Intracellular dynamics and photodynamic efficacy of black phosphorus quantum dots in cancer models

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising cancer treatment that relies on the light-induced generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) to trigger cytotoxic effects. Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) have emerged as ideal PDT agents owing to their high 1O2 quantum yield, high biocompatibility, and favourable pharmcokinetics. Here we develop BPQDs functionalised with polyethylene glycol amine (PEG-NH2) and hyaluronic acid (HA) to target the CD44-receptor of A549 lung cancer cells. We present a comprehensive evaluation of their intracellular dynamics, 1O2 generation and therapeutic efficiency in both 2D cell monolayers and 3D tumour spheroid models. Our HA-PEG-NH2-BPQDs were found to efficiently in..