Themed collection Spotlight on Nano Research from India

This review emphasizes the need for continued research into biomimetic MOFs for cancer theranostics, highlighting their potential to overcome current obstacles and provide safe, effective, and targeted therapeutic options. The graphical abstract was created in BioRender (www.biorender.com).

Single photon sources (SPS) enable precise quantum communication, secure encryption and quantum computing. Recent research highlights quantum dots as ideal candidates for SPS due to their tunable emission, high stability, brightness and scalability.

Versatile photocatalytic applications of NH₂-MIL-125(Ti) and its functional nanomaterials.

This comprehensive review summarizes the past, present, and future of plasmonic NP-based sensors in terms of different sensing platforms, different chemical and biological analytes, and the expected future technologies.

This review focuses on recent developments in understanding the fluorescence mechanism of ultra-small nanoparticles sensors, including quantum dots, gold nanoclusters, and carbon dots.

Graphical representation of recent advancements in combinatorial anticancer treatment modalities.

AI enabled imaging technology advances the precision, early detection, and personalizes treatment through analysis and interpretation of medical images.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A minimally invasive treatment for a range of benign disorders and malignancies.

A catalytic coacervate is introduced using salt–bridge interactions between a biguanide polymer (PHMB) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Augmented catalysis is exhibited by the G-rich DNAzyme inside the coacervates, with ATP-fueled activity cycling.

The architecture of self-supported carbon network, which incorporates F doping, the in situ formation of CaF₂, and graphitic nanocrystals, contributes to enhanced field emission and electrochemical properties.

Tin-based TMDCs are gaining prominence in optoelectronics. This study presents the solvothermal synthesis of a Janus-like SnSSe alloy, which, when integrated with SnS₂ on GaN, enhances light absorption, electron-hole separation, and enables self-powered photodetection.

Neuromorphic platforms are gaining popularity due to their superior efficiency, low power consumption, and adaptable parallel signal processing capabilities, overcoming the limitations of traditional von Neumann architecture.

The reported boron carbide (B₄C) nanostructure-based sensor is able to detect different breathing patterns, including normal, slow, rapid, deep, and sleep apnea cycles, from transitory humidity fluctuations associated with inhalation and exhalation.

Lipid-coated AgNPs capture lipophilic Aβ oligomers, which are selectively detected by Rose Bengal-functionalized AgNPs through SERS originating from AgNP-proximity-induced plasmonic hot spots.

Polyplex-driven CAR-macrophage engineering, potentiated by STING agonism, offers scalable, cost-effective immunotherapy against solid tumors.

The exciton–phonon interaction strength increases in two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites with the number of layers. Moreover, it varies across different mixed-phase perovskite samples, likely due to changes in the local environment.

This work elucidated the effect of TiO₂ morphology on the structure–activity properties of MnO_x/TiO₂ nanocatalysts toward developing practically feasible catalytic routes for the plastic recycling industry.

A Palladium-supported covalent organic framework (COF) designed for efficient C–C cross-coupling reactions with good stability and recyclability.

Chemotherapy is a crucial cancer treatment, but its effectiveness requires precise monitoring of drug concentrations in patients.

This work focuses on water-based carbon dots and CNCs from Vigna mungo, used in anti-counterfeit inks and sensor films. These CDs are UV-visible, pH-sensitive, antimicrobial, and biodegradable, offering multifunctional packaging solutions.

Several studies on semiconductor material-based single-band, high-performance photosensitive, and chemically stable photodetectors are available; however, the lack of broad spectral response, device flexibility, and biodegradability prevents them from being used in wearable and flexible electronics.

Conventional diagnostic methods for lung cancer, based on breath analysis using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, have limitations for fast screening due to their limited availability, operational complexity, and high cost.

Downshifting and upconversion photoluminescence properties of Ba₂V₂O₇:Er³⁺ nanosheets are investigated. Temperature-dependent luminescence intensity ratios of thermally coupled as well as non-thermally coupled levels are used for temperature sensing.

A ternary CuCoTe-based nanocomposite was synthesised using the rapid microwave technique by varying power and irradiation time. The obtained nanoparticles demonstrate better optical and dielectric properties suitable for optoelectronic applications.

N-rGO/g-C₃N₄ as a metal-free photocatalyst has been synthesised via a facile and eco-friendly hydrothermal route that exhibits remarkable photodegradation efficiency towards organic pollutants and antibiotics under the simulated solar irradiation.

Microplastic (MP) pollution threatens ecosystems globally, necessitating urgent environmental intervention. This article proposes a solution for combating MP pollution in water by an innovative hydrogel synthesis and circular economy-based upcycling.