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Redox responsive nanoparticle encapsulating black phosphorus quantum dots for cancer theranostics
Haolin Chen1, Zhiming Liu2, Bo Wei3
1Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical Instrument of Guangdong Province, School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
Bioactive Materials
|October 2, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a novel biodegradable nanoparticle using black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) for enhanced cancer theranostics. This agent offers improved diagnostics via photothermal optical coherence tomography (PT-OCT) and targeted drug delivery, minimizing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer theranostics require advanced agents for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT), particularly photothermal OCT (PT-OCT), shows promise for cancer diagnostics by detecting environmentally induced optical changes in tissue.
- Developing biocompatible and effective contrast agents for PT-OCT remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, biodegradable nanoagent for cancer theranostics.
- To utilize black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) as a robust agent for PT-OCT imaging and therapy.
- To create a redox-responsive system for targeted drug and BPQD release.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) into a cysteine-based poly-(disulfide amide) (Cys-PDSA) polymer to form nanoparticles (NPs).
- Evaluation of the NP's photothermal properties and responsiveness to glutathione for drug release.
- Assessment of the nanoagent's efficacy as a contrast agent for high-resolution PT-OCT bioimaging.
- Investigation of the NP's therapeutic potential for targeted drug delivery.
Main Results:
- Stable and biodegradable BPQD/Cys-PDSA nanoparticles were successfully synthesized.
- The NPs demonstrated excellent near-infrared (NIR) photothermal transduction efficiency.
- The Cys-PDSA component showed rapid response to glutathione, enabling effective *in vitro* and *in vivo* release of BPQDs and drugs.
- The nanoagent facilitated high-resolution PT-OCT bioimaging and showed potential for low-dosage chemotherapy with reduced side effects.
Conclusions:
- A biodegradable and biocompatible black phosphorus-based nanoagent was developed for dual cancer diagnosis and therapy.
- This platform represents a novel PT-OCT contrast agent with excellent photothermal and drug delivery capabilities.
- The complete biodegradability of both the polymer and BPQDs makes this a rare and promising theranostic platform.
