Property–Activity Relationship of Black Phosphorus at the Nano–Bio Interface: From Molecules to Organisms

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 BP–bio interface is comprised of dynamic contacts between nanomaterials (NMs) and biological systems, where BP and the biological system interact. The physicochemical interactions at the nano–bio 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 ...