Therapeutic applications of carbon nanodots synthesized from green (re)sources

Abstract

During the last several years, more and more nanomaterials have been synthesized and successfully employed in health-related applications. Carbon nanodots (CNDs), a rising star among carbon-based nanomaterials, have gained popularity due to their unique combination of enthralling properties. Their minuscule size, fluorescent properties, and their biocompatibility triggered a new wave of research and paved the way for new applications. The use of CNDs in therapeutic purposes has been exploited, among other applications. These include their employment as antibacterial agents and drug delivery agents. Other, more advanced applications of CNDs include their use for gene therapy and as anticancer and wound healing agents. The multiple synthesis methods combined with the various carbon sources can result in multiple CNDs with different potency for therapeutic applications. Another key benefit that further highlights the superiority of CNDs over other nanomaterials is the fact that these nanomaterials can be produced not only from well-defined chemicals but also from the valorisation of natural green (re)sources, leading to an overall low cost. Thus, eco-friendly CNDs can be produced inexpensively and on a large scale for commercial usage. The use of renewable resources, the low cost of synthesis, the production of materials with negligible toxicity and the absence or low waste production bring the synthesis of CNDs closer to adhering to the principles of Green Chemistry. In this chapter, an overview of the most commonly employed methods for the green synthesis of CNDs is given, while emphasis will be placed on their therapeutic applications.