Engineering and surface modification of carbon quantum dots for cancer bioimaging

Carbon dots (CDs) are a significant component of fluorescence nanoparticles with exceptional chemical prop-erties including excellent biocompatibility, low toxicity, and chemical inertness. CDs also have good optical properties such as broad excitation spectra, tunable emission spectra, and high photo-stability, drawing a lot of attention. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are the two main subgroups of CDs. This review article presents recent developments in CD-based bioimaging and highlights critical surface modi-fication techniques including doping, surface functionalization, polymer capping, nano-composite, and core- -shell structures to improve their cutting-edge applications. We also outline recent developments in the field of CD-based bioimaging and summarize accomplishments in two broad categories: in vivo applications focusing on CD distribution and uptake for imaging-guided drug delivery and tumor therapeutics.

Automated summary

Carbon dots (CDs) are fluorescence nanoparticles with excellent chemical properties and good optical properties. Recent developments in CD-based bioimaging and critical surface modification techniques are presented in this review article. In vivo applications focusing on CD distribution and uptake for imaging-guided drug delivery and tumor therapeutics are also summarized.