Biological Application of Luminescent Graphene Quantum Dots

Luminescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have generated enormous excitement because of their superiority in chemical inertness, biocompatibility and low toxicity. In addition, due to their unique structure, GQDs exhibit the excellent performances of graphene and other special physical properties. Researches on GQDs in aspects of chemistry, physics, material and biology have sprung up rapidly in the past few years. In this review, recent developments in properties and biological applications of GQDs are summarized. An outlook is given to their future and potential development involving the luminescent mechanism, purify, and the potential applications in biological fields.