Polypeptide-modified black phosphorus nanosheets as a brain-targeted neuroprotective agent for treating ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of death in China, accounting for approximately one-third of all stroke-associated deaths worldwide. Currently, thrombolysis is employed for ischemic strokes. However, due to the limited therapeutic window of thrombolytic agents, most patients do not receive the drug at the right time. Moreover, these agents are associated with risks of hemorrhage and reperfusion damage. Herein, Angiopep-2 (ANG)-black phosphorus (BP)-resveratrol (RES), a drug-loaded system, was used to deliver drugs across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). ANG-BP-RES has a uniform size, stable structure, good photothermal effect, and strong drug release ability under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation and acidic conditions. Furthermore, ANG-BP-RES can efficiently target the brain and improve BBB permeability, exerting a significant therapeutic effect against ischemic brain injury, especially after NIR irradiation. ANG-BP-RES is also biocompatible and shows minimal toxicity toward cells and tissues. This study offers novel insights into the therapeutic management of ischemic brain injury.