Table of Contents
- Executive Summary: 2025 and Beyond
- Defining Helix-Shaped Nanorods: Structures and Unique Properties
- Fabrication Technologies: Current State and Innovations
- Top Players & Pioneers: Manufacturers and Key Industry Organizations
- Emerging Applications Across Industries
- Market Size and Forecasts to 2030
- Investment Trends and Funding Activities
- Regulatory Landscape and Standardization Efforts
- Challenges: Scalability, Cost, and Technical Barriers
- Future Outlook: Disruptive Potential and Next-Gen Opportunities
- Sources & References
Executive Summary: 2025 and Beyond
Helix-shaped nanorods—nanoscale structures with a chiral, spiral geometry—are emerging as a transformative class of nanomaterials, poised for substantial impact in advanced optics, photonics, and biomedical engineering. As of 2025, the fabrication of these complex nanostructures has progressed from proof-of-concept studies to scalable, semi-commercial production, driven by advances in precision synthesis and characterization technologies.
Industry leaders and research consortia are leveraging advanced bottom-up synthesis methods such as seed-mediated growth, template-assisted electrodeposition, and chiral ligand-directed assembly to reproducibly fabricate helix-shaped nanorods with tailored geometries and surface functionalities. For instance, MilliporeSigma is providing chiral surfactants and nanoparticle precursors that enable the controlled growth of helical metallic and semiconductor nanorods, while Thermo Fisher Scientific supplies advanced electron microscopy platforms for real-time monitoring of nanoscale spiral formation.
One of the major breakthroughs in 2024–2025 has been the demonstration of wafer-scale arrays of helix-shaped nanorods using high-throughput lithographic patterning coupled with electrochemical deposition. This method, pursued by manufacturers such as Nanoscribe GmbH & Co. KG, allows for deterministic placement and orientation of nanorods, opening pathways toward integration in optical metamaterials and circularly polarized light sensors. Moreover, Oxford Instruments has recently introduced atomic layer deposition (ALD) tools with sub-nanometer control, facilitating conformal coating of helices with functional materials for enhanced photonic or catalytic properties.
- In 2025, the average aspect ratio (length to diameter) of commercially available helix-shaped nanorods has reached ~20:1, with pitch and handedness precisely tunable at the synthesis stage.
- Batch yields have improved, with leading suppliers reporting up to 85% uniformity in spiral geometry and surface chirality across multi-gram quantities.
- Integration with microfluidic systems, as demonstrated by Dolomite Microfluidics, is enabling scalable sorting and assembly, addressing a key bottleneck in practical deployment.
Looking ahead, 2025–2028 will likely see further automation and digitalization of helix-shaped nanorod fabrication, as instrument manufacturers implement AI-driven process control to optimize yield and reproducibility. Applications are anticipated to expand rapidly in chiroptical devices, enantioselective catalysis, and targeted drug delivery, positioning helix-shaped nanorods as a cornerstone in the next generation of nanodevice engineering.
Defining Helix-Shaped Nanorods: Structures and Unique Properties
Helix-shaped nanorods represent a distinctive class of nanostructures characterized by their helical (spiral) geometry at the nanometer scale. Unlike conventional linear or cylindrical nanorods, these structures exhibit a controlled twist along their longitudinal axis, conferring unique mechanical, optical, and chiral properties. At their core, helix-shaped nanorods are typically constructed from metals (such as gold or silver), semiconductors, or hybrid organic-inorganic materials, with diameters ranging from tens to hundreds of nanometers and pitches (helical turns) precisely defined during synthesis.
The defining structural feature of helix-shaped nanorods is their chirality—the property of being non-superimposable on their mirror image. This chiral geometry enables remarkable optical activities, such as circular dichroism and polarization-dependent light interactions, which are not present in achiral (non-helical) nanostructures. Additionally, the high surface-to-volume ratio and the spatial separation of the helical strands endow these nanorods with enhanced catalytic, sensing, and self-assembly capabilities.
Recent advances in fabrication techniques have enabled the design and mass production of helix-shaped nanorods with unprecedented precision. Template-assisted electrodeposition, glancing angle deposition (GLAD), and DNA-origami-based assembly are among the most prominent methods. For example, Merck KGaA has developed protocols for synthesizing chiral inorganic nanorods using surfactant-assisted chemical routes, while Sigma-Aldrich (MilliporeSigma) supplies reagents and protocols for controlling nanorod morphology through chemical reduction and templating techniques. As of 2025, these approaches allow for the fine-tuning of helical pitch, handedness (left- or right-twisted), and aspect ratio, paving the way for tailored material properties.
The unique properties of helix-shaped nanorods are driving research and development in several frontier applications. Their strong chiroptical responses are being harnessed in next-generation biosensors and in enantioselective catalysis, where the ability to distinguish between molecular mirror images is crucial. Companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific have reported ongoing research into integrating chiral nanorods into diagnostic platforms and plasmonic devices for enhanced sensitivity and selectivity.
Looking ahead, as fabrication methods mature and scale-up becomes more feasible, helix-shaped nanorods are expected to play a pivotal role in photonic circuits, chiral metamaterials, and advanced drug delivery systems. The convergence of precise synthesis protocols and real-time characterization tools promises further breakthroughs in both understanding and exploiting the unique structure–property relationships inherent to these fascinating nanostructures.
Fabrication Technologies: Current State and Innovations
Helix-shaped nanorods represent a rapidly evolving class of nanomaterials with unique chiral and optical properties, opening up new applications in photonics, sensing, and catalysis. As of 2025, several advanced fabrication technologies are being refined to produce these complex structures with high precision, scalability, and reproducibility.
The most established method for helix-shaped nanorod fabrication is glancing angle deposition (GLAD). This physical vapor deposition technique leverages oblique angles and controlled substrate rotation to grow helical nanorods from metals, semiconductors, or oxides. Companies such as Angstrom Engineering Inc. provide commercial GLAD systems that are increasingly tailored for academic and industrial R&D use, supporting wafer-scale production and multi-material integration. Recent advances have lowered the minimum achievable feature sizes and enabled complex multi-helix architectures.
Template-assisted approaches remain prominent, particularly for producing well-defined, uniform helices. Electrochemical deposition into helical track-etched polymer templates allows for precise control over nanorod diameter, pitch, and handedness. Firms like ibss Group, Inc. supply custom templates and deposition tooling for such methods. Template dissolution and nanorod extraction processes are being optimized for higher yields and cleaner surfaces, addressing longstanding challenges in scalability.
Direct-write nanofabrication is emerging as a frontier in this field. Focused ion beam-induced deposition (FIBID) and electron beam-induced deposition (EBID) are being explored for custom, on-demand growth of helical nanorods with nanoscale precision. TESCAN ORSAY HOLDING has reported advances in beam control and precursor chemistry, enabling the fabrication of intricate 3D nanostructures including nanohelices for prototyping and device integration.
Self-assembly methods, such as using DNA origami or peptide-based scaffolds, are progressing beyond laboratory demonstrations toward scalable processes. Thermo Fisher Scientific supports researchers with high-purity biomolecular reagents and characterization tools, facilitating the controlled synthesis of helical nanorods via biomolecular templating. Efforts are ongoing to improve the robustness and throughput of these self-assembly techniques for commercial applications.
Looking ahead into the next few years, there is a strong outlook for automation and process integration in helix-shaped nanorod fabrication. System manufacturers are developing closed-loop control systems and in-situ monitoring capabilities to ensure reproducibility and scalability. Industry collaborations are also intensifying to standardize materials and processes suitable for integration into photonic and electronic devices. These advances are expected to accelerate the transition of helix-shaped nanorods from research labs to commercial product pipelines.
Top Players & Pioneers: Manufacturers and Key Industry Organizations
The fabrication of helix-shaped nanorods—a class of nanostructures with unique optical, catalytic, and structural properties—has seen significant advancements in recent years. As the global nanotechnology market matures, a handful of companies and research organizations have emerged as leading players in this niche, driving innovation through both proprietary fabrication techniques and collaborative R&D efforts. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, these entities are expected to shape the commercialization and application spectrum of helix-shaped nanorods across multiple industries.
- STREM Chemicals Inc.: Recognized for supplying a wide range of specialty nanomaterials, STREM Chemicals Inc. has supported research and commercial-scale projects involving helical nanorods, particularly in catalysis and advanced materials. Their catalog includes chiral and helical nanostructures, and the company actively collaborates with universities and industrial partners to tailor fabrication processes for specific applications.
- American Elements: As a global manufacturer and distributor of advanced materials, American Elements offers custom synthesis of nanorods, including chiral and helical variants in metals such as gold and silver. The company has invested in expanding its nanorod production capabilities and provides technical support to clients in electronics, photonics, and biomedical fields.
- Merck KGaA (operating as MilliporeSigma in the US and Canada): Merck KGaA delivers high-purity helical nanorods and enables tailored synthesis through its extensive chemical and nanomaterials portfolio. The company’s R&D division is actively exploring scalable methods for producing uniform, controlled-geometry nanorods, which are crucial for next-generation sensor and display technologies.
- National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS): NIMS in Japan is a global leader in nanomaterial research, including helix-shaped nanorod synthesis. NIMS has developed template-assisted and seed-mediated growth methods, sharing protocols and collaborating with industry to translate laboratory innovations into pilot-scale manufacturing.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP: In Europe, Fraunhofer IAP is pioneering scalable fabrication techniques for chiral nanostructures, including helix-shaped nanorods, with a focus on biopolymer templating and hybrid materials for photonic and sensing applications.
These players are poised to accelerate commercialization as demand for functional nanomaterials rises in key sectors such as photonics, catalysis, and biomedical engineering. Anticipated advances through 2025 include improved scalability, greater geometric control, and the integration of helix-shaped nanorods into composite materials and device architectures. Industry associations such as the Nanotechnology Industries Association (NIA) are expected to play a supporting role by fostering collaboration, standardization, and regulatory guidance, ensuring the responsible growth of this innovative materials segment.
Emerging Applications Across Industries
Helix-shaped nanorods are rapidly emerging as versatile nanostructures, with their unique three-dimensional geometry and surface properties driving innovation across multiple industries in 2025 and beyond. Recent advancements in fabrication techniques—such as glancing angle deposition (GLAD), template-assisted electrodeposition, and DNA-guided self-assembly—are enabling precise control over the helix pitch, diameter, and aspect ratio, making them highly customizable for diverse applications.
In the biomedical sector, helix-shaped nanorods are being explored as drug delivery vehicles and bioimaging agents, owing to their enhanced cellular uptake and tunable optical properties. Researchers at Thermo Fisher Scientific have developed gold and silver nanorod helices with functionalized surfaces for targeted cancer therapies, leveraging their ability to generate localized heat under near-infrared irradiation for photothermal ablation. The company has reported ongoing collaborations with leading pharmaceutical manufacturers for preclinical studies, with early-stage results indicating improved specificity and efficacy compared to conventional nanocarriers.
In the field of photonics, the chiral optical response of helix-shaped nanorods is enabling novel polarization-control devices and optical metamaterials. Oxford Instruments is supplying advanced physical vapor deposition systems to research institutions and semiconductor companies, supporting the scalable fabrication of helical nanostructures with tailored optical activity for next-generation circular polarizers and optical isolators. Industry forecasts suggest that devices incorporating such nanorods could enter commercialization phases by 2027, especially in telecommunications and quantum information systems.
Energy storage and conversion technologies are also benefiting from helix-shaped nanorod architectures. Umicore is piloting the integration of helical nanorod arrays as high-surface-area electrodes in lithium-ion batteries, reporting increased ion diffusion rates and enhanced charge capacities in prototype cells. The company anticipates scaling up its proprietary electrodeposition processes over the next two years to meet rising demand for high-performance energy storage in electric vehicles and grid applications.
Looking forward, the outlook for helix-shaped nanorod fabrication is robust, as companies invest in automated nanomanufacturing platforms and standardized quality control protocols. As synthesis methods mature and costs decline, the adoption of these nanostructures is likely to accelerate across healthcare, electronics, and energy sectors, fueling a new wave of innovation in nanotechnology-enabled products.
Market Size and Forecasts to 2030
The helix-shaped nanorod fabrication sector is emerging as a significant segment within the broader nanomaterials market, propelled by advances in materials science, precision manufacturing, and increasing demand in electronics, photonics, and biomedical sectors. As of 2025, the global market for helix-shaped nanorods remains in its nascent stage but is experiencing rapid growth, driven by both academic breakthroughs and growing commercial interest.
Recent years have seen a marked increase in the capabilities for synthesizing helix-shaped nanorods with precise control over diameter, pitch, and chirality. Companies such as MilliporeSigma and Nanocs Inc. have expanded their catalogues to include custom nanorods with helical morphologies, responding to requests from research labs and early-stage device manufacturers. The global nanomaterials market, which surpassed $10 billion in 2023, increasingly allocates a share of its R&D and production to complex architectures such as helical nanorods.
While specific revenue figures for helix-shaped nanorod fabrication are not yet disaggregated by major industry bodies, the segment is expected to outpace the average nanomaterials market CAGR, which is estimated at 14–17% through 2030. This acceleration is attributed to the unique optical, catalytic, and mechanical properties that helix-shaped nanorods offer for next-generation sensors, metamaterials, and biomedical imaging devices. For example, Oxford Instruments and JEOL Ltd. have reported increased utilization of their advanced electron beam lithography and deposition systems by clients developing helical nanostructures for these high-value applications.
Outlook for the period to 2030 remains robust. Industry initiatives, such as the development of scalable template-assisted growth and self-assembly methods, are anticipated to reduce production costs and enable commercial-scale fabrication by the late 2020s. Collaborations between material suppliers, such as Strem Chemicals, Inc., and device manufacturers are already underway to bring helix-shaped nanorods into commercial photonics and bioanalytical systems. As patents and proprietary techniques mature, industry analysts expect the segment to achieve annual revenues in the high hundreds of millions of dollars by 2030, with potential for further acceleration as end-use applications in optoelectronics and targeted drug delivery move from prototype to market deployment.
Investment Trends and Funding Activities
The field of helix-shaped nanorod fabrication is witnessing a dynamic phase of investment and funding as advanced nanomaterials gain strategic importance for next-generation electronics, energy, and biomedical applications. In 2025, venture capital and public-private partnerships are increasingly targeting companies and research organizations with proprietary processes for chiral and helical nanostructure synthesis, reflecting both the technical challenges and commercial promise of these materials.
Notably, Oxford Instruments, a global supplier of nanofabrication tools, announced in early 2025 an additional £20 million investment in its R&D programs, with a significant portion allocated to advanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) and electron beam lithography systems tailored for complex nanorod geometries, including helices. Similarly, Bruker Corporation reported an increase in its capital expenditure for expanding its nanostructure characterization platforms, supporting the rapid prototyping and quality control of helix-shaped nanorods for academic and industrial clients.
- In February 2025, NanoAndMore, a leading distributor of nanotechnology products, secured a strategic partnership with a consortium of European research institutes. The collaboration aims to commercialize scalable fabrication methods for chiral nanorods, leveraging both public funding from the EU Horizon Europe program and private equity.
- imec, Europe’s premier nanoelectronics R&D hub, has launched a dedicated innovation fund for startups focusing on nanoscale fabrication, with a special track for helical nanorod synthesis. The 2025 call for proposals attracted over 30 early-stage companies, with several awards granted for process automation and hybrid material development.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) continues to channel federal grants into collaborative projects focused on the metrology and reproducibility of helix-shaped nanorods, fostering partnerships between U.S. universities and industry players.
Looking ahead, analysts expect funding to accelerate as demand rises from sectors such as photonics, enantioselective catalysis, and biosensors. The emergence of pilot-scale fabrication lines, supported by investments from companies like Nanoscience Instruments, is poised to reduce costs and broaden commercial adoption. Strategic funding initiatives, especially those combining government and industry resources, are likely to remain pivotal through 2026 and beyond, ensuring that innovations in helix-shaped nanorod fabrication translate into scalable, market-ready solutions.
Regulatory Landscape and Standardization Efforts
The regulatory landscape and standardization efforts surrounding helix-shaped nanorod fabrication are evolving rapidly as this advanced nanomaterial class moves from laboratory research toward commercial applications. In 2025, regulatory bodies and standards organizations are intensifying their focus on establishing clear frameworks to ensure both the safety and quality of helix-shaped nanorods, particularly as these materials enter industries such as biotechnology, electronics, and energy.
Key regulatory initiatives are being spearheaded by international and national agencies. For instance, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Committee 229, dedicated to nanotechnologies, is refining standards for the characterization, measurement, and risk assessment of complex nanostructures, including helical nanorods. Their ongoing work, such as the development of standards for nanomaterial nomenclature and metrology, is expected to provide critical guidance to manufacturers regarding terminology, reproducibility, and documentation.
In the U.S., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is collaborating with industry to develop reference materials and measurement protocols that address the unique geometry and surface properties of helix-shaped nanorods. These efforts aim to facilitate inter-laboratory comparability and support regulatory submissions. Similarly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating its guidance for nanomaterial-enabled products, emphasizing data requirements for toxicity, environmental fate, and human exposure, which are particularly relevant for bioactive or drug delivery applications of helical nanorods.
In Europe, the European Commission Scientific Committees are reviewing the applicability of existing nanomaterial regulations (such as REACH) to advanced morphology nanorods, with specific attention to their novel shape-dependent properties. These reviews are likely to influence future amendments and targeted guidance documents.
Industry-driven standardization is also accelerating. Leading manufacturers, such as Sigma-Aldrich (now part of Merck KGaA), are participating in round-robin testing and standards development consortia to benchmark quality and safety parameters for helix-shaped nanorods. These efforts are complemented by engagement with organizations like the ASTM International Committee E56 on Nanotechnology, which is expanding its suite of test methods and best practices for anisotropic nanomaterials.
Looking ahead, over the next few years, regulatory frameworks are expected to become more granular and application-specific, with greater emphasis on lifecycle analysis and risk management for helix-shaped nanorods. Stronger alignment between global standards and regulatory requirements will be key to facilitating safe commercialization and international trade in these advanced nanomaterials.
Challenges: Scalability, Cost, and Technical Barriers
The fabrication of helix-shaped nanorods (HSNRs) presents a suite of formidable challenges as the field transitions from laboratory-scale demonstrations to industrial applications in 2025 and the near future. Three primary barriers—scalability, cost, and technical complexity—define the current landscape for both established manufacturers and emerging startups engaged in advanced nanomaterials.
Scalability remains the most significant hurdle. Most HSNR synthesis routes, such as glancing angle deposition (GLAD) and template-assisted electrodeposition, are inherently batch-based and limited in throughput. Companies such as Oxford Instruments, a supplier of thin film deposition systems, acknowledge that while GLAD enables precise control over nanorod geometry, its slow deposition rates and strict substrate alignment requirements impede large-area or roll-to-roll production. Similarly, American Science and Engineering, Inc. and other equipment providers note the lack of continuous, high-yield manufacturing processes for HSNRs. Scaling up these processes without sacrificing uniformity or chiral purity remains unresolved, with ongoing research focusing on automating deposition controls and substrate handling.
Cost factors are tightly coupled to scalability and material choice. The reliance on high-vacuum systems, custom substrates, and precious metals (e.g., gold, silver) for plasmonic HSNRs inflates both capital and operational expenditures. According to Picosun, a supplier of atomic layer deposition (ALD) equipment, the need for highly controlled environments and slow cycle times further raises production costs. Efforts are underway to adapt solution-based and low-temperature fabrication routes to helix-shaped nanostructures, but reproducibility and product quality remain inconsistent. Until scalable, cost-effective methods are established, HSNR-based devices are likely to remain confined to niche, high-value applications in photonics and sensing.
Technical Barriers persist at every stage of the HSNR value chain. Achieving consistent helical pitch, handedness, and aspect ratio on large substrates is challenging, especially as even minor deviations can dramatically alter optical and catalytic properties. Measurement and quality assurance at the nanoscale, as highlighted by metrology specialists like Carl Zeiss AG, are still evolving and contribute further to process bottlenecks. Moreover, integration of HSNRs into device architectures requires precise manipulation and alignment, often necessitating the development of novel transfer and assembly techniques.
Looking to 2025 and the next several years, industry focus is expected to shift toward hybrid fabrication strategies—combining top-down lithography with bottom-up self-assembly—to overcome these barriers. Collaborations between equipment suppliers, materials companies, and end-users are anticipated to accelerate, with incremental improvements in throughput, cost, and yield forming the bridge to eventual commercial adoption of helix-shaped nanorod technologies.
Future Outlook: Disruptive Potential and Next-Gen Opportunities
The future outlook for helix-shaped nanorod fabrication is marked by a rapid convergence of advanced manufacturing techniques, material innovations, and integration with emerging technologies, promising to disrupt multiple sectors in the coming years. As we enter 2025, several key developments are shaping the trajectory of this field.
A primary driver is the evolution of precise bottom-up synthesis methods—especially template-assisted growth and chiral ligand-guided processes—enabling scalable production of helix-shaped nanorods with controlled pitch, diameter, and handedness. Industry leaders such as MilliporeSigma (a subsidiary of Merck KGaA) and Thermo Fisher Scientific are expanding their nanomaterials portfolios, including chiral and anisotropic nanostructures, aiming to provide research and industrial customers with more reproducible and customizable solutions. These companies are actively collaborating with academic and corporate partners to refine fabrication protocols for mass production and improved yield.
Significant investments in automated nanofabrication platforms are also expected to catalyze the deployment of helix-shaped nanorods in optoelectronics, sensors, and biomedical devices. For example, Nanoscience Instruments is advancing atomic layer deposition and electron beam lithography systems that allow for the high-precision patterning and assembly required for next-generation chiral nanostructures. Such platforms are opening opportunities for rapid prototyping and quality control, essential for scaling up from laboratory to industrial applications.
In terms of disruptive potential, helix-shaped nanorods are poised to redefine chiral photonics and enantioselective catalysis. Their unique optical activity and high surface area are already being investigated for applications in circularly polarized light detection and asymmetric synthesis. Moreover, companies like Oxford Instruments are developing advanced characterization tools, including electron microscopy and spectroscopy systems, which are crucial for quality assurance and functional performance evaluation of these complex nanostructures.
Looking ahead to the next few years, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into nanorod fabrication workflows is projected to optimize process parameters and accelerate discovery. The anticipated convergence of helix-shaped nanorods with quantum materials and flexible substrates suggests robust growth in fields such as quantum computing, biosensing, and smart materials. As industry consortia and standardization bodies (e.g., Semiconductor Industry Association) begin to address reproducibility and safety concerns, the path to commercialization is expected to become increasingly clear, fostering widespread adoption across high-impact domains.
Sources & References
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Nanoscribe GmbH & Co. KG
- Oxford Instruments
- Dolomite Microfluidics
- STREM Chemicals Inc.
- American Elements
- NIMS
- Fraunhofer IAP
- Umicore
- Nanocs Inc.
- JEOL Ltd.
- Bruker Corporation
- NanoAndMore
- imec
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- European Commission Scientific Committees
- ASTM International Committee E56 on Nanotechnology
- Carl Zeiss AG
- Semiconductor Industry Association
