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Author Spotlight: Advancing SERS Technology: Au@Carbon Dot Nanoprobes for Label-Free Analysis and Imaging
Published on: June 9, 2023
Carbon dots in oncology: multifunctional nanoplatforms for diagnosis, targeted therapy, and drug discovery
Sandra Rodríguez-Varillas1, Jorge Espina Casado2, Rosana Badía-Laíño1
1Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, University of Oviedo 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
Abstract:
Carbon dots (CDs) are emerging nanomaterials with unique optical and biological properties that position them as highly promising candidates in precision oncology. Their small size, biocompatibility, fluorescence, and capacity for surface functionalization enable diverse applications, including tumor imaging, targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, and photothermal or photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT). CDs have demonstrated efficacy in fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), facilitating early tumor detection. As drug carriers and gene delivery systems, they offer controlled and targeted release with reduced toxicity. In addition, CDs support early-phase drug discovery by improving solubility and bioavailability, and enabling real-time tracking. Despite these promising results, their clinical translation remains limited by variability in synthesis methods and an incomplete understanding of their structure-function relationships.
Insights
Carbon dots (CDs) show promise in precision oncology for tumor imaging and targeted drug delivery. Further research is needed to overcome synthesis variability for clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Carbon dots (CDs) are novel nanomaterials with advantageous optical and biological characteristics.
- Their properties make them suitable for precision oncology applications, including diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Key features include small size, biocompatibility, fluorescence, and surface modifiability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of carbon dots (CDs) in precision oncology.
- To review the applications of CDs in tumor imaging, drug delivery, and therapy.
- To identify challenges hindering the clinical translation of CDs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of carbon dot applications in oncology.
- Analysis of CDs' properties relevant to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Evaluation of current limitations and future directions for clinical use.
Main Results:
- CDs exhibit efficacy in fluorescence and MRI for early tumor detection.
- They function as effective carriers for targeted drug and gene delivery, reducing toxicity.
- CDs enhance early-phase drug discovery by improving solubility, bioavailability, and enabling real-time tracking.
Conclusions:
- Carbon dots offer significant potential in precision oncology due to their versatile properties.
- Clinical translation is currently limited by synthesis inconsistencies and a need for deeper structure-function understanding.
- Further standardization and research are crucial for realizing the full clinical impact of CDs.
