Dear Colleagues,

“Nanotechnology is the application of science to control matter at the molecular level”. It has become one of the most promising technologies applied in all areas of science. Nanoparticles have multifunctional properties and very interesting applications in various fields, such as medicine, nutrition, energy, agriculture, and the environment. The biogenic syntheses of monodispersed nanoparticles with specific sizes and shapes have been a challenge in biomaterial science. Nanoparticles are of great interest due to their extremely small size and large surface to volume ratio, which lead to both chemical and physical differences in their properties (e.g., mechanical properties, biological and sterical properties, catalytic activity, thermal and electrical conductivity, optical absorption and melting point) compared to bulk of the same chemical composition. Recently, synthesizing metal nanoparticles using green technology via microorganisms, plants, viruses, etc. has been extensively studied and has been recognized as a green and efficient way to further exploit biological systems as convenient nanofactories. The biological synthesis of nanoparticles is increasingly regarded as a rapid, ecofriendly, and easily scaled-up technology. At present, researchers want to develop new techniques and materials using nanotechnology that could be suitable for plants to boost their native functions. Recently, biological nanoparticles were found to be more pharmacologically active than physicochemically synthesized nanoparticles. There are various applications of biosynthesized nanoparticles, especially in the field of biomedical research (application in specific delivery of drugs, such as paclitaxel, methotrexate, and doxorubicin; used for tumor detection, angiogenesis, genetic disease and genetic disorder diagnosis, photoimaging, and photothermal therapy). Further, iron oxide nanoparticles have been applied in cancer therapy, hyperthermia, drug delivery, tissue repair, cell labeling, targeting and immunoassays, detoxification of biological fluids, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetically responsive drug delivery therapy, etc. Similarly, the application of nanotechnology in agriculture and food have also gained great importance in recent years in view of its potential application in the development of novel and healthier food. The main driving principle behind these developments seems to be aimed at enhancing uptake and bioavailability of nano-sized nutrients and supplements and improving taste, consistency, stability, texture and safety of food products, nanodelivery systems for bioactive compounds, etc. Therefore, nanotechnology has large potential to provide an opportunity for the researchers of plant science and other fields, to develop new tools for synthesis of environmentally-friendly and cost-effective nanoparticles for their applications in various fields.

This Special Issue seeks research/review papers on various aspects of nanotechnology and their potential applications in the environment/food/pharmacology and biomedical fields for the benefit of the environment and humankind. We particularly encourage the submission of interdisciplinary work and multicountry collaborative research. We welcome original research papers using different study designs as well as systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

Dr. Jayanta Kumar Patra
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• Nanoparticle synthesis using green technology and their biomedical applications
• Use of nanotechnology for the benefit of environment
• Application of nanotechnology in food production and processing
• Nanofertilizers and nanosensor applications in the environment
• Nano-biosensors in environmental monitoring and applications
• Green synthesis of nanoparticles and their biological applications
• Nanotechnology and targeted drug delivery system