A recent research volume in Frontiers in Nanotechnology has brought together nine distinct studies authored by 43 researchers, each advancing the boundaries of nanoscience while underscoring the contributions of women scientists in the field. The breadth of topics reflects the diversity of nanotechnology’s applications, from sustainable materials synthesis to next-generation computing architectures.
The opening study by Sergievskaya et al. introduces an environmentally conscious approach to fabricating stable colloidal gold nanoparticles. Using magnetron sputter deposition onto castor oil, the team varied sputter power, deposition time, gas pressure, and plasma type to optimize particle stability. This method demonstrates the potential of vegetable oils as a medium for nanoparticle production, aligning with the growing emphasis on sustainable manufacturing in advanced materials.
Complementing this, Campaña et al. present a comprehensive review of microorganism-mediated production of metal nanoparticles (MNPs). Their work details the biochemical pathways by which bacteria uptake and transform metal ions, enabling the generation of high-quality MNPs. While challenges such as polydispersity and modest yields remain, the authors point to refining growth conditions and purification techniques as promising routes forward. The industrial potential of microbial synthesis is considerable, particularly if future research deepens understanding of microbial redox processes and metal transport.
In the biomedical domain, Sbarigia et al. explore the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in viral infections, with a focus on SARS-CoV-2. Their review highlights EVs’ structural similarity to viruses and their capacity to influence immune responses, viral entry, and replication. They note EVs’ potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tools, while also addressing the complexities introduced by EV heterogeneity. Advancing this knowledge could yield significant clinical benefits.
Hopkins et al. investigate thermoresponsive polymers such as poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), examining their coil-to-globule transitions in various solvents. Glycerol’s ability to raise the lower critical solution temperature offers intriguing possibilities for industrial applications. Through simulation, the study provides insights relevant to biosensing, water treatment, and drug delivery, reinforcing the versatility of these polymers.
Catalytic innovation is represented by Domingo’s work on ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials. By analyzing process time ranges, the study supports the development of new characterization tools to enhance piezocatalyst design. While current applications focus on pollutant degradation, the potential for improving CO₂ reduction and water-splitting efficiency could impact energy harvesting and biomedical technologies.
Graphene research features prominently in two contributions. Grubišić-Čabo et al. examine calcium intercalation in quasi-freestanding bilayer graphene on silicon carbide, revealing a transformation from AB to AA stacking and significant n-doping. This adjustment enhances carrier density with minimal effect on Fermi velocity, opening avenues for studying AA-stacked graphene’s intrinsic properties. Zehra and colleagues, meanwhile, develop a photo-polymerized self-assembled monolayer method for synthesizing single-layer graphene on copper substrates. Their findings show that oxidized copper yields higher-quality graphene than electropolished surfaces, and the technique’s compatibility with insulating substrates could facilitate doped graphene production.
Alexander et al. assess laser-synthesized nanodiamonds (LNDs) in unconjugated, PEGylated, and antibody-conjugated forms for their effects on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. PEGylated and raw LNDs exhibit minimal cytotoxicity at high concentrations, whereas antibody-conjugated variants elicit immune responses. These results point to tailored LND designs for specific biomedical applications.
Finally, Majumdar et al. address the evolution of nanoelectronic devices with ferroic ordering for post-von Neumann computing. Their analysis of spintronic and ferroelectric systems underscores their suitability for neuromorphic processing and analog memory, particularly in extreme environments. The study also considers ferroelectric effects and photo-induced magnetoresistance in photonic memory and neuromorphic circuits, technologies that could influence space and quantum computing.
Together, these works illustrate the multifaceted progress occurring in nanotechnology. They span sustainable synthesis, biological interfaces, advanced materials characterization, and computational innovation, each contributing to a broader vision of how nanoscale science can address pressing industrial, environmental, and technological challenges.