Transforming oncology with carbon quantum dots: Synthesis, properties, and therapeutic potential

Cancer poses a serious challenge due to its impact on diminishing the quality of life and contributing to premature death. Advances in nanotechnology show tremendous potential in tackling cancer-related difficulties. Carbon nanotubes, nanoshells, nanorod arrays, polymer dots, and quantum dots are among the nanomaterials that have attracted much interest due to their potential to improve cancer diagnosis and therapy. A new family of carbon-based nanomaterials known as carbon quantum dots (CQDs) has surfaced with remarkable physicochemical qualities, such as low toxicity, high photoluminescence, water solubility, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. CQDs have garnered significant attention in oncology due to these unique characteristics since they exhibit potential as versatile agents for cancer treatment, imaging, and diagnostics. The synthesis techniques of CQDs are thoroughly examined in this review paper, focusing on both top-down and bottom-up approaches. It also addresses how synthesis parameter changes affect CQDs' structural and functional characteristics. Furthermore, the review highlights the photothermal, photodynamic, and drug delivery applications of CQDs in cancer treatment, alongside their role in bioimaging and biosensing. The therapeutic potential of CQDs is underscored by their capacity to improve targeted drug delivery, enhance tumor imaging, and facilitate minimally invasive treatments. Despite their promising applications, challenges such as large-scale production, long-term toxicity, and precise control over surface functionalization remain to be addressed. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the current state of CQD research in oncology and offer insights into future directions for its clinical translation. • The role of nanotechnology and quantum dots in cancer treatment. • Explanations of methods used to prepare and synthesize carbon quantum dots. • Highlights the difference between Graphene oxide and Reduced Graphene oxide (rGO). • Discusses CQDs as biomarkers, biosensors, and their therapeutic potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. • Explains in vivo and in vitro evaluation and the mechanism of cell death.