Applications and Synthesis of quantum dots from black phosphorus in cancer cell imaging and drug delivery

Aim and Background: Quantum dots (QDs) or Semiconductor nanocrystals are one of the famous zero-dimensional nanostructures, which have attracted much attention due to their unique optical properties such as high absorption range, strong fluorescence, and high resistance to photobleaching. Black phosphorus is the most popular layered nanostructures. It is the two dimensions used to synthesize quantum dots. In this review, synthesis methods as well as surface modifications of QDs obtained from two-dimensional nanostructures are discussed. In addition, the most recent applications of these QDs in the field of cancer cell imaging have been reviewed. Methods: Literature was reviewed and their findings was recapitulated. Results and discussion: Due to its excellent hole mobility, black phosphorus (BP) can act as a hole acceptor, which can induce the fast transfer of photogenerated holes, and the heterogeneous bonding at the interface causes the injection of photogenerated electrons into surface of MoS_2, thereby effectively promoting the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. In addition, recent reports show that quantum dots (QDs) have excellent capabilities for local photon capture due to the quantum confinement of surface effects, which are considered as excellent light absorbers that improve the performance of photodetectors in two-dimensional materials. Conclusion: In this study, Black phosphorus quantum dots are used to image all types of cancers. They have been used in techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) for normal cell imaging. In this review, synthesis methods and also surface modifications of QDs obtained from two-dimensional nanostructures are discussed.