Black Phosphorus Nanosheets as a Neuroprotective Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Disorder Therapy

Abstract

Transition-metal dyshomeostasis is recognized as a critical pathogenic factor at the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorder (ND). Excess transition-metal ions such as Cu can catalyze the generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species and thereafter induce neuronal cell apoptosis. Exploring new chelating agents, which are not only capable of capturing excess redox-active metal, but can also cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), are highly desired for ND therapy. Herein, it is demonstrated that 2D black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets can capture Cu efficiently and selectively to protect neuronal cells from Cu -induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo studies show that the BBB permeability of BP nanosheets is significantly improved under near-infrared laser irradiation due to their strong photothermal effect, which overcomes the drawback of conventional chelating agents. Furthermore, the excellent biocompatibility and stability guarantee the biosafety of BP in future clinical applications. Therefore, these features make BP nanosheets have the great potential to work as an efficient neuroprotective nanodrug for ND therapy.

Engineering Versatile Nanoparticles for Near‐Infrared Light‐Tunable Drug Release and Photothermal Degradation of Amyloid β

“…The comparable transport efficiency of PDLC NPs across the BBB might be attributed to corona‐mediated brain targeting using a short peptide derived from Aβ protein . With NIR irradiation, the permeability was increased to 42%, which was ascribed to the local hyperthermia . The uptake of NPs in PC12 cells after transcytosis was assessed by seeding PC12 cells under the BBB layer.…”

Artificial Enzyme Catalyzed Cascade Reactions: Antitumor Immunotherapy Reinforced by NIR‐II Light

“…The elemental compositions and purity of Cu 2− x Te NPs were further checked through X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS; Figure c; see Figure S4). Characteristic binding energy peaks of both Cu I and Cu II can be clearly observed (Figure c) . To increase the dispersion stability of Cu 2− x Te NPs in physiological environments, 1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐poly(ethylene glycol) (DSPE‐PEG) was coated at the surface of Cu 2− x Te NPs.…”

“…Characteristic binding energy peaks of both Cu I and Cu II can be clearly observed ( Figure 1c). [11] To increase the dispersion stability of Cu 2Àx Te NPs in physiological environments,1 ,2distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-poly(ethylene glycol) (DSPE-PEG) was coated at the surface of Cu 2Àx Te NPs.The obtained Cu 2Àx Te NEs exhibit characteristic infrared absorption of DSPE-PEG in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum (see Figure S5), demonstrating their successful coating. Thea verage hydrodynamic diameter of Cu 2Àx Te NEs is around 30 nm, and they show similar morphology to Cu 2Àx Te NPs (Figure 1d;s ee Figures S6 and S7).…”

2D Black Phosphorus–Based Biomedical Applications

“…Due to the increased participation of scientists/researchers from biomedical, pharmaceutical, and even industrial sectors, 2D BP will be further developed, its safety will be increased, and more diseases will be treated. It has been reported that BP nanosheets can selectively bind copper ions, which is expected to be used for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson, which are caused by copper accumulations in the human body. As a new 2D material, BP has many properties that other 2D nanomaterials lack.…”