Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine (Second Edition)

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 8985

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Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Interests: nanotechnology; liposomes; niosomes; transfersomes; aerogels; biomaterials, nanomedicine
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanosomes are small vesicles that are used in precision nanomedicine to deliver therapeutic drugs to specific cells or tissues. They are designed to improve the efficacy and safety of drug delivery systems. Nanosomes have a unique structure consisting of a liposomal bilayer around a hydrophilic core. The core contains either a therapeutic drug or a functional biomolecule that can selectively target specific cells or tissues. The use of nanosomes in precision nanomedicine has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases. These nanovesicles can pass through biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, and target specific cells or tissues, thus reducing the side effects associated with traditional drug delivery systems. Furthermore, nanosomes can be modified to carry multiple therapeutic drugs, allowing for personalized medicine tailored to individual patient’s needs. Thanks to the continuous research and development, nanosomes represent a promise in revolutionizing the way to treat diseases, improving patients’ lives through precision nanomedicine.

This special issue aims to collect reviews and papers on new advances or breakthroughs in the design, synthesis, production methods, fundamental understanding and applications of Nanosomes. We welcome outstanding researchers from all over the world to submit their latest, original and innovative works to the journal before the submission deadline.

Dr. Lucia Baldino
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • nanosomes
  • nanomedicine
  • liposomes
  • niosomes
  • transfersomes
  • exosomes
  • nanocarrier
  • drug delivery
  • targeted delivery
  • disease treatment
  • cancer therapy

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 1683 KB  
Article
DNA Unwinding Driven by Gold Nanoparticles
by Liat Katrivas, Galina M. Proshkina, Sergey M. Deyev and Alexander B. Kotlyar
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(24), 1872; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15241872 - 13 Dec 2025
Viewed by 656
Abstract
We demonstrate that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are capable of unwinding double-stranded (ds) DNA. Upon unwinding, the exposed nucleobases of the separated strands adsorb onto the nanoparticle surface, resulting in the coating of the particles. The unwinding process was characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy [...] Read more.
We demonstrate that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are capable of unwinding double-stranded (ds) DNA. Upon unwinding, the exposed nucleobases of the separated strands adsorb onto the nanoparticle surface, resulting in the coating of the particles. The unwinding process was characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and absorption spectroscopy. Our results show that AuNPs initially bind to single-stranded overhangs at the duplex termini, forming dsDNA–nanoparticle dumbbells. This binding event subsequently initiates the separation of the DNA strands. As the unwinding proceeds, the nanoparticles become progressively wrapped by the unwound DNA strands, which leads to a gradual reduction in the interparticle distance within the dumbbells. This process is driven by the strong affinity of nucleobases for the gold surface. The efficiency of DNA unwinding was found to depend strongly on both nanoparticle size and temperature. These findings provide new insights into DNA-nanoparticle interactions and may facilitate the rational design of DNA–AuNP hybrid nanostructures such as dumbbell-shaped conjugates for applications in DNA-based nanoelectronics, biosensing, and self-assembled nanomaterials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine (Second Edition))
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16 pages, 6579 KB  
Article
Thermo- and Photoresponsive Smart Nanomaterial Based on Poly(diethyl vinyl phosphonate)-Capped Gold Nanoparticles
by Antonio Buonerba, Rosita Lapenta, Francesco Della Monica, Roberto Piacentini, Lucia Baldino, Maria Rosa Scognamiglio, Vito Speranza, Stefano Milione, Carmine Capacchione, Bernhard Rieger and Alfonso Grassi
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(19), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14191589 - 1 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2191
Abstract
A new nanodevice based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capped with poly(diethylvinylphosphonate) (PDEVP) has been synthesized, showing interesting photophysical and thermoresponsive properties. The synthesis involves a properly designed Yttriocene catalyst coordinating the vinyl-lutidine (VL) initiator active in diethyl vinyl phosphonate polymerization. The unsaturated PDEVP [...] Read more.
A new nanodevice based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capped with poly(diethylvinylphosphonate) (PDEVP) has been synthesized, showing interesting photophysical and thermoresponsive properties. The synthesis involves a properly designed Yttriocene catalyst coordinating the vinyl-lutidine (VL) initiator active in diethyl vinyl phosphonate polymerization. The unsaturated PDEVP chain ending was thioacetylated, deacetylated, and reacted with tetrachloroauric acid and sodium borohydride to form PDEVP-VL-capped AuNPs. The NMR, UV–Vis, and ESI-MS characterization of the metal nanoparticles confirmed the formation of the synthetic intermediates and the expected colloidal systems. AuNPs of subnanometric size were determined by WAXD and UV–Vis analysis. UV–Vis and fluorescence analysis confirmed the effective anchoring of the thiolated PDEVP to AuNPs. The formation of 50–200 nm globular structures was assessed by SEM and AFM microscopy in solid state and confirmed by DLS in aqueous dispersion. Hydrodynamic radius studies showed colloidal contraction with temperature, demonstrating thermoresponsive behavior. These properties suggest potential biomedical applications for the photoablation of malignant cells or controlled drug delivery induced by light or heat for the novel PDEVP-capped AuNP systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine (Second Edition))
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15 pages, 22217 KB  
Article
Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Extract-Induced Exosomes on the Periodontal Stem Cells and Immune Cells under Fine Dust
by Mihae Yun and Boyong Kim
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171396 - 27 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2392
Abstract
In adverse environments, fine dust is linked to a variety of health disorders, including cancers, cardiovascular, neurological, renal, reproductive, motor, systemic, and respiratory diseases. Although PM10 is associated with oral inflammation and cancer, there is limited research on biomaterials that prevent damage caused [...] Read more.
In adverse environments, fine dust is linked to a variety of health disorders, including cancers, cardiovascular, neurological, renal, reproductive, motor, systemic, and respiratory diseases. Although PM10 is associated with oral inflammation and cancer, there is limited research on biomaterials that prevent damage caused by fine dust. In this study, we evaluated the effects of biomaterials using microRNA profiling, flow cytometry, conventional PCR, immunocytochemistry, Alizarin O staining, and ELISA. Compared to SBE (Scutellaria baicalensis extract), the preventive effectiveness of SBEIEs (SBE-induced exosomes) against fine dust was approximately two times higher. Furthermore, SBEIEs promoted cellular differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) into osteoblasts, periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs), and pulp progenitor cells (PPCs), enhancing immune modulation for oral health against fine dust. In terms of immune modulation, SBEIEs activated the secretion of cytokines such as IL-10, LL-37, and TGF-β in T cells, B cells, and macrophages, while attenuating the secretion of MCP-1 in macrophages. MicroRNA profiling revealed that significantly modulated miRNAs in SBEIEs influenced four biochemical categories: apoptosis, cellular differentiation, immune activation, and anti-inflammation. These findings suggest that SBEIEs are an optimal biomaterial for developing oral health care products. Additionally, this study proposes functional microRNA candidates for the development of pharmaceutical liposomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine (Second Edition))
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Review

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35 pages, 1089 KB  
Review
The Ubiquitous Use of Polyethylene Glycol in Pharmaceutical Design and Development: Technological Aspects and Future Perspectives
by Iliana Christoforou, Anastasios Kalatzis, Angeliki Siamidi, Marilena Vlachou, Stergios Pispas and Natassa Pippa
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(23), 1762; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15231762 - 24 Nov 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2853
Abstract
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been extensively utilized in drug formulations due to its multifunctional properties, i.e., hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. The roles played by PEG (as a drug delivery carrier and a solubilizer) improve the dissolution profile of several active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), leading [...] Read more.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been extensively utilized in drug formulations due to its multifunctional properties, i.e., hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. The roles played by PEG (as a drug delivery carrier and a solubilizer) improve the dissolution profile of several active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), leading to an improved absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) profile. Moreover, PEG aids in upgrading the existing mechanical properties (as a binding agent, a plasticizer, etc.). Furthermore, PEG, due to its unique ability to provide “stealth” properties, is a valuable tool in pharmaceutical nanotechnology. Exploiting physicochemical variables, PEG acts as a coating/conjugation component of nanocarriers for ameliorating permeability and enhancing in vivo circulation without clearance by the body’s immune system. Additionally, PEG’s presence at the target site decreases external interactions and enhances the pharmacological attributes in terms of loading efficiency and controlled release. Nevertheless, cases of hypersensitivity or allergy, as well as anaphylactic shocks and allergic reactions, have been detected. The topic of this article is the exploitation of PEG’s physicochemical properties in the study of drug delivery, focusing on solid dosage forms and nanovesicles, along with the evaluation of its contribution to the fabrication of safe delivery and theragnostic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanosomes in Precision Nanomedicine (Second Edition))
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