The realm of analytical chemistry has been invigorated by the advent of multifunctional nanoparticles. Nanomaterials, with their distinct properties stemming from quantum effects and high surface-to-volume ratios, are poised to reshape industries ranging from electronics to medicine and environmental sustainability as they deliver unprecedented performance by integrating semiconducting, plasmonic, and piezoelectronic properties. Furthermore, multifunctional nano species play a pivotal role in personalized medicine and targeted therapies. Magnetic nanoparticles respond to magnetic fields and are employed in hyperthermia therapy and targeted drug delivery. The utilization of nanostructures for promoting environmental sustainability is highly commendable. They have the remarkable ability to pinpoint pollutants and their degradation. Therefore, as the research progresses, there are transformative breakthroughs to harness the multifunctionality of nanomaterials across scientific domains, driving society towards a future characterized by technological marvels and sustainable progress.
Top1. Introduction
Nanobiotechnology has made remarkable strides in the development of nanoparticle-based solutions for both diagnostics and therapeutics. The creation of multifunctional nanoparticles is a prominent trend in the emerging field of nanomedicine. A significant category of nanoparticles is composed of inorganic materials such as metal and its oxides, rare earth minerals, silica, and semiconductors characterized by exceptional electric, optical, magnetic, and plasmonic properties at the nanometer scale (Alivisatos, 2004). Within this realm of inorganic nanoparticles, several types naturally possess multiple functions. For instance, gold nanoparticles serve as remarkable agents for computed tomography, optical imaging, and photoacoustic imaging (Popovtzer et al., 2008; Gobin et al., 2007). It is also possible to harness both therapeutic and imaging capabilities from the gold nanoparticles. Furthermore, these inorganic entities exhibit a wide array of established surface chemistry and surface modification techniques that allow the conjugation of small molecules such as targeting ligands, therapeutic agents, and dyes to nanoparticles through precisely controlled chemical reactions. The coating strategies of nanoparticles involving both physical and chemical attachment of small molecules hold great promise for various applications in nanomedicine and beyond. Another promising category of nanostructures that has garnered significant attention for therapeutic and imaging applications is organic nanoparticles that are crafted from biodegradable polymers like polyglycolide and polycaprolactones (Panyam and Labhasetwar, 2003; Vassileva and Koseva, 2010). The encapsulation of these nanoparticles with a wide range of therapeutic agents like nucleic acids, proteins, and peptides allows for precisely targeted delivery of these therapeutic payloads (Hans and Lowman, 2002; Byrne et al., 2008). Solid lipid nanoparticles offer advantages such as prolonged drug release, large surface area, and favorable zeta potential. One notable example is DOXIL®, a liposomal system containing doxorubicin, which is used for treating AIDS-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma (Northfelt et al., 1998). Knowingly, the COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant challenge, urging researchers to seek rapid solutions. Studies indicate that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, can be detected in various settings like specimens, blood, feces, and solid waste from infected individuals (Wibowo et al., 2023).
On the other hand, agricultural production worldwide has been significantly affected by crop diseases and insect pests, resulting in substantial economic losses. These agricultural challenges have been prevented and managed by the use of traditional pesticides (Kumar et al., 2019; Lykogianni et al., 2021).
Moreover, supporting the economies of developing nations, agriculture plays a vital role by supplying food, textiles, timber, and raw materials for various industries. To tackle the food crisis caused by a growing global population, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) projected a necessary increase in agricultural production by 25–70% by 2050. Emerging nanotechnology research is significantly influencing agricultural advancements and the practice of precision farming. Recent research indicates that various nanoparticles (NPs) like carbon nanotubes (CNTs), silicon dioxide (SiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and gold (Au) NPs have been instrumental in enhancing seed germination in crops such as wheat, pearl millet, tomatoes, soybeans, barley, rice, and maize (Tripathi et al., 2023).
Additionally, the integration of multifunctionality into environmentally sustainable nanoparticles marks a significant advancement in the field of nanotechnology. These sustainable nanoparticles offer a promising avenue to address several challenges promising a future where nanotechnology becomes a cornerstone in fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet.