How materials engineered at the nanoscale are transforming medicine, energy, and technology
Imagine a material so strong that a single strand could lift a car, yet so small that it's completely invisible to the human eye.
Picture a particle that can precisely deliver medication to cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue untouched, or a coating that makes surfaces practically indestructible. This isn't science fiction—it's the fascinating world of functional nanomaterials, where scientists engineer matter at the scale of billionths of a meter to create extraordinary properties.
At the forefront of documenting and disseminating these breakthroughs stands Veruscript Functional Nanomaterials, a specialized scientific journal that has become an essential resource for researchers since its establishment in 2017. In this emerging field, where scientific communication is as crucial as the discoveries themselves, this open-access journal provides a vital platform for sharing innovations that are quietly revolutionizing everything from medicine to renewable energy 7 .
Dramatically increased surface-to-volume ratio at nanoscale
Materials behave differently at quantum level
Tailored size, shape and composition for specific applications
Veruscript Functional Nanomaterials emerged as a dedicated voice for researchers working at the nanoscale. Published by Portico and indexed in major scientific databases including Scopus and Web of Science, this journal provides a peer-reviewed platform for academics to share their latest findings 2 7 .
The journal's scope encompasses the entire spectrum of nanotechnology and nanomaterials research, with particular focus on novel applications that leverage the unique properties of materials engineered at the molecular level 2 .
What sets this publication apart is its open-access model, which ensures that groundbreaking research reaches the broadest possible audience without subscription barriers. This accessibility is particularly valuable in a field as rapidly evolving as nanotechnology, where collaboration across disciplines and borders accelerates innovation.
No subscription barriers for readers or authors
The journal has attracted contributions from leading scientists worldwide, including notable researchers like Yongde Xia, Yanqiu Zhu, and Eduardo Saiz, who have helped establish its reputation in the materials science community 2 .
At the nanoscale (typically considered 1 to 100 nanometers), materials exhibit properties that defy our everyday experiences. Gold nanoparticles appear red or purple rather than gold-colored. Copper becomes transparent. Stable materials like aluminum turn highly combustible. These dramatic transformations occur because at the nanoscale, surface area to volume ratio increases dramatically, and quantum mechanical effects begin to dominate behavior 1 .
~80,000-100,000 nm wide
~7,000 nm diameter
1-100 nm diameter
~2 nm diameter
| Material | Bulk Properties | Nanoscale Properties | Key Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Inert, yellow metal | Catalytically active, colored particles based on size | Medical diagnostics, sensors |
| Carbon | Graphite or diamond | Extremely strong yet lightweight tubes and sheets | Electronics, composite materials |
| Silicon | Semiconductor | Photoluminescent with size-tunable colors | Solar cells, displays |
| Silver | Inert metal | Powerful antimicrobial agent | Wound dressings, antibacterial coatings |
| Ceramics | Brittle | Superplastic, formable | Medical implants, protective coatings |
The research published in journals like Veruscript Functional Nanomaterials is already yielding remarkable technologies with potential to address some of humanity's most pressing challenges.
Researchers at The American University in Cairo have developed a revolutionary disinfectant that transforms natural polysaccharides into antibacterial nanofibers using an electrospinning technique 1 .
Unlike traditional disinfectants that rely on harsh chemicals like sodium hypochlorite (which can cause corrosion, respiratory irritation, and surface damage), this nanofiber solution is anti-corrosive and avoids harmful chemicals while remaining effective on various surfaces including stainless steel.
At Portland State University, scientists have created a novel nanoclay additive that significantly enhances the performance of waterborne coatings 1 .
While waterborne coatings are environmentally preferable to solvent-based alternatives because they reduce volatile organic compounds, they typically suffer from reduced barrier performance. The nanoclay additive creates nanoparticles using commercially available additives, leading to reduced water absorption while maintaining transparency.
Skin injuries like burns account for approximately 180,000 deaths annually according to the WHO, and chronic wounds affect millions globally 1 .
Researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi are addressing this challenge with breakthrough sprayable peptide amphiphile nanofibers that self-assemble into scaffolds mimicking the body's extracellular matrix. These scaffolds can deliver cells, drugs, and growth factors directly to wounds, significantly accelerating tissue repair.
In a fascinating convergence of nanotechnology and agriculture, researchers are exploring how carbon quantum dots (CDs) can enhance plant growth 5 .
Studies have shown that when applied at appropriate concentrations (less than 200 mg L⁻¹), CDs synthesized from citric acid and urea can significantly boost soybean growth by enhancing photosynthesis. However, this research also reveals the dose-dependent effects of nanomaterials—at higher concentrations (500 or 1000 mg L⁻¹), the same CDs exhibit significant toxicity to plants.
To understand how functional nanomaterials are actually created and tested, let's examine a specific experiment in detail—the development of an eco-friendly disinfectant from tea and oils, pioneered by scientists at The American University in Cairo 1 .
Food and water contamination poses a serious global health challenge, particularly in densely populated, developing regions where infectious diseases spread rapidly due to poor sanitation. Traditional disinfectants often fall short in providing lasting protection against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leading to heightened illness risks.
The research team sought to create a safer, more effective alternative using naturally antimicrobial substances.
| Characteristic | Traditional Disinfectants | Nano-Enhanced Disinfectants |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Harsh chemicals (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) | Natural materials (green tea, peppermint oil) |
| Environmental Impact | Often toxic, non-biodegradable | Biodegradable, eco-friendly |
| Duration of Protection | Typically short-lived (hours) | Extended protection (up to 96 hours) |
| Side Effects | Corrosion, respiratory irritation | Minimal to no adverse effects |
| Application Formats | Limited (mostly liquids) | Multiple (powders, liquids, gels) |
The experimental results were impressive. The green tea and peppermint oil nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial potency compared to their bulk counterparts, superior stability in various formulations, and extended protection for up to 96 hours—significantly longer than many conventional disinfectants.
Creating and working with functional nanomaterials requires specialized materials and reagents. Here are some of the key components in the nanotechnology researcher's toolkit:
| Reagent/Material | Function in Nanomaterial Research | Example Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) | Directs synthesis and drives chemical equilibrium | Crucial in forming perovskite quantum dots like CsPbBr₃ 4 |
| Chitosan | Natural polysaccharide polymer forming nanofibers | Antibacterial wound dressings, drug delivery systems 1 |
| Cellulose nanocrystals | Sustainable carrier and dispersing agent | Eco-friendly pesticide delivery systems 1 |
| MoS₂ (Molybdenum disulfide) | Nanobarrier component for heat suppression | Flame-retardant aerogels for construction materials 1 |
| Peptide amphiphiles | Self-assembling building blocks | Sprayable nanofiber scaffolds for wound healing 1 |
| Citric acid and urea | Carbon precursors | Synthesis of carbon quantum dots for agricultural applications 5 |
| Mesoporous silica | High-surface-area carrier material | Drug delivery systems, 3D cell culture platforms 8 |
The work published in Veruscript Functional Nanomaterials and similar journals represents more than academic exercises—these discoveries are gradually transforming entire industries and addressing global challenges.
Nanotechnology enables precisely targeted drug delivery systems that maximize therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects. Nanoparticles can deliver medication directly to cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue, making treatments more effective 1 .
Nanomaterials are making water purification more efficient by filtering contaminants at a microscopic level. They're improving renewable energy technologies—nano-enhanced solar cells can double the amount of sunlight converted into electricity compared to conventional designs 1 8 .
Nanotechnology has enabled the continuous miniaturization that we've come to expect in our devices. Nanoscale transistors form the heart of today's advanced computers and show enormous potential for the development of quantum computing 1 .
As we stand on the brink of what many are calling the "nanotechnology revolution," resources like Veruscript Functional Nanomaterials play an increasingly vital role in catalyzing innovation.
By providing a dedicated, accessible platform for sharing research breakthroughs, this journal helps accelerate the development of technologies that seemed like fantasy just a generation ago.
The extraordinary progress in nanomaterial science—recognized by the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots—underscores how fundamentally these tiny materials are reshaping our technological capabilities 4 .
From sustainable agriculture enhanced by carbon quantum dots to life-saving medical treatments using targeted nanotherapies, functional nanomaterials are proving that sometimes, the biggest revolutions come in the smallest packages.