Targeted Drug Delivery Using Graphene Quantum Dots: Approaches, Limitations and Future Perspectives.

Abstract

This mini-review centers on the framework of GQDs to function as a drug delivery system (DDS), that is both target-specific and efficient. Researchers exploit GQDs for the unique pharmacokinetic properties they possess, that make them an ideal multi-functional drug delivery vehicle. We cannot enhance the therapeutic efficacy of drugs merely by focusing on drug delivery mechanisms. The conjugation of the drug with GQD allows more flexibility in controlling the kinetics and circulation time of drug in the body, the characteristic which is highly regarded in modern therapeutics. GQDs possess properties such as enhanced water solubility, lower cytotoxicity, tunable photoluminescence properties, larger specific surface area, large surface to volume ratio, and ease of surface functionalization, which make them highly effective drug molecular loading cores. Also, the review addresses the various methods of synthesis of GQDs, that include top-down and bottom-up approaches; top-down modes being more feasible and advantageous. The review touches on the various modes of GQD drug-loaded delivery- release systems (DDRS). The review also addresses the limitations associated with drug delivery using GQDs. Insufficient information about the translocation of GQDs limits their application in biomedical field and make it difficult for GQD-based carriers to pass clinical trials. Through this review, we look to summarize the important concepts of drug delivery using GQDs, and their biomedical applications and scope in nanomedicine in foreseeable future