Advances in virus detection using carbon and quantum dot technologies: a review

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biosensing
• Virology

Background:

• Traditional viral diagnostics (PCR, ELISA) are costly and time-consuming.
• Nanotechnology offers promising alternatives for rapid viral detection.
• Quantum dots (QDs) and carbon dots (CDs) are fluorescent nanomaterials with potential for biosensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and compare the application of QDs and CDs in viral biosensors.
• To analyze the analytical performance and integration potential of QD- and CD-based viral detection assays.
• To provide guidance for selecting appropriate nanomaterials for viral diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of QD- and CD-based biosensors for viral detection.
• Analysis of assays targeting viral nucleic acids and proteins.
• Comparison of sensitivity, multiplexing, biocompatibility, and integration capabilities.

Main Results:

• QDs enable advanced multiplexed assays (fluorescence, FRET, ECL, PEC, lateral-flow) for viruses like dengue, HAV, HBV, and SARS-CoV-2.
• CDs are primarily used in single-target fluorescence or electrochemical assays, indicating earlier development stages.
• QD-based assays achieve lower detection limits (e.g., 6.5 × 10⁻¹⁶ M for HIV-1 nucleic acids) than CD-based assays, but CDs exhibit superior biocompatibility and stability.

Conclusions:

• QDs and CDs offer different strengths, influencing sensitivity, multiplexing, and biosensor integration.
• QDs provide broader sensitivity and performance, while CDs offer safer, simpler, and more sustainable sensing.
• Comparative insights guide the development of cost-effective, portable viral detection platforms for clinical and field use.