# Study on the use of black phosphorus quantum dots in the treatment of atherosclerosis

## TL;DR

Black phosphorus quantum dots effectively reduce atherosclerotic plaques in mice without needing dietary changes.

## Contribution

BPQDs show superior plaque clearance compared to traditional statins in a mouse model of atherosclerosis.

## Key findings

- 45.3% of atherosclerotic plaque was cleared in mice treated with BPQDs.
- BPQD treatment was more effective than traditional statins.
- Treatment did not require changes to a high-fat diet.

## Abstract

Atherosclerosis is the pathological basis of cardiovascular disease, and there are no clinical drugs that can safely and efficiently remove atherosclerotic plaques. In this study, black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) were applied to the treatment of atherosclerosis in high fat diet ApoE-/- model mice that BPQDs were given every other day for 3 weeks without changing the high-fat diet. 45.3% atherosclerotic plaque was cleared efficiently within 3 weeks in BPQDs intravenous administration way every other day. The treatment was more effective than traditional statins. The findings suggest that BPQDs have great potential to be applied for clinical prevention and treatment of AS that does not require dietary changes.