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Functionalized ZnS quantum dots as cancer theranostics: A cornerstone for precision onco-targeting
Dipak B Bari1, Chandrakantsing V Pardeshi1
1R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Industrial Pharmacy Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, Shirpur 425405, Maharashtra, India.
Journal of Drug Targeting
|August 12, 2026
Summary
Zinc sulfide (ZnS) quantum dots (QDs) offer promising solutions for cancer theranostics. Their unique optical properties and surface modifications enable advanced cancer bioimaging and targeted drug delivery for improved treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, necessitating advancements in early detection and treatment.
- Current understanding of tumor invasion, development, and metastasis is incomplete due to the complexity of cancer cells and their microenvironments.
- Novel technologies are crucial for deciphering complex molecular information and improving cancer diagnosis and real-time monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest advancements in surface modifications of zinc sulfide (ZnS) quantum dots (QDs).
- To explore the theranostic applications of ZnS QDs in various cancer treatments.
- To highlight the potential of ZnS QDs in cancer bioimaging and drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on ZnS quantum dots.
- Analysis of surface modification techniques for ZnS QDs.
- Evaluation of theranostic applications including bioimaging and drug delivery.
Main Results:
- ZnS QDs exhibit desirable optical properties like high luminescence, stability, and tunable emission spectra.
- Surface modifications enhance the precision targeting, biocompatibility, and versatility of ZnS QDs.
- ZnS QDs demonstrate significant potential for cancer bioimaging and targeted anticancer drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- ZnS QDs are highly promising theranostic agents for precision oncology.
- Surface-modified ZnS QDs offer a versatile platform for advanced cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Further research into ZnS QDs can lead to improved cancer patient survival rates through enhanced early detection and treatment strategies.
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