Themed collection Editor’s Choice collection: Inorganic-biomolecule nanomaterials


Biocomposites of 2D layered materials
Molecular composites, such as bone and nacre, are everywhere in nature and play crucial roles, ranging from self-defense to carbon sequestration.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 664-680
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00530A

“Sweet MOFs”: exploring the potential and restraints of integrating carbohydrates with metal–organic frameworks for biomedical applications
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) functionalized with carbohydrates offer promising biocompatible systems for biomedical applications. This review discusses recent progress and challenges in using these innovative “sweet” composites.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 258-278
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00525B
A cooperation tale of biomolecules and nanomaterials in nanoscale chiral sensing and separation
A cooperation tale of biomolecules and nanomaterials in nanoscale chiral sensing and separation.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2023,8, 1485-1508
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00133D
MOF-derived nanozymes loaded with botanicals as multifunctional nanoantibiotics for synergistic treatment of intracellular antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection
A novel NIR light-actuated nanoantibiotic based on MOF-derived nanozymes loaded with botanicals for the synergistic treatment of intracellular antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 1377-1389
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NH00137D
A phosphomolybdenum blue nano-photothermal agent with dual peak absorption and biodegradable properties based on ssDNA in near-infrared photothermal therapy for breast cancer
Phosphomolybdenum blue (PMB) was synthesized based on the interaction between ammonium molybdate and ssDNA phosphate ions using a one-pot hydrothermal method. PMB has excellent photothermal therapeutic effects on cancers in the NIR-II region.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 733-747
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00464G
Protein corona potentiates the recovery of nanoparticle-induced disrupted tight junctions in endothelial cells
The protein corona facilitates the recovery of tight junctions disrupted by nanoparticles in endothelial cells and star shape-dependent protein corona induces the aggregates of cell junction proteins.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 179-189
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00178H
Durable silver nanowire transparent electrodes enabled by biorenewable nanocoating using chitin and cellulose nanofibers for flexible electronics
The stability of AgNW FTEs was improved using biorenewable thin films composed of chitin and cellulose nanofibers. Our eco-friendly strategy also improved their performance as transparent heaters and pressure sensors.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 2051-2059
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00285G
An ionically cross-linked composite hydrogel electrolyte based on natural biomacromolecules for sustainable zinc-ion batteries
An ionically cross-linked composite hydrogel electrolyte based on biomacromolecules is developed to enable highly reversible zinc anode, thereby improving the electrochemical performance of sustainable and flexible zinc-ion batteries.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1514-1521
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00243A
Bio-catalytic nanoparticle shaping for preparing mesoscopic assemblies of semiconductor quantum dots and organic molecules
Mesoscopic particles are promising materials in various fields owing to the combined or synergistic nature of quantum and bulk effects. We present a new approach for preparing a variety of dispersible mesoscopic particles using bio-enzymes.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1128-1136
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00134F

Biocompatible cellulose nanocrystal-based Trojan horse enables targeted delivery of nano-Au radiosensitizers to triple negative breast cancer cells
A hybrid cellulose-based programmable nanoplatform for applications in precision radiation oncology is described.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1211-1218
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00042K

Selenium-silk microgels as antifungal and antibacterial agents
Silk-based microgels that contain selenium nanoparticles embedded within the protein scaffold, that display potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, while importantly remain highly biocompatible with mammalian cells.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 609-619
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00385J

A selenoureido-iminoglycolipid transported by zeolitic-imidazolate framework nanoparticles: a novel antioxidant therapeutic approach
The controlled encapsulation of a Se-containing glycomimetic into zeolitic-imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles resulted in an effective antioxidant nanoplatform (DSeU@ZIF8), which allowed protecting endothelial cells from oxidative stress damage.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2023,8, 1700-1710
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00363A
NIR-activated quercetin-based nanogels embedded with CuS nanoclusters for the treatment of drug-resistant biofilms and accelerated chronic wound healing
Copper sulfide nanoclusters embedded in quercetin-derived carbon nanogels show enzyme-like and photoresponsive properties. They destroy infected wound biofilms and aid healing through angiogenesis, epithelialization, and collagen production.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2023,8, 1652-1664
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00275F
Stereoselective coronas regulate the fate of chiral gold nanoparticles in vivo
Formation of chirality-specific protein corona on gold nanoparticles promotes recognition by lipoproteins, complements, and acute phase proteins that mediates LDL receptor-involved cell uptake and tissue accumulation in vivo.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2023,8, 859-869
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00124E

Simple engineering of hybrid cellulose nanocrystal–gold nanoparticles results in a functional glyconanomaterial with biomolecular recognition properties
Hybrid cellulose nanocrystal-gold nanoparticles engineered with sugar headgroups is a functional glyconanomaterial that permits a direct visualization of the sugar headgroups-lectins interactions by cryo-transmission electron microscopy.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2023,8, 776-782
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00063J
Integrated cascade catalysis of microalgal bioenzyme and inorganic nanozyme for anti-inflammation therapy
A biotic/abiotic biohybrid system that combines a microalgal bioenzyme with an inorganic nanoenzyme was developed for anti-inflammation therapy through executing a cascade catalysis to eliminate O2˙− and H2O2.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2023,8, 489-498
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NH00572G

Discrimination between protein glycoforms using lectin-functionalised gold nanoparticles as signal enhancers
Biolayer interferometry is used to distinguish between glycoforms of the same using lectin-functional nanoparticles as both readers, and signal enhancers. The use of this is exemplified with prostate specific antigen.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2023,8, 377-382
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NH00470D
About this collection
Nanoscale Horizons Scientific Editor Prof. Mark MacLachlan from University of British Columbia, Canada has collated some of the top articles published in Nanoscale Horizons in the last couple of years related to inorganic-biomolecule nanomaterials. The exciting innovations emerging from this field are well-positioned for breakthroughs in areas ranging from energy storage to cancer therapy, and we look forward to publishing more impactful developments in the field.