Carbon Dots: A Review on Nowel Type of Carbon-Based Nanomaterial Used Treat Cancer

Carbon dots (C-dots), the youngest members of the carbon nanomaterials family, were first discovered in 2004 during the purification of carbon nanotubes and have since emerged as versatile and innovative nanomaterials. These particles, typically smaller than 10 nm, are distinguished by their exceptional photoluminescence, biocompatibility, chemical stability, and low toxicity, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. Their highly tunable optical properties and ease of surface functionalization enable their use in bioimaging, drug delivery, and advanced cancer therapies such as photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Synthesized through top-down methods like laser ablation and chemical oxidation or bottom-up approaches like hydrothermal and green synthesis, C-dots can also be produced sustainably from plant-based precursors. Furthermore, their applications extend to biosensing, where they demonstrate high sensitivity in detecting biomolecules and toxic heavy metal ions. This review explores the synthesis, properties, and biomedical applications of C-dots, emphasizing their role as multifunctional nanomaterials in diagnostics, therapeutics, and emerging fields such as cancer theranostics and nanomedicine.