Polylactide-Block-Polyglycerol-Functionalized Black Phosphorous Nanosheets for Tumor Therapy

Here, we report a one-pot, straightforward, and efficient method for the covalent functionalization of black phosphorous (BP) nanosheets with biopolymers on a gram scale. L-lactide and glycidol monomers were stepwise copolymerized onto the surface of exfoliated BP resulting in highly water-soluble functional nanosheets (BP-PLA-PG). In contrast to pristine BP, their functionalized counterparts did not degrade under ambient conditions and were stable for several weeks. Owing to their stability, efficient photothermal effect, and low toxicity, BP-PLA-PG sheets were loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), and their anticancer effect was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The laser-triggered release of DOX, in combination with the photothermal effect of the functionalized BP sheets, manifested in strong antitumor effects in animal studies. One-pot straightforward functionalization, high loading capacity, low toxicity, excellent water dispersibility and stability, as well as high functionality, support BP-PLA-PG as a promising vector for the future biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery and bioimaging.

Automated summary

In this research, the authors developed a straightforward method for covalently functionalizing black phosphorous nanosheets with biopolymers. The functionalized nanosheets showed excellent stability, water solubility, and loading capacity for drug delivery. The authors also demonstrated the potential of the functionalized nanosheets for targeted drug delivery and bioimaging.