Carbon-based nanodots for biomedical applications and clinical transformation prospects

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs), emerging as a promising class of nanomaterials, have garnered significant interest in the field of biomedicine due to their unique physicochemical properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in the biomedical applications of CDs, emphasizing their potential for revolutionizing diagnostics, therapy, and bio-imaging. We discuss the synthesis and functionalization of CDs, which are pivotal in tailoring their properties for specific biomedical applications. The applications of CDs in bioimaging include fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, photoacoustic imaging, etc. Additionally, this review delves into the benefits of CDs in the treatment of diseases including cancer, inflammation and Alzheimer's, etc. Finally, we look forward to the future of CDs in the field of biomedicine, emphasizing the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome current obstacles and facilitate the clinical translation of CDs-based technologies. This review aims to provide a summary and perspectives on the latest developments of CDs in biomedicine, hoping to inspire further research in this rapidly advancing field.