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In the past few years, there has been notable advancement in nanotechnology, leading to the development of new materials with potential uses in the medical field, especially in cancer diagnosis, imaging, and therapy. Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) are one of the emerging nanomaterials that have generated interest due to their unique properties and potential in biomedical applications. This review aims to give a detailed overview of how BPQDs are synthesized, characterized, and utilized. The synthesis methods of BPQDs are discussed, with a focus on obtaining size-controlled and high-quality BPQDs. Two main approaches, top-down exfoliation and bottom-up techniques, are described. Despite advancements in synthesis, there are challenges hindering the practical application of BPQDs, such as poor dispersion and short durability. To address these issues, techniques to enhance biocompatibility and reduce potential toxicity, such as surface modifications, are discussed. BPQDs have potential in bioimaging as they offer higher resolution and sensitivity compared with traditional imaging agents. Their small size and expansive surface area make them suitable for drug delivery systems, enabling the effective incorporation of therapeutic substances. By functionalizing BPQDs with targeting ligands, they can selectively bind to cancer cells or tissue, making them ideal for targeted therapies. Moreover, BPQDs can serve as biosensors to detect biomarkers in bodily fluids, further expanding their biomedical applications. However, before they can be successfully translated into clinical settings, further research is needed to optimize the synthesis methods of BPQDs and evaluate their long-term safety profiles. Nonetheless, with ongoing research and development, the medical uses of BPQDs are expected to expand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the possible catalytic effect of black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) with specific exposed planes on chemiluminescence (CL) to improve CL intensity and achieve excellent analytical performance is one of the latest research hotspots. Herein, uniform BPQDs with highly exposed (113) facets and an average size of 2.2 nm were fabricated via a facile ultrasonic exfoliation strategy. The enhanced CL intensity in the BPQDs–luminol–K3Fe-(CN)6 system is attributed to the catalytic effect of BPQDs. The catalytic mechanism of BPQDs involved in luminol–K3Fe-(CN)6 CL is revealed by theoretical calculations, which show an adsorption Gibbs free energy for oxygen of −0.86 eV, accompanied by the separation of electron–hole pairs (e––h+). In other words, after being irradiated by the CL generated from luminol and K3Fe-(CN)6, the BPQDs effectively catalyze the decomposition of dissolved oxygen to produce superoxide radical anions, which further react with luminol to increase CL emission. The noticeable suppression of the CL signal in the presence of dopamine acquired under mild conditions makes it attractive for biosensor applications, deepening the understanding of BPQDs as efficient catalysts and promoting the potential development of BPQD-based materials in the fields of photonics, biomedicine, and electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alveolar bone defect repair remains a persistent clinical challenge for periodontitis treatment. The use of peripheral functional seed cells is a hot topic in periodontitis. Herein, we explored the cellular behaviors and osteogenic ability of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) treated with black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs). Additionally, macrophage polarization, osteogenic effects and angiogenesis were investigated through the paracrine pathway regulated by BPQD-modified ADSCs. Our results demonstrated that BPQDs showed good biocompatibility with ADSCs and BPQD-modified ADSCs could improve the bone repair in vivo inflammatory microenvironment by regulating osteogenesis and osteoimmunomodulation. The BPQDs increased the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs via the Wnt/β-catenin and BMP2/SMAD5/Runx2 signaling pathway. In addition, BPQD-modified ADSCs promoted the osteogenic effect of BMSCs and facilitated the polarization of macrophages from M1 towards M2 phenotype transformation through the paracrine pathway in the periodontitis microenvironment. This strategy provides a novel idea for treatment of alveolar bone defects for periodontitis in the foreseeable future.

This study explores new applications of black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) by adding them to self‐healing material systems for the first time. Self‐healing polyurethane with an ultra‐small amount of BPQDs has biomimetic intelligent responsiveness and achieves balance between its mechanical and self‐healing properties. By adding 0.0001 wt% BPQDs to self‐healing polyurethane, the fracture strength of the material increases from 3.0 to 12.3 MPa, and the elongation at break also increases from 750% to 860%. Meanwhile, the self‐healing efficiency remains at 98%. The addition of BPQDs significantly improves the deformation recovery ability of the composite materials and transforms the surface of self‐healing polyurethane from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, making it suitable for applications in fields such as electronic skin and flexible wearable devices. This study provides a simple and feasible strategy for endowing self‐healing materials with biomimetic intelligent responsiveness using a small amount of BPQDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract How to improve the capacity of light‐harvesting is still an important point and essential strategy for the assembling of high‐efficiency quantum dot–sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). A believable approach is to implant new light absorption materials into QDSCs to stimulate the charge transfer. Herein, the few‐layer black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) are synthesized by electrochemical intercalation technology using bulk BP as source. Then the obtained BPQDs are deposited onto the surface of Zn–Cu–In–S–Se (ZCISSe) QD‐sensitized TiO2 substrate to serve as another light‐harvesting material for the first time. The experimental results have shown that BPQDs can not only increase the absorption intensity by photoanode but also reduce unnecessary charge recombination processes at the interface of photoanode/electrolyte. Through optimizing the size and deposition process of BPQDs, the champion power conversion efficiency of ZCISSe QDSCs is increased to 15.66% (26.88 mA/cm2, Voc = 0.816 V, fill factor [FF] = 0.714) when compared with the original value of 14.11% (Jsc = 25.41 mA/cm2, Voc = 0.779 V, FF = 0.713).

Abstract Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) are synthesized and combined with graphene sheet. The fabricated BPQDs/graphene devices are capable of detecting visible and near infrared radiation. The adsorption effect of BPQDs in graphene is clarified by the relationship of the photocurrent and the shift of the Dirac point with different substrate. The Dirac point moves toward a neutral point under illumination with both SiO2/Si and Si3N4/Si substrates, indicating an anti-doped feature of photo-excitation. To our knowledge, this provides the first observation of photoresist induced photocurrent in such systems. Without the influence of the photoresist the device can respond to infrared light up to 980 nm wavelength in vacuum in a cryostat, in which the photocurrent is positive and photoconduction effect is believed to dominate the photocurrent. Finally, the adsorption effect is modeled using a first-principle method to give a picture of charge transfer and orbital contribution in the interaction of phosphorus atoms and single-layer graphene. Graphical Abstract

Melphalan is an efficient chemotherapeutic agent for retinoblastoma (RB) in clinical practice. However, the problems of drug resistance and poor prognosis caused by long-term treatment of melphalan should not be ignored. At present, it is urgent to find a therapeutic strategy to enhance the curative effect to solve the need for clinical treatment of RB to protect eyesight. Herein, we propose an effective strategy to encapsulate melphalan and black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) with high-biocompatibility liposomes for photothermal therapy (PTT) to enhance cell killing. BPQDs and melphalan were encapsulated using liposomes with a similar structure to the cell membrane, and a lipid nanoparticle with both photothermal and chemical inhibition effects was prepared. The obtained nanoparticle has a spherical shape (particle size range of 82–180 nm) and good stability (encapsulation efficiencies of melphalan of 40 % and BPQDs of 43.7 %). Its temperature increased to 65 °C within 10 min under a 2 W/cm2 laser at 808 nm, exerting photothermal and synergistic effects with melphalan to induce apoptosis of tumor cells. As expected, the prepared nanoparticle effectively inhibits tumor proliferation, upregulates the ki67 expression level, and has an excellent PTT effect on the orthotopic xenograft of WERI-RB-1 cells.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious refractory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which mostly caused by high-energy trauma. Existing interventions such as hormone shock and surgery are insufficient options, which relate to the secondary inflammation and neuronal dysfunction. Hydrogel with neuron-protective behaviors attracts tremendous attention, and black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) encapsulating with Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) hydrogels (E@BP) is designed for inflammatory modulation and SCI treatment in this study. E@BP displays good stability, biocompatibility and safety profiles. E@BP incubation alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation of primary neurons and enhances neuronal regeneration in vitro. Furthermore, E@BP reconstructs structural versus functional integrity of spinal cord tracts, which promotes recovery of motor neuron function in SCI rats after transplantation. Importantly, E@BP restarts the cell cycle and induces nerve regeneration. Moreover, E@BP diminishes local inflammation of SCI tissues, characterized by reducing accumulation of astrocyte, microglia, macrophages, and oligodendrocytes. Indeed, a common underlying mechanism of E@BP regulating neural regenerative and inflammatory responses is to promote the phosphorylation of key proteins related to AKT signaling pathway. Together, E@BP probably repairs SCI by reducing inflammation and promoting neuronal regeneration via the AKT signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) are synthesized and combined with graphene sheet. The fabricated BPQDs/graphene devices are capable of detecting visible and near infrared radiation. The adsorption effect of BPQDs in graphene is clarified by the relationship of the photocurrent and the shift of the Dirac point with different substrate. The Dirac point moves toward a neutral point under illumination with both SiO2/Si and Si3N4/Si substrates, indicating an anti-doped feature of photo-excitation. To our knowledge, this provides the first observation of photoresist induced photocurrent in such systems. Without the influence of the photoresist the device can respond to infrared light up to 980 nm wavelength in vacuum in a cryostat, in which the photocurrent is positive and photoconduction effect is believed to dominate the photocurrent. Finally, the adsorption effect is modeled using a first-principle method to give a picture of charge transfer and orbital contribution in the interaction of phosphorus atoms and single-layer graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel and portable cotton swab–based fluorometry was constructed for the first time for 3-aminosalicylic acid (3-ASA) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) detection. It was carried out by fluorescence enhancement on silver (Ag)–doped black phosphorus quantum dots (Ag@BPQD). Ag@BPQD were prepared from AgNO3 and bulk black phosphorus in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution by solvothermal decomposition after mechanical exfoliation. Ag@BPQD show blue fluorescence with a quantum yield (QY) of 2.43%. In the presence of Ag@BPQD, 3-ASA exhibited bright blue fluorescence (λex = 328 nm, λem = 448 nm). The fluorescence of 5-ASA was also enhanced significantly and exhibited bright green emission (λex = 328 nm, λem = 484 nm). The linear range of 3-ASA is 0–90 μM with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.10 μM, relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 2.04%, and a recovery range of 98.0–104.3%. The linear range of 5-ASA is 0–120 μM with a LOD of 0.12 μM, RSD ≤ 1.34%, and a recovery range of 98.0–101.3%. When 3-ASA and 5-ASA were mixed in different ratios, the fluorescence showed different colors. The possible mechanism of the interaction between 3-ASA (or 5-ASA) and Ag@BPQD may be ascribed to the generation of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer. To realize convenient detection of 3-ASA and 5-ASA, a Ag@BPQD portable sensing method using cotton swabs were built. The proposed approach provides the detection of 3-ASA and 5-ASA in environmental and biological samples with high efficiency, accuracy and portability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) have shown potential in tumor therapy, however, their anti-angiogenic functions have not been studied. Although BPQDs are easily degraded to non-toxic phosphrous, the reported toxicity, poor stability, and non-selectivity largely limit their further application in medicine. In this study, a vascular targeting, biocompatible, and cell metabolism-disrupting nanoplatform is engineered by incorporating BPQDs into exosomes modified with the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide (BPQDs@RGD-EXO nanospheres, BREs). BREs inhibit endothelial cells (ECs) proliferation, migration, tube formation, and sprouting in vitro. The anti-angiogenic role of BREs in vivo is evaluated using mouse retinal vascular development model and oxygen-induced retinopathy model. Combined RNA-seq and metabolomic analysis reveal that BREs disrupt glucose metabolism, which is further confirmed by evaluating metabolites, ATP production and the c-MYC/Hexokinase 2 pathway. These BREs are promising anti-angiogenic platforms for the treatment of pathological retinal angiogenesis with minimal side effects.

In this study, a portable silver ion (Ag+) sensor was fabricated based on a dual signal output system using black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) as probes. It is the first work for Ag+ detection using paper test strip based on BPQDs. The color change of BPQDs paper sensor for the determination of Ag+ was easily identified by naked eye. BPQDs were synthesized from bulk black phosphorus (BP) by mechanical exfoliation combined with a solvothermal method. BPQDs exhibited blue fluorescence with a quantum yield of 8.82 %. The fluorescence of BPQDs can be quenched by Ag+, and the absorbance of BPQDs is increased with increasing Ag+ concentration. The mechanism of the interaction between BPQDs and Ag+ involving fluorescence quenching and bonding was investigated by experimental and computational methods. The detection limit of Ag+ was 1.56 μg/mL and 0.19 μg/mL using fluorometry and colorimetry methods, respectively. A portable visual sensor based on paper test strip was constructed for Ag+ detection using the colorimetric approach. The strategy was employed to determine Ag+ successfully in drinking water samples. Therefore, the proposed portable Ag+ sensor can be potentially utilized for the lab-free analysis of drinking water and even dietary samples.

[Display omitted] • N-BPQD was synthesized through a solvothermal method using formamide as N source and solvent. • The N-BPQD exhibit a bright blue fluorescence with high quantum yield of 73.7%. • N-BPQD on fPAD was used as a visual fluorescent sensing platform for detection of bilirubin. • The fluorescent sensor shows high sensitivity and selectivity to bilirubin. • N-BPQD was a good fluorescent probe for cellular imaging. A facile top down producing approach for synthesis and doping of a nitrogen doped black phosphorus quantum dots (N-BPQD) in one-pot was developed by solvothermal method with formamide as a nitrogen source and solvent. The nitrogen atoms had introduced into BPQD structure and exhibit a bright blue photoluminescent with a high quantum yield of 73.7 %. The morphology and chemical structure of N-BPQD was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A fluorescent paper analysis device (fPAD) was applied in rapid and cost-effective detection of biomarker bilirubin with naked eyes. The fPAD sensor present a high selectivity, stability and sensitive response to bilirubin in a wide linear range of 10 to 150 µM with a limit of detection limit as 26 nM (S/N = 3) and limit of quantitation as 86 nM (S/N = 10). The principles-based density functional theory, calculations on doping and binding energy of N-BPQD were analyzed via the density functional theory (DFT) simulations. Moreover, N-BPQD showed extremely low cytotoxicity, which is a promising as a good fluorescent probe for stem cell imaging application. This work provide a new platform for diagnosis of jaundice disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel composite active antibacterial material was prepared. • Outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency. • Excellent reactive oxygen species generation and biocompatibility. • Composite antibacterial film significantly extended the shelf life of food. • The designed materials can maintain food safety through non-invasive means. Active antibacterial materials play an important role in solving food safety problems caused by pathogen contamination. In this study, a composite active antibacterial material with the synergistic antibacterial effectiveness of photothermal, photodynamic and the surface charge of polyphenols was developed, where the multi-porous polyphenol functionalized metal–organic frameworks (ZIF-8-TA) were used as the framework carrier, and black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) were used as the photosensitive source. The resulted ZIF-8-TA/PBQDs possesses excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (27.92%), photodynamic performance and surface charge, and these factors ensure the outstanding broad-spectrum antibacterial performance (100%). Multifunctional characteristics and excellent biocompatibility endow the materials with vast potential for foodstuff packaging. The results showed that the composite antibacterial film produced by doping ZIF-8-TA/PBQDs into chitosan could effectively prolong the shelf life of foodstuff compared with commercial membrane. The successful implementation of this research provides a new idea for controlling microbial contamination and developing multifunctional antibacterial materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) were proposed for the quantitative detection of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) based on the aggregation-induced emission (AIE). BPQDs were prepared using black phosphorus (BP) crystal powder as precursor by ultrasonic stripping of the liquid phase and solvent thermal process. BPQDs exhibited blue fluorescence in ultraviolet light with optimum excitation and emission wavelengths of 343 nm and 438 nm, as well as quantum yield (QY) of 4.82 %. The fluorescence of 5-ASA was a little weak with the maximum emission wavelength at 506 nm (QY = 1.56 %), while its fluorescence was significantly enhanced by BPQDs with the QY at 10.96 %. As the concentration of 5-ASA increased, the fluorescent color shifted from blue to green. The optimal emission wavelength changed from 438 nm to 506 nm. It might be attributed to the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of 5-ASA in the presence of BPQDs. There was favorable linear response between the fluorescence enhancement and the concentration of 5-ASA in the range of 0.1–150 μM, with the limit of detection (LOD) at 30 nM. And then an excellent fluorescence probe for 5-ASA detection was successfully prepared and it was used to determine 5-ASA in real samples with satisfactory results. • Development of a sensing method for highly selective detection of 5-ASA based on fluorescence method. • The system has a linear range of 0.1–150 μM for the determination of 5-ASA, with a limit of detection of 30 nM. • The proposal has been successfully used for the determination of 5-ASA in medical and serum sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Healing of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infected deep burn wounds (MIDBW) in diabetic patients remains an obstacle but is a cutting-edge research problem in clinical science. Surgical debridement and continuous antibiotic use remain the primary clinical treatment for MIDBW. However, suboptimal pharmacokinetics and high doses of antibiotics often cause serious side effects such as fatal complications of drug-resistant bacterial infections. MRSA, which causes wound infection, is currently a bacterium of concern in diabetic wound healing. In more severe cases, it can even lead to amputation of the patient's limb. The development of bioactive nanomaterials that can promote infected wound healing is significant. Results The present work proposed a strategy of using EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) modified black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) as therapeutic nanoplatforms for MIDBW to achieve the synergistic functions of NIR (near-infrared)-response, ROS-generation, sterilization, and promoting wound healing. The electron spin resonance results revealed that EGCG-BPQDs@H had a more vital photocatalytic ability to produce singlet oxygen than BPQDs@H. The inhibition results indicated an effective bactericidal rate of 88.6% against MRSA. Molecular biology analysis demonstrated that EGCG-BPQDs significantly upregulated CD31 nearly fourfold and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) nearly twofold, which were beneficial for promoting the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and skin epidermal cells. Under NIR irradiation, EGCG-BPQDs hydrogel (EGCG-BPQDs@H) treated MIDBW area could rapidly raise temperature up to 55 °C for sterilization. The MIBDW closure rate of rats after 21 days of treatment was 92.4%, much better than that of 61.1% of the control group. The engineered EGCG-BPQDs@H were found to promote MIDBW healing by triggering the PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, which could enhance cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition, intravenous circulation experiment showed good biocompatibility of EGCG-BPQDs@H. No significant damage to major organs was observed in rats. Conclusions The obtained results demonstrated that EGCG-BPQDs@H achieved the synergistic functions of photocatalytic property, photothermal effects and promoted wound healing, and are promising multifunctional nanoplatforms for MIDBW healing in diabetics. Graphical Abstract

Tapered fiber (TF) and D-shaped fiber (DF) are two types of widely investigated devices in facilitating evanescent-field interactions with external materials. Although they have been found to be particularly useful in various ultrafast regimes, to date there is still no clear or systematic investigation on their local nonlinearities as well as the exerted influences on ultrafast behaviors. Herein, we present such thorough investigation through local nonlinearity engineering on TF and then in contrast with a DF as a reference. Optically deposited black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) are used for saturable absorption. The nanometer-scale extremely small sizes of the BPQDs helpfully eliminate size-induced uncertainties or distortions during both device fabrication and the latter light–matter interaction. For the TF, in the experiment, it is found that the local nonlinear effect starts to be rather appreciable as the TF shrinks to a moderate thickness. Remarkably in comparison, the local nonlinearity of the DF itself can even be neglected reasonably, but after coating with BPQDs, it possesses a much larger modulation depth than any of the used BPQDs-coated TFs with different thicknesses/lengths. Further, we theoretically analyze the related locally nonlinear effects and reveal, for the first time, the direct origin of saturable absorption with evanescent-field-based general structures.

Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) are considered to have wide application prospects due to their excellent properties. However, there is no study on the effect of BPQDs on glucose metabolism. In this study, blood glucose was significantly increased when mice were continuously intragastrically administered 0.1 and 1 mg/kg bw BPQDs. The blood glucose level of the mice was elevated from Day 7 to Day 28. BPQD exposure also decreased the area under the curve (AUC) of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). After exposure, the pancreas somatic index was increased. Moreover, the serum insulin and glucagon levels were elevated and the relative area of islet β cells was increased in BPQD-exposed mice, while insulin signaling cascades were reduced in muscle tissues. In summary, our study demonstrated for the first time that BPQD exposure induces glucose disorder and insulin resistance in muscle, which is helpful to understand the biosafety of black phosphorus nanomaterials and promote the sustainable development of nanotechnology.

Light management through organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) has been widely reported to push up the performance of lead‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by extending the spectral response. However, the development of integrated perovskite/organic bulk heterojunction solar cells (IPSCs) encounters a bottleneck problem that the poor carrier extraction capability of perovskite and BHJ leads to the severe loss of open‐voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF). Herein, the strategy of introducing black phosphorous quantum dots (BPQDs) and cuprous oxide (CuOx) into IPSCs is adopted, which not only successfully extends the single‐component PSCs light response to 930 nm, but also significantly reduces the Voc and FF loss of IPSCs. BPQDs with bipolar charge transport and high mobility characteristics improves the electron/hole transport behaviors of perovskite and BHJ films. CuOx with matching energy levels is introduced between BHJ and Spiro‐OMeTAD as a buffer layer, which provides good driving force for the transportation of holes. The champion device achieves a power conversion efficiency of 23.52%. The IPSCs devices also display an excellent long‐term and humidity stability. This work demonstrates an approach to solve the carrier extraction key issues that limits the performance of IPSCs, which achieves an instructive result in the development of PSCs light management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots (BPQDs) were synthesized via sonication-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation. The average size of the BPQDs was 3.3 ± 0.85 nm. The BPQDs exhibited excellent dispersion stability in ultrapure water. Macroscale superlubricity was realized with the unmodified BPQDs on rough Si3N4/SiO2 interfaces. A minimum coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.0022 was achieved at the concentration of 0.015 wt%. In addition, the glycerol was introduced to promote the stability of the superlubricity state. The COF of the BPQDs-Glycerol aqueous solution (BGaq) was 83.75% lower than that of the Glycerol aqueous solution (Gaq). Based on the above analysis, the lubrication model was presented. The hydrogen-bonded network and silica gel layer were formed on the friction interface, which played a major role in the realization of macroscale superlubricity. In addition, the adsorption water layer could also prevent the worn surfaces from making contact with each other. Moreover, the synergistic effect between BPQDs and glycerol could significantly decrease the COF and maintain the superlubricity state. The findings theoretically support the realization of macroscale superlubricity with unmodified BPQDs as a water-based lubrication additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most aggressive urological malignancies and has a poor prognosis, especially in patients with metastasis. Although RCC is traditionally considered to be radioresistant, radiotherapy (RT) is still a common treatment for palliative management of metastatic RCC. Novel approaches are urgently needed to overcome radioresistance of RCC. Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) have recently received great attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and good biocompatibility. In the present study, we found that BPQDs enhance ionizing radiation (IR)-induced apoptotic cell death of RCC cells. BPQDs treatment significantly increases IR-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), as indicated by the neutral comet assay and the DSBs biomarkers γH2AX and 53BP1. Mechanistically, BPQDs can interact with purified DNA–protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and promote its kinase activity in vitro. BPQDs impair the autophosphorylation of DNA-PKcs at S2056, and this site phosphorylation is essential for efficient DNA DSBs repair and the release of DNA-PKcs from the damage sites. Consistent with this, BPQDs suppress nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair and lead to sustained high levels of autophosphorylated DNA-PKcs on the damaged sites. Moreover, animal experiments indicate that the combined approach with both BPQDs and IR displays better efficacy than monotreatment. These findings demonstrate that BPQDs have potential applications in radiosensitizing RCC cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐term environmental stability of electronic and optoelectronic devices is a very important concern. Both black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets and quantum dots (BPQDs) exhibit very poor environmental stability. To address this problem, a new encapsulation approach for improving long‐term stability of the BPQD‐based electronic devices, which concerns two‐step in situ polymerizations: 1) in situ polymerization of dopamine in the presence of BPQDs giving a BPQDs@PDA (PDA: polydopamine) composite; 2) in situ atom transfer radical polymerization of N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone on the BPQDs@PDA surface producing the BPQDs@PDA–PVP composite (PVP: polyvinylpyrrolidone), is developed. Both the Al/BPQDs@PDA–PVP/ITO and Al/BPQDs:PVP blends/ITO devices show excellent nonvolatile memory performance at the initial measurement stage. Interestingly, the former can only be programmed to the high conductivity state in the positive bias range, while the latter can be switched into the ON state only in the negative bias range. The different switching directions may be highly associated with the inherent electronic structural characteristics of the materials. In contrast to the BPQDs:PVP blends and/or BPQDS@PDA:PVP blend‐based electronic devices with very unstable memory performance, the memory performance of the BPQDs@PDA–PVP‐based device remains unchanged even standing for 90 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer immunotherapy has been developed to improve therapeutic effects for patients by activating the innate immune stimulator of interferon gene (STING) pathway. However, most patients cannot benefit from this therapy, mainly due to the problems of excessively low immune responses and lack of tumor specificity. Herein, we report a solution to these two problems by developing a bifunctional platform of black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) for STING agonists. Specifically, BPQDs could connect targeted functional groups and regulate surface zeta potential by coordinating metal ions to increase loading (over 5 times) while maintaining high universality (7 STING agonists). The controlled release of STING agonists enabled specific interactions with their proteins, activating the STING pathway and stimulating the secretion release of immunosuppressive factors by phosphorylating TBK1 and IFN-IRF3 and secreting high levels of immunostimulatory cytokines, including IL-6, IFN-α, and IFN-β. Moreover, the immunotherapy was enhanced was enhanced mild photothermal therapy (PTT) of BPQDs platform, producing enough T cells to eliminate tumors and prevent tumor recurrence. This work facilitates further research on targeted delivery of small-molecule immune drugs to enhance the development of clinical immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Long‐term environmental stability of electronic and optoelectronic devices is a very important concern. Both black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets and quantum dots (BPQDs) exhibit very poor environmental stability. To address this problem, a new encapsulation approach for improving long‐term stability of the BPQD‐based electronic devices, which concerns two‐step in situ polymerizations: 1) in situ polymerization of dopamine in the presence of BPQDs giving a BPQDs@PDA (PDA: polydopamine) composite; 2) in situ atom transfer radical polymerization of N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone on the BPQDs@PDA surface producing the BPQDs@PDA–PVP composite (PVP: polyvinylpyrrolidone), is developed. Both the Al/BPQDs@PDA–PVP/ITO and Al/BPQDs:PVP blends/ITO devices show excellent nonvolatile memory performance at the initial measurement stage. Interestingly, the former can only be programmed to the high conductivity state in the positive bias range, while the latter can be switched into the ON state only in the negative bias range. The different switching directions may be highly associated with the inherent electronic structural characteristics of the materials. In contrast to the BPQDs:PVP blends and/or BPQDS@PDA:PVP blend‐based electronic devices with very unstable memory performance, the memory performance of the BPQDs@PDA–PVP‐based device remains unchanged even standing for 90 d.

Black phosphorus (BP) nano-materials, especially BP quantum dots (BPQDs), performs outstanding photothermal antitumor effects, excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, there are several challenges to overcome before offering real benefits, such as poor stability, poor dispersibility as well as difficulty in tailoring other functions. Here, a “three-in-one” mitochondria-targeted BP nano-platform, called as BPQD-PEG-TPP, was designed. In this nano-platform, BPQDs were covalently grafted with a heterobifunctional PEG, in which one end was an aryl diazo group capable of reacting with BPQDs to form a covalent bond and the other end was a mitochondria-targeted triphenylphosphine (TPP) group. In addition to its excellent near-infrared photothermal properties, BPQD-PEG-TPP had much enhanced stability and dispersibility under physiological conditions, efficient mitochondria targeting and promoted ROS production through a photothermal effect. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that BPQD-PEG-TPP performed much superior photothermal cytotoxicity than BPQDs and BPQD-PEG as the mitochondria targeted PTT. Thus this “three-in-one” nanoplatform fabricated through polymer grafting, with excellent stability, dispersibility and negligible side effects, might be a promising strategy for mitochondria-targeted photothermal cancer therapy.

Abstract Targeted anti‐cancer therapy selectively inhibits the growth of malignant cells by interfering with cancer‐specific signaling pathways, and inflicts minimal toxicity to normal tissues. Here, the current study demonstrates black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) can target histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), which is overexpressed in multiple tumors and involved in cancer progression. The BPQDs inhibit HDAC1 activity and impair HDAC1‐mediated deacetylation of the mitotic spindle protein Eg5 in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells, thereby disrupting the mitotic spindle structure and stalling cell cycle progression. Since HDAC1 regulates multiple aspects of cancer progression, BPQDs can neutralize the malignant potential of cancer cells by suppressing their proliferation and migration, and inducing apoptosis. Further in vitro assays demonstrate BPQDs significantly increase the sensitivity of RCC cells to the clinical chemotherapeutic agent, paclitaxel (PTX). Moreover, animal experiments also indicate the combined approach with both BPQDs and PTX displays better efficacy than PTX alone. These findings demonstrate that BPQDs have potential applications in targeted anti‐cancer therapy and can be more effectively treated with chemotherapy.

Nanozymes are nanomaterials with enzyme-like properties that have attracted significant interest owing to their high stability, easy preparation, and tunable catalytic properties, especially in the field of cancer therapy. However, the unfavorable catalytic effects of nanozymes in the acidic tumor microenvironment have limited their applications. Herein, we developed a biomimetic erythrocyte membrane-camouflaged ultrasmall black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) nanozymes that simultaneously exhibited an exceptional near-infrared (NIR) photothermal property and dramatically photothermal-enhanced glucose oxidase (GOx)-like activity in the acidic tumor microenvironment. We demonstrated the engineered BPQDs gave a photothermal conversion efficiency of 28.9% that could rapidly heat the tumor up to 50 °C while effectively localized into tumors via homing peptide iRGD leading after intravenously injection. Meanwhile, the significantly enhanced GOx-like activity of BPQDs under NIR irradiation was capable of catalytical generating massive toxic reactive oxygen species via using cellular glucose. By combining the intrinsic photothermal property and the unique photothermal-enhanced GOx-like catalytic activity, the developed BPQDs were demonstrated to be an effective therapeutic strategy for inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. We believe that this work will provide a novel perspective for the development of nanozymes in tumor catalytic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria-induced infection is becoming a huge challenge for clinical treatment, especially for non-healing diabetic wound infections, which increase patient mortality. MRSA infections and delayed wound healing (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) accounted for a higher proportion. Although surgical debridement and continuous use of antibiotics are still the main clinical treatments, new multifunctional therapeutic nanoplatform are attractive for MIDW. Thus, in the present study, black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) encapsulated in hydrogel (BPQDs@NH) were utilized as nanoplatforms for MIDW treatment to achieve the multifunctional properties of NIR (near infrared) responsiveness, ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation and antibacterial activity. Upon NIR irradiation, the temperature of the BPQDs@NH-treated MIDW area rapidly increased up to 55 °C for sterilization. In vitro experiments showed that BPQDs@NH exerted a synergistic effect on inhibiting MRSA by producing of ROS, lipid peroxidation, glutathione, adenosine triphosphate accumulation and bacterial membrane destruction upon NIR irradiation. The resulting BPQDs@NH achieved an effective sterilization rate of approximately 90% for MRSA. Furthermore, animal experiments revealed that BPQDs@NH achieved an effective closure rate of 95% for MIDW after 12 days by reducing the inflammatory response and regulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Meanwhile, intravenous circulation experiments showed good biocompatibility of BPQDs, and no obvious damage to rat major organs was observed. The obtained results indicated that BPQDs@NH achieved the synergistic functions of NIR-responsiveness, ROS generation, and antibacterial activity and promoted wound healing, suggesting that they are promising multifunctional nanoplatforms for MIDW healing. 1. NIR-triggered ROS-generating and antibacterial nanoplatforms are attractive in the wound healing field. 2. In this work, black phosphorus quantum dots encapsulated in a hydrogel were used as a nanoplatform for treating MRSA infected wounds. 3. The obtained materials have achieved an effective sterilization rate for MRSA and effective wound closure rate. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapered fiber (TF) and D-shaped fiber (DF) are two types of widely investigated devices in facilitating evanescent-field interactions with external materials. Although they have been found to be particularly useful in various ultrafast regimes, to date there is still no clear or systematic investigation on their local nonlinearities as well as the exerted influences on ultrafast behaviors. Herein, we present such thorough investigation through local nonlinearity engineering on TF and then in contrast with a DF as a reference. Optically deposited black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) are used for saturable absorption. The nanometer-scale extremely small sizes of the BPQDs helpfully eliminate size-induced uncertainties or distortions during both device fabrication and the latter light–matter interaction. For the TF, in the experiment, it is found that the local nonlinear effect starts to be rather appreciable as the TF shrinks to a moderate thickness. Remarkably in comparison, the local nonlinearity of the DF itself can even be neglected reasonably, but after coating with BPQDs, it possesses a much larger modulation depth than any of the used BPQDs-coated TFs with different thicknesses/lengths. Further, we theoretically analyze the related locally nonlinear effects and reveal, for the first time, the direct origin of saturable absorption with evanescent-field-based general structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: To approach the theoretical efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the defects in perovskites should be managed. Among different types of defects, halide vacancies easily form on the surface of perovskite grains (PGs), hindering perovskite stability and the charge-transport process by trapping charge carriers. In this work, oxidized black phosphorus quantum dots (O-BPQDs) are incorporated into a perovskite to resolve these issues. Oxygen atoms of the O-BPQDs interact with uncoordinated Pb (halide vacancies), forming grain interconnections. These interactions reduce halide vacancies and suppress the overall recombination kinetics. Along with defect reduction, the O-BPQDs offer an efficient charge-transport channel across individual PGs. We achieve a best power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.34% for SnO2-based PSCs and of 23.1% for TiO2-based PSCs. These PSCs exhibit moisture stability in a relative humidity (RH) 40% environment comparable to 3D/2D perovskites. Our strategy provides practical applicability and versatility for PSCs to approach the theoretical PCE value.

Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs), obtained via a typical solution-based top-down method, were used as water-based lubricant additives. BPQDs exhibited remarkable friction reduction and anti-wear properties even at the ultra-low concentration of 0.005 wt%, which reduced the friction coefficient and wear volume of the base liquid by 32.3% and 56.4%, respectively. In addition, the load-supporting capacity of the base liquid increased from 120 N to over 300 N. BPQDs-based additives exhibited a relatively long lifetime at a relatively high load of 80 N. The performance of BPQDs considerably exceeded that of the BP; this may be attributed to their small and uniform particle size, good dispersion stability in water, and high reactivity at the frictional surfaces. The results of the surface wear resistance analysis demonstrated that a robust tribochemical film with a thickness of approximately 90 nm was formed on the rubbing surface lubricated with 0.005 wt% of BPQDs dispersion. Moreover, the film served as a direct evidence of the excellent tribological performance of BPQDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healing of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infected deep burn wounds (MIDBW) in diabetic patients remains an obstacle but is a cutting-edge research problem in clinical science. Surgical debridement and continuous antibiotic use remain the primary clinical treatment for MIDBW. However, suboptimal pharmacokinetics and high doses of antibiotics often cause serious side effects such as fatal complications of drug-resistant bacterial infections. MRSA, which causes wound infection, is currently a bacterium of concern in diabetic wound healing. In more severe cases, it can even lead to amputation of the patient's limb. The development of bioactive nanomaterials that can promote infected wound healing is significant. Results: The present work proposed a strategy of using EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) modified black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) as therapeutic nanoplatforms for MIDBW to achieve the synergistic functions of NIR (near-infrared)-response, ROS-generation, sterilization, and promoting wound healing. The electron spin resonance results revealed that EGCG-BPQDs@H had a more vital photocatalytic ability to produce singlet oxygen than BPQDs@H. The inhibition results indicated an effective bactericidal rate of 88.6% against MRSA. Molecular biology analysis demonstrated that EGCG-BPQDs significantly upregulated CD31 nearly fourfold and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) nearly twofold, which were beneficial for promoting the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and skin epidermal cells. Under NIR irradiation, EGCG-BPQDs hydrogel (EGCG-BPQDs@H) treated MIDBW area could rapidly raise temperature up to 55 °C for sterilization. The MIBDW closure rate of rats after 21 days of treatment was 92.4%, much better than that of 61.1% of the control group. The engineered EGCG-BPQDs@H were found to promote MIDBW healing by triggering the PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, which could enhance cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition, intravenous circulation experiment showed good biocompatibility of EGCG-BPQDs@H. No significant damage to major organs was observed in rats. Conclusions: The obtained results demonstrated that EGCG-BPQDs@H achieved the synergistic functions of photocatalytic property, photothermal effects and promoted wound healing, and are promising multifunctional nanoplatforms for MIDBW healing in diabetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve an accurate diagnosis and efficient tumor treatment, developing a facile and powerful strategy to build multifunctional nanotheranostics is highly desirable. Benefiting from the distinct characteristics of black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs), herein, a versatile nanoprobe (H‐MnO2/DOX/BPQDs) is constructed for dual‐modality cancer imaging and synergistic chemo‐phototherapy. The hollow mesoporous MnO2 (H‐MnO2) nanoparticles are sequentially decorated with a cationic polymer poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and an anionic polymer poly (acrylic acid) (PAA). The obtained H‐MnO2‐PAH‐PAA is covalently grafted with BPQDs‐PEG‐NH2 via a carbodiimide cross‐linking reaction and then loaded with anti‐cancer drug DOX to form final nanoprobe H‐MnO2/DOX/BPQDs. Under the tumor microenvironment, H‐MnO2/DOX/BPQDs is degraded to release encapsulated functional molecules DOX and BPQDs. DOX acts as the chemotherapy and fluorescence imaging agent, and BPQDs endows the nanoprobe with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) abilities under dual laser irradiation of 630 and 808 nm. H‐MnO2 offers contrasts for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and facilitates conversion of endogenous H2O2 to oxygen, thereby relieving tumor hypoxia and enhancing PDT efficacy. All in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the designed nanoprobe displays dual‐modality MRI/FL imaging and synergistic chemotherapy/PDT/PTT, which ultimately enhances the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and therapeutic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological systems have high transparence to 700–1100-nm near-infrared (NIR) light. Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) have high optical absorbance in this spectrum. This optical property of BPQDs integrates both diagnostic and therapeutic functions together in an all-in-one processing system in cancer theranostic approaches. In the present study, BPQDs were synthesized and functionalized by targeting moieties (PEG-NH2-FA) and were further loaded with anticancer drugs (doxorubicin) for photodynamic–photothermal–chemotherapy. The precise killing of cancer cells was achieved by linking BPQDs with folate moiety (folic acid), internalizing BPQDs inside cancer cells with folate receptors and NIR triggering, without affecting the receptor-free cells. These in vitro experiments confirm that the agent exhibited an efficient photokilling effect and a light-triggered and heat-induced drug delivery at the precise tumor sites. Furthermore, the nanoplatform has good biocompatibility and effectively obliterates tumors in nude mice, showing no noticeable damages to noncancer tissues. Importantly, this nanoplatform can inhibit tumor growth through visualized synergistic treatment and photoacoustic and photothermal imaging. The present design of versatile nanoplatforms can allow for the adjustment of nanoplatforms for good treatment efficacy and multiplexed imaging, providing an innovation for targeted tumor treatment.

Alveolar bone defect repair remains a persistent clinical challenge for periodontitis treatment. The use of peripheral functional seed cells is a hot topic in periodontitis. Herein, we explored the cellular behaviors and osteogenic ability of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) treated with black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs). Additionally, macrophage polarization, osteogenic effects and angiogenesis were investigated through the paracrine pathway regulated by BPQD-modified ADSCs. Our results demonstrated that BPQDs showed good biocompatibility with ADSCs and BPQD-modified ADSCs could improve the bone repair in vivo inflammatory microenvironment by regulating osteogenesis and osteoimmunomodulation. The BPQDs increased the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs via the Wnt/β-catenin and BMP2/SMAD5/Runx2 signaling pathway. In addition, BPQD-modified ADSCs promoted the osteogenic effect of BMSCs and facilitated the polarization of macrophages from M1 towards M2 phenotype transformation through the paracrine pathway in the periodontitis microenvironment. This strategy provides a novel idea for treatment of alveolar bone defects for periodontitis in the foreseeable future., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

In the present work, Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots (BPQDs) were synthesized via sonication-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation. The average size of the BPQDs was 3.3 ± 0.85 nm. The BPQDs exhibited excellent dispersion stability in ultrapure water. Macroscale superlubricity was realized with the unmodified BPQDs on rough Si3N4/SiO2 interfaces. A minimum coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.0022 was achieved at the concentration of 0.015 wt%. In addition, the glycerol was introduced to promote the stability of the superlubricity state. The COF of the BPQDs-Glycerol aqueous solution (BGaq) was 83.75% lower than that of the Glycerol aqueous solution (Gaq). Based on the above analysis, the lubrication model was presented. The hydrogen-bonded network and silica gel layer were formed on the friction interface, which played a major role in the realization of macroscale superlubricity. In addition, the adsorption water layer could also prevent the worn surfaces from making contact with each other. Moreover, the synergistic effect between BPQDs and glycerol could significantly decrease the COF and maintain the superlubricity state. The findings theoretically support the realization of macroscale superlubricity with unmodified BPQDs as a water-based lubrication additive.

Choroidal melanoma (CM) is a melanocyte-derived intraocular malignancy that poses a great threat to patients' vision and life. Electrochemical therapy, which relies on the generation of reactive oxygen species via an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to kill target cells, has emerged as a promising approach for the local treatment of malignant tumors. In this study, nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) was electrostatically bound with black phosphorus (BP) quantum dots to form a composite system (N-rGO-BP) for tumor therapy. Owing to the synergistic effect of the two components, the optimal catalyst (N-rGO-BP-12) exhibits improved electrochemical properties and stability, achieving a more positive half-wave potential of 0.66 V and a larger steady-state current density of 2.76 mA cm−2 compared with the N-rGO precursor. In electrochemical therapy, N-rGO-BP-12 undergoes ORR via a two-electron pathway in the acidic microenvironment of the tumor, producing large amounts of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical to kill tumor cells; only 25 % of the human CM cells survive after 3 h of the treatment. This study provides a new approach for the synthesis and application of electrochemical catalysts for clinical tumor therapy. • N-rGO was electrostatically bound with black phosphorus (BP) quantum dots to form a compound (N-rGO-BP) for tumor therapy. • N-rGO-BP-12 exhibits improved electrochemical properties and stability compared with the N-rGO precursor. • N-rGO-BP-12 undergoes ORR via a two-electron pathway in the acidic microenvironment of the tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most aggressive urological malignancies and has a poor prognosis, especially in patients with metastasis. Although RCC is traditionally considered to be radioresistant, radiotherapy (RT) is still a common treatment for palliative management of metastatic RCC. Novel approaches are urgently needed to overcome radioresistance of RCC. Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) have recently received great attention due to their unique physicochemical properties and good biocompatibility. In the present study, we found that BPQDs enhance ionizing radiation (IR)-induced apoptotic cell death of RCC cells. BPQDs treatment significantly increases IR-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), as indicated by the neutral comet assay and the DSBs biomarkers γH2AX and 53BP1. Mechanistically, BPQDs can interact with purified DNA–protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and promote its kinase activity in vitro. BPQDs impair the autophosphorylation of DNA-PKcs at S2056, and this site phosphorylation is essential for efficient DNA DSBs repair and the release of DNA-PKcs from the damage sites. Consistent with this, BPQDs suppress nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair and lead to sustained high levels of autophosphorylated DNA-PKcs on the damaged sites. Moreover, animal experiments indicate that the combined approach with both BPQDs and IR displays better efficacy than monotreatment. These findings demonstrate that BPQDs have potential applications in radiosensitizing RCC cells.

• An uncomplicated method constructs an optimal BQ/TiC/UCN composite. • BQ/TiC/UCN demonstrates superior photocatalytic activity in visible light region. • The TiC nanosheets can accelerate the migration of photoinduced charge carriers. • The mechanism of charge transfer in BQ/TiC/UCN heterojunction is proposed. The fabrication of ultrathin MXene (Ti 3 C 2)-based photocatalysts is highly intriguing as the charges can vectorially transfer along the two-dimensional (2D) direction despite being challenging. Herein, ultrathin Ti 3 C 2 (TiC) nanosheets with excellent conductivity are rationally introduced to ultrathin metal-free 0D/2D black phosphorus (BQ)/ultrathin g-C 3 N 4 (UCN) heterojunction for improving photocatalytic H 2 production activity. The optimized BQ/TiC/UCN composite displayed obvious advantages such as the strong interfacial contact and enhanced visible-light capture. Importantly, the incorporation of TiC nanosheets substantially accelerates charge transfer to fast separation of photoinduced carriers between BQ and UCN. The optimized BQ/TiC/UCN composite exhibited 47.2 and 19.4 folds higher photocatalytic activity (18.42 mmol h−1 g−1) than that of bulk g-C 3 N 4 (BCN) and UCN, respectively. The microstructure, composition, and optical properties of BQ/TiC/UCN composite were carefully characterized. The current research results may furnish fresh insights into the exploration of MXene (Ti 3 C 2)-based catalysts with high solar energy utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted anti‐cancer therapy selectively inhibits the growth of malignant cells by interfering with cancer‐specific signaling pathways, and inflicts minimal toxicity to normal tissues. Here, the current study demonstrates black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) can target histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), which is overexpressed in multiple tumors and involved in cancer progression. The BPQDs inhibit HDAC1 activity and impair HDAC1‐mediated deacetylation of the mitotic spindle protein Eg5 in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells, thereby disrupting the mitotic spindle structure and stalling cell cycle progression. Since HDAC1 regulates multiple aspects of cancer progression, BPQDs can neutralize the malignant potential of cancer cells by suppressing their proliferation and migration, and inducing apoptosis. Further in vitro assays demonstrate BPQDs significantly increase the sensitivity of RCC cells to the clinical chemotherapeutic agent, paclitaxel (PTX). Moreover, animal experiments also indicate the combined approach with both BPQDs and PTX displays better efficacy than PTX alone. These findings demonstrate that BPQDs have potential applications in targeted anti‐cancer therapy and can be more effectively treated with chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jolkinolide B (JB) is a bioactive compound isolated from a Chinese herbal medicine that exerts antitumor activity. However, the anti-lymphoma effect of JB and its mechanism are yet to be revealed. Because free JB has poor pharmacokinetics and weak antitumor efficacy, we opted to use black phosphorus quantum dot (BPQD) nanomaterials as a drug loading platform to synthesize a nano-traditional Chinese medicine (nano-TCM) called BPQDs@JB. Compared with free JB, Raji cells administrated with BPQDs@JB exhibited the cell viability of 19.85 ± 1.02%, and the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was promoted. Likewise, BPQDs@JB was capable of rising the apoptosis rate of Raji cells to 34.98 ± 1.76%. In nude mice transplanted tumor model administrated with BPQDs@JB, the tumor tissue sections administrated with BPQDS@JB achieved a conspicuous red fluorescence, demonstrating the presence of most ROS production in the BPQDS@JB. TUNEL achieved a number of positive (brown) nuclei in vivo, revealing that BPQDS@JB could significantly induce tumor tissue apoptosis. As revealed from the mentioned results, BPQDs@JB can generate considerable ROS and interfere with the redox state to inhibit tumor. In brief, BPQDs@JB may be adopted as a treatment option for lymphoma.

Ming Zhang,1,2 Wentao Wang,3 Yingjun Cui,2 Ninglin Zhou,1,4 Jian Shen1 1College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Biological Functional Materials, Jiangsu Engineering Research, Center for Biomedical Function Materials, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; 2Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA; 3Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; 4Faculty of Materials Development, Nanjing Zhou Ninglin Advanced Materials Technology Company Limited, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China Background: Recently, combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) has become a desired treatment for cancer. However, the development of economic, high-efficiency, and safe photosensitizers/photothermal agents remains a significant challenge.Methods: A novel nanocomposite has been developed via the assembly of iron oxide carbon dot (Fe3O4-CDs) nanoparticles and black phosphorus quantum dots (genipin [GP]-polyglutamic acid [PGA]-Fe3O4-CDs@BPQDs), and this nanocomposite shows a broad light-absorption band and a photodegradable character.Results: In vitro and in vivo assays indicated that GP-PGA-Fe3O4-CDs@BPQDs were highly biocompatible and exhibited excellent tumor-inhibition efficacy, due to the synergistic PTT and PDT via a near-infrared laser. Importantly, in vivo tumor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results illustrated that GP-PGA-Fe3O4-CDs@BPQDs can be specifically applied for enhanced T2 MRI of tumors. This work presents the first combined application of a PDT and PTT effect deriving from BPQDs and MRI from Fe3O4-CDs, which may promote utilization of black BPQDs in biomedicine.Conclusion: As expected, GP-PGA-Fe3O4-CDs@BPQDs displayed a dramatically enhanced ability to destroy tumor cells, due to the synergistic combination of PTT and PDT. Keywords: black phosphorus quantum dots, biocompatible, photothermal, photodynamic, T2 MRI

In this work, carbon dots (CDs) and black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) were used to decorate titanium dioxide to enhance the photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the nanocomposites (TiO2@CDs@BPQDs), and the modified nanocomposites were used to sensitively detect DNA. We used the hydrothermal method and citric acid as a raw material to prepare CDs with good dispersion and strong fluorescence properties. BPQDs with a uniform particle size were prepared from black phosphorus crystals. The nanocomposites were characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The preparation method of the working electrode was explored, the detection conditions were optimized, and the sensitive detection of target DNA was achieved. The results demonstrate that CDs and BPQDs with good optical properties were successfully prepared, and they were successfully combined with TiO2 to improve the PEC performance of TiO2@CDs@BPQDs. The TiO2-based PEC DNA detection method was constructed with a detection limit of 8.39 nM. The constructed detection method has many advantages, including good sensitivity, a wide detection range, and good specificity. This work provides a promising PEC strategy for the detection of other biomolecules.

Develop a facile approach to improving the performance of low-temperature processed all-inorganic PSCs through using BPQDs as an excellent interface modifier material atop the perovskite layer to increase electron extraction efficiency and reduce the trap density. • BPQDs as an efficient interfacial modification layer in all-inorganic PSCs. • BPQDs suppress nonradiative recombination losses and facilitate electron extraction. • The CsPbI 2 Br device based on BPQDs achieves a PCE of up to 12.2%. • Such efficient CsPbI 2 Br based PSCs with full low-temperature processing are rare. Developing high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with all of the functional layers fabricated at low temperature (<180 °C) is highly desirable for the roll-to-roll processing of CsPbI 2 Br based PSCs. As for the all-inorganic perovskite, it is still a challenge to obtain void-free perovskite film especially prepared at this condition. Herein, we develop a facile approach to optimizing the morphology of low-temperature processed all-inorganic perovskite via using black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) as an excellent interfacial modification material atop the perovskite layer for the first time. It is found that high-electron-mobility BPQDs can fill the voids between the grains of the perovskite film to provide more efficient pathways for electron extraction. Moreover, the BPQDs modification can effectively reduce the surface trap density of the perovskite layer, in addition to enhance the absorption of the PSC, thus suppressing nonradiative recombination losses. As a result, by incorporating BPQDs as the interfacial modification layer, our designed all-inorganic PSCs produce a maximum PCE of up to 12.2%. Furthermore, such highly efficient CsPbI 2 Br based PSC combined with the full low-temperature processing is rare, even outperforming most of previously reported CsPbI 2 Br based PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) have been successfully prepared at a low cost and high yield by the liquid-based high-energy ball milling method. The obtained BPQDs with an average lateral size of 6.5 ± 3 nm and a thickness of 3.4 ± 2.6 nm dispersed stably in ethylene glycol (EG). A robust macroscale superlubricity state (μ, 0.002) was achieved under a high contact pressure of 336 MPa via the lubrication of BPQDs-EG aqueous suspension (BPQDs-EGaq) at the Si3N4/sapphire frictional interface. The wear rate lubricated by BPQDs-EGaq suspension account for 5.96% of that lubricated by EG aqueous solution (EGaq), demonstrating the improvement in the antiwear property with the addition of BPQDs. The rolling effect of BPQDs and the low shear stress between the BPQDs interlamination played important roles in the improvement in the antiwear property. The oxidative products of BPQDs (PxOy) contributed to the effective realization of macroscale superlubricity. This work realized macroscale superlubricity at a high contact pressure by combining the BPQDs with special liquid molecules and provided the great potential in industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, binding interaction between black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) and human serum albumin (HSA) was systematically characterized for deep illustration of conformational structure variation of HSA affected by BPQDs. The results confirmed that the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA was statically quenched by BPQDs mainly through van der Waals interaction and hydrogen bond. BPQDs bound strongly with the site I of HSA to form ground state complex with molar ratio of 1 to 1. The secondary structure of HSA was changed obviously after its binding interaction with BPQDs, and the α -helix structure of HSA was transformed to the β -sheet structure. The melting temperature of HSA was decreased after its binding interaction with BPQDs, suggesting that BPQDs promoted the thermal denaturation process of HSA. BPQDs could also reduce the molar enthalpy change and the thermal stability of HSA. These results explored the exact conformational structure variation of HSA after its binding interaction with BPQDs, which provides vital information for possible biological influence of BPQDs on human beings. • Binding interaction between BPQDs and HSA was systematically investigated. • BPQDs bound with HSA and statically quenched its intrinsic fluorescence. • BPQDs caused structure transform of HSA changing from α -helix to β -sheet. • BPQDs reduced the melting temperature and the molar enthalpy change of HSA. • BPQDs reduced the thermal stability of HSA significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stable multiwavelength erbium-doped fiber laser has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated based on black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) packaged by polytetrafluoroethylene. The laser mainly consists of a polytetrafluoroethylene packaging device of black phosphorus quantum dots (PTFEPDBPQDs) and a Lyot filter. PTFEPD-BPQDs have the function of suppressing the mode competition and stabilizing the multiwavelength output. In the experiments, for the unpackaged BPQDs device, BPQDs will degrade and lose its function within 48 h, whereas for the PTFEPD-BPQDs, BPQDs can keep their function for more than 3 weeks. Fifteen stable multiwavelength lasing signals (MWLSs) with the wavelength space of 0.35 nm are achieved. A 10-min optically driven deposition is more conducive to the stable output of MWLSs. The wavelength offset and peak power fluctuation of the output spectrum at central wavelength are 0.1 nm and 0.9 dB, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is the critical to efficiently using black phosphorus quantum dots (BQ) in lithium batteries to obtain high energy density with improved stability. In this work, BQ was encapsulated in the size-matched pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOF) Cobalt/Iron-based Prussian blue analogues (Co/Fe-based PBA) by a coprecipitation method to construct a series of Co/Fe-based PBA@xBQ composite materials. The composite materials added with BQ exhibit significantly improved stability, demonstrating excellent electrochemical performances in lithium batteries. The close contact of BQ with Co/Fe catalytic sites promoted the rapid transfer of lithium ions between the metal sites. The unique structure of black phosphorus allowed storing more lithium ions in the pores of Co/Fe-based PBA. Grafting the surface of MOF with BQ could reduce side reactions on the electrode surface, and their synergistic effects enhanced the lithium storage capacity. The energy density of Li||Co-Co PBA@ 8BQ and Li||Fe-Co PBA@ 10BQ batteries was 130.5 mAh·g−1 and 187.4 mAh·g−1 higher than the Li||Co/Fe-based PBA. Li||Fe-Co PBA@ 10BQ battery had a long cycle stability, with 70% capacity retention rate after 500 cycles. The new composite materials achieved the combination of BQ and PBA to obtain lithium batteries with higher capacity density and stability with more cycles. [Display omitted] • Encapsulating black phosphorus quantum dots in the pores of MOF by matching size. • Synergistic effect between black phosphorus quantum dots and Prussian blue analogues. • Improved lithium storage performance and long cycle life of the designed electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]