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Carbon Dots in Bioimaging, Biosensing and Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Review
Boyang Wang1, Huijuan Cai1, Geoffrey I N Waterhouse2
1Green Catalysis Center College of Chemistry Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou 450000 China.
Small Science
|April 11, 2025
Summary
Carbon dots (CDs) are versatile fluorescent nanomaterials with low toxicity, driving innovation in biomedical applications. This review details their synthesis, properties, and use in bioimaging, drug delivery, and therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Carbon dots (CDs) are gaining attention in biology due to their fluorescence, photostability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity.
- Their facile synthesis and functionalization enable the creation of advanced CDs-based composite materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of recent advancements in carbon dots (CDs) for biological applications.
- To cover breakthroughs in synthesis, modification, optical properties, toxicology, and biocatalytic platforms.
- To discuss emerging research in bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, and various therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on carbon dots (CDs).
- Analysis of synthesis and functionalization techniques.
- Evaluation of optical properties and toxicological profiles.
- Exploration of applications in bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, and therapies.
Main Results:
- CDs exhibit promising properties for diverse biomedical applications.
- Significant progress has been made in tailoring CDs for specific biological functions.
- CDs are being explored for advanced therapies including anticancer and antiviral treatments.
Conclusions:
- Carbon dots (CDs) represent a rapidly evolving field with substantial potential in biomedicine and biotechnology.
- Further research is needed to address challenges and fully realize the prospects of CDs.
- Continued innovation in CDs synthesis and application will accelerate their clinical translation.
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