Here, we report a one-pot, straightforward, and efficient
method
for the covalent functionalization of black phosphorous (BP) nanosheets
with biopolymers on a gram scale. l-lactide and glycidol
monomers were stepwise copolymerized onto the surface of exfoliated
BP resulting in highly water-soluble functional nanosheets (BP-PLA-PG).
In contrast to pristine BP, their functionalized counterparts did
not degrade under ambient conditions and were stable for several weeks.
Owing to their stability, efficient photothermal effect, and low toxicity,
BP-PLA-PG sheets were loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), and their anticancer
effect was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The laser-triggered
release of DOX, in combination with the photothermal effect of the
functionalized BP sheets, manifested in strong antitumor effects in
animal studies. One-pot straightforward functionalization, high loading
capacity, low toxicity, excellent water dispersibility and stability,
as well as high functionality, support BP-PLA-PG as a promising vector
for the future biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery
and bioimaging.