- New
- Research Article
- 10.1002/nano.70134
- Mar 1, 2026
- Nano Select
- Ahmad M Eid + 7 more
ABSTRACT Novel and effective topical therapies are needed to combat antibiotic‐resistant bacteria like FRSA strains. This work developed and tested a topical Fusidic acid (FA) nanoemulgel for antibacterial activity. Initial solubility testing was performed, confirming lavender oil as the most efficient solvent for FA and identifying Tween 80 and Span 80 as the optimal surfactant and cosurfactant blend, respectively. Nanoemulsions were successfully prepared using the self‐emulsifying method, with optimization guided by ternary phase diagrams. Subsequent incorporation into a Carbopol 940 hydrogel matrix yielded the final nanoemulgel formulations. Detailed physicochemical characterization demonstrated the success of the system: the FA nanoparticles exhibited an average size of 119.28 nm, a narrow size distribution reflected by a PDI below 0.2, and a strong stabilizing negative zeta potential exceeding −40 mV. Rheological assessment confirmed favorable pseudoplastic flow characteristics across all hydrogel concentrations. Critically, the formulation containing 0.4% Carbopol achieved the superior in vitro drug release performance. The final FA nanoemulgel exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, successfully combatting FRSA strains that were resistant to available commercial market products. In conclusion, this nanoemulgel offers a highly effective strategy for enhanced topical delivery of FA, demonstrating significant clinical promise as a treatment for resistant bacterial skin infections.
- New
- Journal Issue
- 10.1002/nano.v7.3
- Mar 1, 2026
- Nano Select
- Research Article
- 10.1002/nano.70122
- Feb 1, 2026
- Nano Select
- Alessandra Menezes Silva + 5 more
ABSTRACT Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are of great interest in nanomedicine due to their potential as drug delivery vehicles. Here, magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles were synthesized via co‐precipitation and coated with oleic acid to prevent agglomeration. Their surface was functionalized with the biocompatible thiolated molecule glutathione (GSH), enabling the anchoring of the anti‐inflammatory drug diclofenac potassium (DP) and the natural compound bitter ginger (BG). Powder x‐ray diffraction (PXRD) confirmed the cubic inverse spinel structure of magnetite with an average crystallite size of ∼10 nm. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified the presence of ligands and therapeutic agents on the nanoparticle surfaces. Magnetic measurements revealed superparamagnetic behavior, which is essential for targeted applications. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analyses indicated improved colloidal stability and reduced polydispersity after functionalization. Preliminary in vitro cytotoxicity tests on healthy human lung fibroblasts (MRC‐5) and cancer cells (HeLa) revealed low toxicity for the nanovehicles and dose‐dependent effects for the therapeutic agents. These findings demonstrate the potential of functionalized SPIONs as versatile platforms for controlled drug delivery and diagnostic applications in nanomedicine.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/nano.70119
- Feb 1, 2026
- Nano Select
- Ye Huang + 4 more
ABSTRACT This study constructed a novel magnetic thermosensitive lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (MTHNPs) system triggered by alternating magnetic field (AMF). The system employs poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) and phase‐change material 1‐tetradecanol (Tet) as carriers, loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO), and stabilized via phospholipid coating. Tet acts as a “thermosensitive switch”, undergoing phase transition under AMF‐induced localized nanoheating to controllably release SPIO. Experimental results showed that MTHNPs could be effectively taken up by human hepatocarcinoma Hep G2 cells and localized in lysosomes. Under conditions that did not induce significant bulk temperature increase, the combined treatment of MTHNPs and AMF demonstrated significant synergistic antitumor effects in Hep G2 cells, including significant inhibition of cell viability, induction of apoptosis, significant increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and rapid onset of cell membrane impairment. Furthermore, mechanism studies reveal that this effect primarily stems from the synergistic combination of multiple biological effects mediated by nonthermal mechanisms such as magnetomechanical force after SPIO release. Collectively, this research provides novel insights for developing nonthermal therapeutic strategies based on physical triggering and tumor microenvironment regulation. Summary This study developed magnetic thermosensitive lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (MTHNPs) that enable alternating magnetic field (AMF)‐triggered release of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO). Without significant bulk heating, the treatment synergistically inhibited Hep G2 cells viability, induced apoptosis, and caused membrane damage via non‐thermal mechanisms, offering a novel strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/nano.70116
- Feb 1, 2026
- Nano Select
- Yang Luo + 5 more
ABSTRACT The anabolism of malignant tumor cells provides a stable energy supply for their proliferation. Therefore, restricting nutrient/energy supply may be an effective strategy to inhibit tumor growth. Herein, a novel therapeutic approach—triple starvation therapy—is illustrated by combretastatin A‐4 phosphate (CA‐4P)/glucose oxidase (GOx)/3‐PO@ZIF‐8@HA@hydrogel (termed CGP@H). Specifically, CA‐4P can block the nutrient supply to tumors by cutting off tumor blood vessels. GOx can consume glucose by converting glucose to gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide in tumor tissue. Upon endocytosis of 3‐PO@ZIF‐8@HA nanoparticles by tumor cells, the released 3‐(3‐pyridyl)‐1‐(4‐pyridyl)‐2‐propen‐1‐one (3‐PO) effectively inhibits the activity of the PFKFB3 protein, thereby blocking glycolysis and consequently restricting energy supply. This study presents a straightforward yet highly effective strategy to restrict tumor nutrient/energy supply on three distinct levels. Moreover, it offers a novel platform for achieving more potent cancer starvation therapy through the integration of multiple nutrient/energy depletion approaches.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/nano.70066
- Feb 1, 2026
- Nano Select
- Dheeraj Kumar + 6 more
ABSTRACT Lutetium‐177 ( 177 Lu) labeled DOTA‐3‐Tyr‐Octreotate (DOTA‐TATE) is a peptide‐based receptor‐mediated radionuclide therapy that has received FDA authorization for treatment of neuroendocrine tumors expressing somatostatin sstr2 receptors. The present study employs a synthetically modified gold nanoparticle (AuNP) preparation for effecting increased delivery of [ 177 Lu]Lu‐DOTA‐TATE at the targeted cancerous site. Two synthetic approaches, viz. pre‐labeling and post‐labeling , were followed to produce the [ 177 Lu]Lu‐DOTA‐TATE‐loaded AuNPs. The pre‐labeling approach estimated the peptide functionalization to an extent of ∼20%. TEM of DOTA‐TATE functionalized AuNPs yielded a particle size around 5.5 ± 2.2 nm. A theoretical estimate quantified the average number of TATE molecules per AuNP around 23. IC 50 determination of DOTA‐TATE functionalized AuNP using [ 177 Lu]Lu‐DOTA‐TATE as a standard in AR42J cell lines exhibited superior inhibition (0.62 nM) in comparison to free DOTA‐TATE peptide (4.84 nM). The radiolabeled AuNPs presented >80% specificity in AR42J cell lines. Biodistribution studies of radiolabeled AuNPs in AR42J tumor xenografts showed tumor uptake of 1.76 ± 1.08% ID/g at 2 h post‐injection (p.i.), which remained nearly constant over a period of 48 h. Unlike the standard [ 177 Lu]Lu‐DOTA‐TATE radiotracer, the NP elimination from the blood pool was slower; however, prolonged systemic circulation failed to enhance tumor accumulation over time.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/nano.70121
- Feb 1, 2026
- Nano Select
- Biniyam Abdu Berehe + 7 more
ABSTRACT Industrial discharge of synthetic dyes like malachite green (MG) poses significant environmental hazards due to their toxicity and persistence. Photocatalytic degradation using semiconductor catalysts offers a sustainable remediation approach, yet efficiency is limited by rapid electron‐hole recombination. Here we report the phytogenic‐assisted synthesis of ZnO/SnO 2 hybrid catalysts using Dovyalis abyssinica ( D. abyssinica) leaf extract, forming stable heterojunctions with enhanced charge separation and an intermediate band gap of 3.25 eV. Notably, this is the first study to employ D. abyssinica leaf extract as a dual reducing and capping agent for the green synthesis of ZnO/SnO 2 heterojunction photocatalysts, enabling controlled interfacial contact and improved charge‐transfer efficiency. Structural, morphological, optical, and thermal properties of the catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, DRS, BET, and TGA–DSC analyses, confirming improved surface properties and thermal stability. Under visible light, the ZnO/SnO 2 ‐0.05 hybrid achieved 89.12% degradation of MG within 80 min, outperforming individual ZnO and SnO 2 catalysts. Kinetic analysis followed pseudo‐first‐order behavior, and scavenging experiments identified holes and superoxide radicals as primary reactive species. The catalyst maintained over 70% activity after six reuse cycles. These findings demonstrate the potential of green‐synthesized ZnO/SnO 2 hybrids as efficient, stable, and reusable photocatalysts for wastewater treatment applications.
- Journal Issue
- 10.1002/nano.v7.2
- Feb 1, 2026
- Nano Select
- Research Article
- 10.1002/nano.70118
- Jan 31, 2026
- Nano Select
- Research Article
- 10.1002/nano.70090
- Jan 1, 2026
- Nano Select
- Navtej Singh + 1 more
ABSTRACT Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as one of the most versatile and ignited domains, balancing the fundamental as well as applied research on a single podium. We have synthesised CQDs from biomass waste, i.e., banana peels and human hair‐based CQDs, (B‐CQDs and H‐CQDs respectively), with a step toward sustainable material utilization through waste‐derived nanocarbon synthesis, integrating structural characterization with optical property analysis to bridge material‐level understanding with application potential. Both these B‐CQDs and H‐CQDs have been comparatively scrutinized in order to set up a relation between the CQDs' properties and the choice of precursor for their synthesis according to their application‐related requirement. Various microstructural parameters have been estimated from the results of different characterizations and the plausible lattice specifications for CQDs have been explored. The verification and justification of these calculated parameters have been done from micrograph image calculations, i.e., high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), to evidently present the results. We hereby present the thorough analysis of the optical properties (i.e., PL and TRPL lifetime of excitons) for both CQD samples and have presented the structural to the property correlation of the results with these calculated microstructural parameters and highlighting the impact of nanoscale lattice distortions on optical behavior. Photocatalyzed MB dye degradation along with statistical interpretation of TEM‐SAED outcomes, has been explored. This study establishes a direct link between precursor selection, microstructural characteristics and the photophysical response of waste‐derived CQDs, highlighting their tunability for targeted applications.