Carbon-based quantum particles: an electroanalytical and biomedical perspective

Abstract

Carbon-based quantum particles, especially spherical carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and nanosheets like graphene quantum dots (GQDs), are an emerging class of quantum dots with unique properties owing to their quantum confinement effect.

Green synthesis, biomedical and biotechnological applications of carbon and graphene quantum dots. A review

“…Carbon quantum dots are category of carbon nanostructures which have received extensive consideration owing to their unique properties comprising significant photostability, high solubility in water, non-toxicity, good biocompatibility, chemical inertness and high resistance to photobleaching. Furthermore, their optical properties can be fine-tuned by size control, chemical doping and functionalization for required applications, including gene delivery, bioimaging, optronics, drug delivery, sensing, and catalysis (Sachdev and Gopinath 2015;Yang et al 2017a;Barras et al 2016;Nekoueian et al 2019;Li et al 2015).…”

“…These findings inspired researchers to substitute presently applied antiviral agents (such as ribavirin and interferons), recognized to have major side effects, including short-term memory loss, deficits in decision-making functions, confusion, and extrapyramidal influences. More explorations should be undertaken for investigating the clinical effects of these nanostructures as alternative therapeutics and approaches to confront the severe and life-threatening diseases (Nekoueian et al 2019).…”

“…Expectantly, increasing interest in the fabrication of these quantum dots, in view of their straightforward production and their integration with other nanomaterials, is sustainable. Although various processes and starting materials have been researched for their assembly, none or handful of these nanostructures have been able to make into marketable products yet (Liu et al 2017b;Wang et al 2016b;Murugan et al 2019;Halder et al 2018;Chen et al 2019;de Menezes et al 2019;Barras et al 2016;Nekoueian et al 2019;Li et al 2015;Mei et al 2016;Lin et al 2014).…”

“…Photoluminescence is one of the extremely attractive characteristics of carbon and graphene quantum dots, but these properties are highly dependent on the raw materials deployed in fabrication and the presence of surface functionalities on these particles which are noticeable in the case of carbon quantum dots from organic molecules and biomass. Most importantly, one of the lingering challenges has been to improve and develop the quantum yield of carbon quantum dots while taking full advantage of their intrinsic characteristics and to fine-tune their emission spectrum; the improvement in carbon quantum dots with strong fluorescence emission is crucial for biomedical imaging without harmful effects (Liu et al 2017b;Wang et al 2016b;Murugan et al 2019;Halder et al 2018;Chen et al 2019;de Menezes et al 2019;Barras et al 2016;Nekoueian et al 2019;Li et al 2015;Mei et al 2016;Lin et al 2014).…”

“…Although their suitable water dispersibility renders these nanomaterials well-adapted for bio-and nano-medical applications, but their solubility precludes using classical electrode alteration processes such as drop casting and spraying. Carbon and graphene quantum dots can be applied as outstanding alternatives for biosensors and bioimaging applications especially carbon quantum dots being generally non-toxic show great photoluminescent characteristics (Nekoueian et al 2019;Shen et al 2012).…”