Carbon Dots in Bioimaging, Biosensing and Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs), comprising crystalline graphitized carbon cores and polymer surface groups, are currently attracting a lot of interest in biological fields owing to their fluorescent properties, high photostability, biocompatibility and low toxicity. In addition, the easy preparation and functionalization of CDs stimulate the development of CDs-based composite materials with specific functions. Presently, the biological applications of CDs are growing at a remarkable speed, justifying the need for up-to-date review articles that capture recent progress in this blossoming field. In this review, breakthroughs in the synthesis, modification, optical properties, toxicology and biocatalytic platforms of CDs are described. Further, recent research related to bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, antibacterial, anticancer (photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy and synergistic therapy) and antiviral therapies involving CDs are discussed in detail. Finally, a perspective on the prospects and challenges of CDs in the fields of biomedicine and biotechnology is provided.