Carbon Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Characterization and Biomedical Applications

Carbon Quantum Dots (CQD) are small carbon nanoparticles having size less than 10nm comprising distinctive properties and have become an obligatory tool for traceable targeted delivery, biomedical research and different therapy applications. The objective of the present work was to consolidate the up to date literature on synthesis, characterization techniques and biomedical applications of CQD. Two types of synthetic methods viz. top-down approach and bottom-up approach were utilized for the synthesis of CQD. Top-down approach includes the arc-discharge method, laser ablation method and electrochemical method. On the other hand bottom-up approach includes the thermal method, microwave assisted method, hydrothermal and aqueous method and template method. In this review, we have explained the recent progress of CQD in the biomedical field, focusing on their synthetic methods, characterization followed by the different applications. Carbon dots have extensive adequacy for in-vivo and in-vitro bioimaging and drug delivery studies. Although more cytotoxicity studies of carbon dots are needed to be carried out still the data above suggest the bright future of carbon dots in drug delivery and bioimaging studies.