Recent Developments in Carbon Quantum Dots: Properties, Fabrication Techniques, and Bio-Applications
Rehan M. El-Shabasy, Mohamed Farouk Elsadek, Badreldin Mohamed Ahmed, Mohamed Fawzi Farahat, Khaled N. Mosleh, Mohamed M. Taher
Abstract
Carbon dots have gained tremendous interest attributable to their unique features. Two approaches are involved in the fabrication of quantum dots (Top-down and Bottom-up). Most of the synthesis methods are usually multistep, required harsh conditions, and costly carbon sources that may have a toxic effect, therefore green synthesis is more preferable. Herein, the current review presents the green synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) that having a wide range of potential applications in bio-sensing, cellular imaging, and drug delivery. However, some drawbacks and limitations are still unclear. Other biomedical and biotechnological applications are also highlighted.