Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
JNT
Special Issues
Feature Review Papers in Nanotheranostics
Due to scheduled maintenance work on our servers, there may be short service disruptions on this website between 11:00 and 12:00 CEST on March 28th.
share announcement

Feature Review Papers in Nanotheranostics

A special issue of Journal of Nanotheranostics (ISSN 2624-845X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 6929

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dmitri Simberg

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Translational Bio-Nanosciences Laboratory, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
Interests: nanomedicine; complement; iron oxide nanoparticles; immune recognition of nanoparticles; barriers to nanoparticles extravasation
Prof. Dr. Peng Huang

grade E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, International Cancer Center, Laboratory of Evolutionary Theranostics (LET), School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
Interests: photothermal therapy; photodynamic therapy; molecular imaging; theranostics; nanomedicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce this Special Issue, entitled “Feature Review Papers in Nanotheranostics”. This Special Issue will publish high-quality review papers written by either our Editorial Board Members or outside leading authors. It will provide a comprehensive overview and cutting-edge insights into the most critical and timely research areas in nanotheranostics. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, personalized nanomedicine, imaging-guided therapy, artificial intelligence/machine learning-driven theranostics, and novel nanotheranostic platforms. It will serve as an essential resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in this research area. We anticipate that all the published papers will be widely read and highly influential, as well as promote the most recent advances in the field.

Prof. Dr. Dmitri Simberg
Prof. Dr. Peng Huang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Nanotheranostics is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanotheranostics
  • personalized nanomedicine
  • diagnostics
  • therapeutics
  • molecluar imaging

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Review

24 pages, 84390 KB  
Review
Magnetic Nanoparticles in Theranostics: From Controlled Synthesis and Surface Engineering to Biological Performance and Clinical Translation
by Gabriel Tolardo Colombo, Ruan Rompato Vieira, Gustavo Sanguino Dias, Marcia Edilaine Lopes Consolaro, Ivair Aparecido dos Santos, Raquel Dosciatti Bini and Luiz Fernando Cotica
J. Nanotheranostics 2026, 7(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt7010007 - 11 Mar 2026
Viewed by 196
Abstract
The usage of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), particularly iron oxide-based systems such as magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), has significantly advanced the field of theranostics. These nanoparticles unite therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities [...] Read more.
The usage of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), particularly iron oxide-based systems such as magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), has significantly advanced the field of theranostics. These nanoparticles unite therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities due to their favorable magnetic properties and surface engineering potential. However, the path from synthesis to clinical application poses substantial challenges, including optimization of structure–property–function relationships, biocompatibility issues, and effective surface functionalization. Various synthesis methods, such as co-precipitation and thermal decomposition, aim to achieve specific nanoparticle characteristics, although they encounter obstacles related to scalability and reproducibility. Furthermore, characterizing these systems through structural, microstructural and spectroscopic techniques is vital to determine their functional efficacy and ensure their safe biomedical usage. This review comprehensively examines recent advancements and identifies existing challenges in the clinical translation of MNPs, highlighting the need for refined methods and standardized protocols to effectively exploit their theranostic potential. It outlines future directions, emphasizing the importance of green synthesis and robust characterization frameworks to enhance the integration of MNPs in personalized medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nanotheranostics)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

38 pages, 1399 KB  
Review
Nano-Enabled CRISPR-Cas Gene Editing for Cancer Therapeutics
by Liangzhi Luo, Pengjun Sun, Tianyi Zhang, Ziyao Zhou, Tianle Zhang and Ziyang Hao
J. Nanotheranostics 2026, 7(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt7010006 - 9 Mar 2026
Viewed by 394
Abstract
While CRISPR-Cas9 enables precise targeting of cancer-driving genetic aberrations, its clinical application is impeded by instability, delivery inefficiencies, and immunogenicity. Nanotechnology addresses these challenges by engineering nanocarriers that facilitate enhanced cellular uptake, promote efficient endosomal escape, and ensure targeted delivery. This review summarizes [...] Read more.
While CRISPR-Cas9 enables precise targeting of cancer-driving genetic aberrations, its clinical application is impeded by instability, delivery inefficiencies, and immunogenicity. Nanotechnology addresses these challenges by engineering nanocarriers that facilitate enhanced cellular uptake, promote efficient endosomal escape, and ensure targeted delivery. This review summarizes current progress in nano-integrated CRISPR-Cas systems for cancer therapeutics, highlighting recent advancements in stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms for precise genome editing and their prospects for clinical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nanotheranostics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 2018 KB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of Engineered Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes as Nanotheranostic Platforms for Acute and Chronic Kidney Diseases
by Marcia Bastos Convento and Fernanda Teixeira Borges
J. Nanotheranostics 2026, 7(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt7010004 - 13 Feb 2026
Viewed by 754
Abstract
Acute and chronic kidney diseases remain significant challenges in regenerative medicine, with few therapies capable of reversing tissue injury or preventing progression. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BM-MSC-Exos) are nanosized vesicles (30–150 nm) that have emerged as multifunctional nanotheranostic platforms, combining targeted [...] Read more.
Acute and chronic kidney diseases remain significant challenges in regenerative medicine, with few therapies capable of reversing tissue injury or preventing progression. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BM-MSC-Exos) are nanosized vesicles (30–150 nm) that have emerged as multifunctional nanotheranostic platforms, combining targeted therapeutic activity with imaging-enabled monitoring. In renal pathophysiology, BM-MSC-Exos exert anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, angiogenic, and pro-regenerative effects. These actions are mediated by microRNAs, messenger RNAs, mitochondrial regulators, and bioactive proteins that modulate epithelial repair and immune responses. Recent bioengineering advances enable more precise BM-MSC-Exos design, including enrichment with synthetic RNAs or gene-editing components and membrane functionalization to enhance kidney tropism. In parallel, fluorescence, bioluminescence, and nanoparticle-based approaches support in vivo tracking. These tools allow real-time assessment of biodistribution and tubular uptake, strengthening evidence for target engagement. This review synthesizes current knowledge on BM-MSC-Exos in renal repair. We summarize contemporary strategies for cargo and surface engineering, outline imaging methodologies for in vivo tracking, and discuss how administration routes influence renal targeting. We also provide an updated overview of clinical trials evaluating exosomes as therapeutic agents or biomarkers in nephrology. Collectively, engineered BM-MSC-Exos represent a promising and increasingly sophisticated platform for precision-guided kidney therapy, supported by monitoring tools that facilitate preclinical evaluation of biodistribution and efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nanotheranostics)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

31 pages, 1879 KB  
Review
Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes for Diabetic Wound Healing: Mechanisms, Nano-Delivery Systems, and Translational Perspectives
by Sumsuddin Chowdhury, Aman Kumar, Preeti Patel, Balak Das Kurmi, Shweta Jain, Banty Kumar and Ankur Vaidya
J. Nanotheranostics 2026, 7(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt7010001 - 6 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1308
Abstract
Diabetic wounds remain chronically non-healing due to impaired angiogenesis, persistent inflammation, and defective extracellular matrix remodelling. In recent years, stem cell-derived exosomes have emerged as a potent cell-free regenerative strategy capable of recapitulating the therapeutic benefits of mesenchymal stem cells while avoiding risks [...] Read more.
Diabetic wounds remain chronically non-healing due to impaired angiogenesis, persistent inflammation, and defective extracellular matrix remodelling. In recent years, stem cell-derived exosomes have emerged as a potent cell-free regenerative strategy capable of recapitulating the therapeutic benefits of mesenchymal stem cells while avoiding risks associated with direct cell transplantation. This review critically evaluates the preclinical evidence supporting the use of exosomes derived from adipose tissue, bone marrow, umbilical cord, and induced pluripotent stem cells for diabetic wound repair. These exosomes deliver bioactive cargos such as microRNAs, proteins, lipids, and cytokines that modulate key signalling pathways, including Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Protein kinase (PI3K/Akt), Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β/Smad), and Hypoxia inducible factor-1α/Vascular endothelial growth factor (HIF-1α/VEGF), thereby promoting angiogenesis, accelerating fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation, facilitating re-epithelialization, and restoring immune balance through M2 macrophage polarization. A central focus of this review is the recent advances in exosome-based delivery systems, including hydrogels, microneedles, 3D scaffolds, and decellularized extracellular matrix composites, which significantly enhance exosome stability, retention, and targeted release at wound sites. Comparative insights between stem cell therapy and exosome therapy highlight the superior safety, scalability, and regulatory advantages of exosome-based approaches. We also summarize progress in exosome engineering, manufacturing, quality control, and ongoing clinical investigations, along with challenges related to standardization, dosage, and translational readiness. Collectively, this review provides a comprehensive mechanistic and translational framework that positions stem cell-derived exosomes as a next-generation, cell-free regenerative strategy with the potential to overcome current therapeutic limitations and redefine clinical management of diabetic wound healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nanotheranostics)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 2482 KB  
Review
Application of Metal-Doped Nanomaterials in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
by Xinhao Jin and Qi Sun
J. Nanotheranostics 2025, 6(4), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt6040035 - 17 Dec 2025
Viewed by 941
Abstract
Cancer remains a severe global health threat, with traditional therapies often plagued by limited efficacy and significant side effects. The emergence of nanotechnology, particularly metal-doped nanomaterials, offers a promising avenue for integrating diagnostic and therapeutic functions into a single platform, enabling a theranostic [...] Read more.
Cancer remains a severe global health threat, with traditional therapies often plagued by limited efficacy and significant side effects. The emergence of nanotechnology, particularly metal-doped nanomaterials, offers a promising avenue for integrating diagnostic and therapeutic functions into a single platform, enabling a theranostic approach to oncology. This article explores the design and application of various metal-doped nanosystems, including gadolinium-doped selenium molybdenum nanosheets for magnetic resonance/photoacoustic dual-mode imaging and photothermal therapy, and metal-doped hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles that leverage the tumor’s acidic microenvironment to release ions for catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species. Despite their promise, the limited enzyme-like activity of some nanozymes, insufficient endogenous hydrogen peroxide in tumors, and the tumor microenvironment’s defensive mechanisms, such as high glutathione levels, can restrict therapeutic efficacy. Looking forward, the outlook for the field is contingent upon advancing material engineering strategies. Future research should prioritize the development of intelligent, multifunctional nanoplatforms that can dynamically respond to and remodel the tumor microenvironment. Innovations in surface modification for enhanced targeting, alongside rigorous preclinical studies focused on safety and standardized manufacturing, are crucial for bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical application, ultimately paving the way for personalized cancer medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nanotheranostics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1466 KB  
Review
Nanotechnology for Managing Rice Blast Disease: A Comprehensive Review
by Phuoc V. Nguyen, Darnetty, Eka Candra Lina, Nha V. Duong, Phuong T. H. T. B. Ho and Di Ba Huỳnh
J. Nanotheranostics 2025, 6(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt6030023 - 25 Aug 2025
Viewed by 2542
Abstract
Magnaporthe oryzae-induced rice blast remains a critical threat to sustainable rice farming, causing extensive losses in many rice-producing regions worldwide. Due to increasing concerns about pesticide overuse and its impact on the environment and human health, alternative control methods are being actively [...] Read more.
Magnaporthe oryzae-induced rice blast remains a critical threat to sustainable rice farming, causing extensive losses in many rice-producing regions worldwide. Due to increasing concerns about pesticide overuse and its impact on the environment and human health, alternative control methods are being actively explored. Nanotechnology has recently gained attention as a potential tool for sustainable disease management. This review summarises current progress in the use of nanomaterials—including metal and biopolymer nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, targeted delivery systems, and biosensors—for the detection and control of rice blast. Studies have reported that nanomaterials can reduce disease severity by up to 70% and improve rice yield by 10–20% under field or greenhouse conditions. The mode of action, effectiveness under field conditions, and possible integration into integrated pest management (IPM) programs are discussed. The selection of literature followed the PRISMA-P framework to ensure a systematic and transparent review process. Challenges such as biosafety, environmental risks, and regulatory issues are also addressed, with emphasis on green synthesis methods and the need for field validation before practical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Review Papers in Nanotheranostics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop