2D Hetero-Nanoconstructs of Black Phosphorus for Breast Cancer Theragnosis: Technological Advancements

Abstract

As per global cancer statistics of 2020, female breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and also the foremost cause of cancer death in women. Traditional treatments include a number of negative effects, making it necessary to investigate novel smart drug delivery methods and identify new therapeutic approaches. Efforts for developing novel strategies for breast cancer therapy are being devised worldwide by various research groups. Currently, two-dimensional black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) have attracted considerable attention and are best suited for theranostic nanomedicine. Particularly, their characteristics, including drug loading efficacy, biocompatibility, optical, thermal, electrical, and phototherapeutic characteristics, support their growing demand as a potential substitute for graphene-based nanomaterials in biomedical applications. In this review, we have explained different platforms of BP nanomaterials for breast cancer management, their structures, functionalization approaches, and general methods of synthesis. Various characteristics of BP nanomaterials that make them suitable for cancer therapy and diagnosis, such as large surface area, nontoxicity, solubility, biodegradability, and excellent near-infrared (NIR) absorption capability, are discussed in the later sections. Next, we summarize targeting approaches using various strategies for effective therapy with BP nanoplatforms. Then, we describe applications of BP nanomaterials for breast cancer treatment, which include drug delivery, codelivery of drugs, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, combined therapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and multidrug resistance reversal strategy. Finally, the present challenges and future aspects of BP nanomaterials are discussed.

Modulation of the tumor microenvironment and mechanism of immunotherapy-based drug resistance in breast cancer

“…PIT activates the system’s immune response to achieve long-term antitumor immunity. It also targets metastasized tumors and prevents breast cancer recurrence [ 316 ]. Two-dimensional black phosphorus (BP) nanostructures have gained popularity for their PIT applications.…”

The futuristic applications of transition metal dichalcogenides for cancer therapy

“…This review provides the progress made in developing stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms based on TMDCs for intelligent cancer treatment [12]. The objective is to offer a thorough examination of the logical structures and advancements of these nanomaterials, addressing present obstacles and future prospects in this domain [26]. This review discuss the undisclosed aspects of TMDCs, in biomedical applications majorly against cancer [29,30].…”

“…Several researchers are working on 2D TMDC NPs combination of PTT by additional therapeutics, taking advantage of their inherent near‐infrared absorbance property and tremendously large specific surface area thus achieve good anti‐cancer activity [21]. More recently, as a result of the application of graphene in biomedicine, research on additional layered 2D nanomaterials has advanced quickly and generated considerable interest [22–25] including BN, BP, and graphitic carbon nitride [26–28]. TMDCs not only have a high photothermal conversion activity with a large surface area but making them ideal for delivering biomolecules and medications into effective cells for cancer treatment [29].…”

Nano-Innovations in Cancer Therapy: The Unparalleled Potential of MXene Conjugates

“…The ultrathin architectures, unique physicochemical features, and large surface areas of these materials have shown significant potential for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Graphene and black phosphorus are well-known 2D materials with high biocompatibility and conductivity, making them promising candidates for targeted drug delivery and imaging [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. The use of 2D materials for cancer research is a new frontier in which nanotechnology can potentially transform the approach to cancer detection, therapy, and monitoring.…”