New classes of reactive systems that are characterized by nano-scale heterogeneity and possess extremely high reactivity, as compared to that for similar reactive systems with micro-scale heterogeneity, have attracted a vast attention of many researchers. The recent developments and trends in combustion science toward such "nano'' reactive media are presented. These systems include mechanically induced composite particles, sol-gels, super thermites and multilayer nano-foils. Various combustion-based applications of such nanostructured reactive systems are also discussed. (C) 2015 The Society of Powder Technology Japan Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.