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Functionalized ZnS quantum dots as cancer theranostics: a cornerstone for precision onco-targeting
Dipak B Bari1, Chandrakantsing V Pardeshi1
1Industrial Pharmacy Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, India.
Abstract:
Cancer is among the leading causes of death globally. Early diagnosis and therapy provide cancer patients with the highest chance of survival. Despite recent significant advances in understanding the complex pathways that contribute to cancer progression and metastasis, researchers are still unable to adequately treat cancer progressing to many crucial organs. As cancer cells and tumour microenvironments are highly complex, the mechanisms of tumour invasion, tumour development, and metastasis remain incompletely understood. Therefore, to grasp the complex molecular information behind biological behaviour of tumours, novel technologies for cancer detection and real-time observation are urgently needed. Quantum dots (QDs) are indeed luminous semiconductor materials in the nanometric size range. Considering their unique optical traits including excellent luminescence, simultaneous acquisition of numerous signals, stability over time, and tunable emission spectra, QDs are appealing as possible cancer theranostic devices. Zinc sulphide (ZnS) QDs are frequently employed as a cornerstone for precision onco-targeting owing to their high quantum yield, low toxicity, biocompatibility, and versatility for diverse surface modifications. ZnS QDs are now showing great promise for cancer bioimaging and anticancer drug delivery. The present review describes the frontiers of surface modifications and theranostic applications of ZnS QDs in the treatment of various cancers.
Insights
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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