As a novel member
of the two-dimensional nanomaterial family, mono-
or few-layer black phosphorus (BP) with direct bandgap and high charge
carrier mobility is promising in many applications such as microelectronic
devices, photoelectronic devices, energy technologies, and catalysis
agents. Due to its benign elemental composition (phosphorus), large
surface area, electronic/photonic performances, and chemical/biological
activities, BP has also demonstrated a great potential in biomedical
applications including biosensing, photothermal/photodynamic therapies,
controlled drug releases, and antibacterial uses. The nature of the
BPâbio interface is comprised of dynamic contacts between nanomaterials
(NMs) and biological systems, where BP and the biological system interact.
The physicochemical interactions at the nanoâbio interface
play a critical role in the biological effects of NMs. In this review,
we discuss the interface in the context of BP as a nanomaterial and
its unique physicochemical properties that may affect its biological
effects. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed the recent studies on
the interactions between BP and biomolecules, cells, and animals and
summarized various cellular responses, inflammatory/immunological
effects, as well as other biological outcomes of BP depending on its
own physical properties, exposure routes, and biodistribution. In
addition, we also discussed the environmental behaviors and potential
risks on environmental organisms of BP. Based on accumulating knowledge
on the BPâbio interfaces, this review also summarizes various
safer-by-design strategies to change the physicochemical properties
including chemical stability and nanoâbio interactions, which
are critical in tuning the biological behaviors of BP. The better
understanding of the biological activity of BP at BPâbio interfaces
and corresponding methods to overcome the challenges would promote
its future exploration in terms of bringing this new nanomaterial
to practical applications.