Carbon dots: A promising tool for viral infection treatment

Globally, viruses have impacted health, economy, and mental well-being of all humankind. Several advanced treatments and vaccines have been developed to overcome this problem. With the advancements in nanoscience and technology in the biomedical field, nanomaterials are now widely used in detection, diagnosis, and therapy. Carbon dots (CDs) have gained significant attention because of their remarkable physical, chemical, and biological properties. The bioactive features of CDs obtained from natural sources, including their antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant capabilities, have been investigated. However, a broad scope exists to expand these studies and resolve the ambiguity in understanding the associated mechanisms. Hence, it is worth gathering knowledge regarding the potential natural sources of CDs that can help fight novel viral infections. In this review, we begin with a brief introduction in the first section, followed by an overview of viral structure, life cycle, modes of host entry, and current treatment strategies in the second section. The third section discusses the emergence of novel viruses. In the fourth and fifth sections, we examine the application of nanotechnology in managing viral infections, with particular emphasis on the use of CDs and their potential as protective agents against viral diseases. Section six highlights the challenges and limitations associated with the clinical application of CDs. Finally, we summarize the key findings and discuss the future prospects of CDs in antiviral therapy. This review is intended to serve as a valuable reference for the development of innovative treatment strategies against various viral infections.