Call For Papers: Interactions of Micro- and Nanoplastics with Biomolecules

Micro- and nanoplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, and they can be found in increasing concentrations even in the most remote ecosystems as well as in living organisms. Since they are potentially toxic, their presence raises significant questions regarding environmental and health problems.

Physical chemistry lies at the very heart of the effects that lead to toxicity, as the interplay between micro- and nanoplastics and biomolecules will determine the physiological changes that may cause harm. As biomolecules and polymers are both highly complex groups of materials, characterizing their interplay is a challenging task, requiring a team effort.

The Journal of Physical Chemistry B will highlight work that advances these complex topics in a special issue on “Interactions of Micro- and Nanoplastics with Biomolecules.” The special issue is led by Guest Editor Oldamur Hollóczki (University of Debrecen).

Research areas of particular interest include:

• Interactions of proteins and polymers
• Behavior of nucleic acids in the presence of plastics
• Adsorption of drugs on micro- and nanoplastics
• Colloid chemistry of micro- and nanoplastics
• Polymer dynamics in micro- and nanoplastics
• Structure and dynamics of biomolecular coronae on micro and nanoplastics
• Effects of polymers on biological membranes
• Spectroscopic observation of structural changes in biomolecules in contact with polymers
• Theoretical chemistry on biomolecule-polymer interactions

The deadline for submissions is February 28, 2025.

Organizing Editor

Prof. Dr. Oldamur Hollóczki, Guest Editor
University of Debrecen, Hungary

Submission Instructions

• The review process for all submissions for this issue will be handled by The Journal of Physical Chemistry Senior Editors.
• Indicate that you wish to be included in the Special Issue in your cover letter, not in the manuscript itself. You can find other important information for authors in the The Journal of Physical Chemistry Author Guidelines.
• As with all submissions to The Journal of Physical Chemistry, your manuscript should represent a rigorous scientific report of original research, as it will be peer-reviewed as a regular article. Manuscripts are expected to provide new physical insight and/or present new theoretical or experimental methods of broad interest.
• If you are unsure if your research is within the issue’s scope or have other questions about submitting a manuscript to this issue, please email Guest Editor Prof. Dr. Oldamur Hollóczki (holloczki.oldamur@science.unideb.hu) or The Journal of Physical Chemistry B Deputy Editor Prof. Dr. Barbara Kirchner (bkirchner-office@jpc.acs.org).