Comprehensive understanding of biomedical usages of metal and non metal doped carbon dots

Abstract

In recent years, carbon dots have garnered significant attention, particularly within the biomedical realm, owing to their exceptional characteristics. The unique attributes of carbon dots can be further enhanced through the introduction of heteroatom via doping. Various techniques have been devised by researchers to facilitate the doping of carbon dots, with both metallic and non-metallic elements. Elements such as nitrogen (81%), sulfur (67%), and silicon (64.1%) have been successfully employed for doping carbon dots leading to heightened quantum yields. This review compiles the diverse methodologies and elements employed in doping of carbon dots, and their applications in the biomedical domain in recent times. This review discusses the uses of doped carbon dots, both metal and non-metal-doped variants, elucidating their manifold utilities in various biomedical sectors, notably bioimaging, wound healing, and cancer therapy. The discussion culminates by addressing present challenges and offering insights into future prospects of doped carbon dots.