:30 (w/w). Electrospinning was conducted at an optimized voltage of 18 kV and a flow rate of 0.050 mm/min. The resulting nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

Results: The PVP and CA blending ratios, 100:0, 90:10, and 70:30, gave fibers with average diameters of 460 nm, 327 nm, and 281 nm based on the SEM images.

Discussion: Blending CA with PVP reduced fiber diameter and bead formation. SEM revealed a decreasing trend in the average diameters with increasing loading of the CA polymer. FTIR spectra showed characteristic peak shifts, indicating hydrogen bonding between the two polymers.

Conclusion: The addition of CA significantly improved the morphology and physicochemical properties of PVP nanofibers. Optimal results were achieved at an 18 kV voltage and a 70:30 PVP/CA blend, yielding smooth, bead-free nanofibers with enhanced structural integrity.

Electrical Behavior of Hydrogen-Induced Ultra Nano-Crystalline Diamond

2026-07-20

Introduction: Ultra-nanocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films, in the context of semiconductor and optoelectronic devices, represent a promising avenue for developing highly versatile and efficient technologies, leveraging their unique properties for versatile applications. The development of the unique morphology of UNCD films that could be used in versatile semiconductor/optoelectronics devices.

Methods: In this study, a microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process was used to grow the UNCD thin films on silicon (100) substrates. The process was performed under various gas composition plasma atmospheres (H₂, N₂, Ar, and CH₄) at a pressure of 120 Torr and the substrate temperature of 700°C after the creation of nano-sized diamond powder nucleation sites with a seeding density of ≈2 × 10¹² cm⁻². Scanning electron microscopy images and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to study the surface morphology and crystal structure. For the Raman spectroscopy technique, four different excitation wavelengths of LASER light (448, 515, 647 and 785 nm) were used to confirm the formation of higher sp3-content, grain boundaries, structural diamond phase, and their dispersive/non-dispersive spectral components. C1s, O 1s, and N 1s X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy technique was employed to study the electronic/bonding structure of UNCD thin films, whereas ultra-violet (UV) photoemission technique was used to determine the work functions (Φ) and valence band maximum (VBM) of the UNCD films.

Results and Discussion: It was observed that the nano-structured UNCD film was dependent on the sp³-content presence in the film structure along with sp³-content and grain boundaries. The lowest Φ and VBM were obtained when the H₂ introduction was 8 sccm and 5 sccm, respectively. Electron field emission results showed that the turn-on electric field (E₀) is increased with an increase in the introduction of H₂ flow rate during the preparation of UNCD films, resulting in an increase in the sp³ -content in the film structure. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics indicated that the conductivity of the films was low, with a current of ~10^-10 A. Structural, electrical and electron field emission behaviours are strictly dependent on sp3-content presence in UNCD films structure.

Conclusion: The prepared UNCD films were found suitable for the fabrication of transient testing, memristors, and other versatile semiconductor/optoelectronics devices.

Corrigendum to: Nanotubes and Nanodiamonds in 3D printing: Enhancing Mechanical and Biological Properties of Nanocomposites through Advanced Formulation Technologies

2026-07-20

In the published article [1], the text under heading 7 was inadvertently omitted during the final processing of the manuscript. This error has now been corrected, and references have been updated. This correction does not affect the scientific content, data interpretation, or conclusion of the article.

The original article is available online at: https://www.benthamscience.com/article/144946

The publisher apologizes for any inconvenience caused to the authors and readers.

Details of the correction are provided below:

Corrected:

7. COMPARATIVE RESEARCH ANALYSIS FOR NANOTUBES AND NANODIAMONDS

A comparative analysis indicates that the use of carbon nanotubes and nanodiamonds in composite materials offers mutual benefits. Carbon nanotubes can improve the electrical conductivity and tensile strength of nanocomposites, whereas nanodiamonds can increase their hardness, biocompatibility, and thermal stability. In combination, the two materials have great promise in the development of new 3D-printed nanocomposites.