Janus Nanoparticles: From Fabrication to (Bio)Applications

Abstract

Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) refer to the integration of two or more chemically discrepant composites into one structure system. Studies into JNPs have been of significant interest due to their interesting characteristics stemming from their asymmetric structures, which can integrate different functional properties and perform more synergetic functions simultaneously. Herein, we present recent progress of Janus particles, comprehensively detailing fabrication strategies and applications. First, the classification of JNPs is divided into three blocks, consisting of polymeric composites, inorganic composites, and hybrid polymeric/inorganic JNPs composites. Then, the fabrication strategies are alternately summarized, examining self-assembly strategy, phase separation strategy, seed-mediated polymerization, microfluidic preparation strategy, nucleation growth methods, and masking methods. Finally, various intriguing applications of JNPs are presented, including solid surfactants agents, micro/nanomotors, and biomedical applications such as biosensing, controlled drug delivery, bioimaging, cancer therapy, and combined theranostics. Furthermore, challenges and future works in this field are provided.

Potential use of Janus structures in food applications

“…Representation of types, used materials, fabrication methods and utilization areas of Janus surfaces [7]. …”

“…Furthermore, the controllable and tunable properties of those nature‐derived compounds with external inductions such as light, pH, temperature or ionic strength increased the attention on these polymers, not only for traditional usage in chemistry, textile and material science but also for biomedical applications [6]. Recently, the applications of bio‐compatible nature‐derived polymers as Janus structures for bio‐based applications might be listed as solid surfactants, micro/nano motors, biosensing, drug delivery, bioimaging, cancer therapy and theragnostic [7]. In addition to bio‐based applications of nature‐derived and bio‐compatible Janus structures, the potential of food‐grade polymers to be processed into a Janus form were of great interest, lately [1, 8, 9].…”

Janus particles and motors: unrivaled devices for mastering (bio)sensing

“…Janus particles (JPs) are a unique type of nanomaterials that combine two or more physical or chemical properties in the same entity, resulting in unpreceded capabilities [ 1 ]. The concept “Janus Particle” to define anisotropic materials was pioneered by the Nobel Laureate Pierre-Gilles de Gennes during his lecture about “Soft matter.” Among other findings, Gennes synthetized the first JP consisting of a glass bead with polar and non-polar hemispheres [ 2 ].…”

“…In this review, we focus on the analytical dimension of JPs and JMs for enhanced (bio)sensing. The reader is referred to current recent reviews to expand the dimension of JPs and JMs in other fields [ 1 , 3 – 7 ].…”

pH-sensitive dual drug loaded janus nanoparticles by oral delivery for multimodal analgesia

“…The key to this approach was to accurately control the internal structure of the particles. Many studies have reported the application of Janus particles in drug delivery systems [ 16 – 18 ]. In contrast to ordinary particles, Janus particles show unique advantages in that it is possible to precisely control their internal cavity structures, owing to their anisotropy and dual functions.…”