Enhanced biosensing of diabetes biomarkers by using rationally engineered carbon dots

Carbon dots are quasi-spherical zero-dimensional nanomaterials. Small size and tunable optical properties render carbon dots with excellent biosensing ability. They exhibit fascinating excitation-wavelength-dependent emission properties, attributed to their sp²-carbon core. Presence of dopants alters the energy levels of carbon dots, improving their optical properties and their facile surface functionalization with suitable electron donor/acceptor groups or biomolecules results in modification of their electronic properties, which in turn facilitates fluorescence-based detection of significant biomarkers. Biocompatibility and hydrophilicity, along with their captivating optical properties, inspired researchers worldwide to utilize carbon dots in the timely detection of diabetes biomarkers. Diabetes has long been one of the more concerning diseases. It shows long-term adverse effects, harming vital organs like kidney, heart, eyes, etc. Therefore, it must be diagnosed at its inception stage. Impaired metabolism of insulin in diabetic patients elevate concentrations of several biomolecules like glucose, reactive oxygen species, etc., which can be detected by fluorescence. The widespread application of fluoresce sensing in biomedicine stems from its non-invasive nature and precision. This review article highlights the influence of doping and surface functionalization of carbon dots on their improved selectivity and biocompatibility toward biosensing of diabetes markers.