Recent Breakthrough of Bismuth-Based Nanostructured Materials for Multimodal Theranostic Applications

Abstract

Cancer is a lethal disease ravaging mankind claiming millions of lives. Most frequent methods of management include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of all the above-mentioned methods. However, there is no specific medication available to cure this condition completely and several compounds and drugs are constantly explored for their therapeutic effects. Recently, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, targeted drug delivery, and hyperthermia have shown to be of great interest in cancer treatment. In this direction, bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticles can be a promising option in cancer treatment and diagnosis as well. Bi is a well-known radioactive isotope; this emits high-energy gamma (γ) rays to the affected cells. This technology can pair with existing chemotherapy to enhance the therapeutic efficacy.