Journal of Nanoscience and Nanomaterials

ABSTRACT

Carbon nanodots (CNDs), a new class of zero-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterials typically of size less than 10 nm in diameter, have emerged as highly versatile nanoplatforms for biomedical applications. The unique physicochemical features of CNDs - including rare and extreme hydrophilicity, tunable biocompatibility, proper balance of amorphous and crystalline structure (hybrid hetero structure), extensive oxygen surface functionality and ease of surface functionalization, characteristic light absorption and emission (photoluminescence, PL), have driven extensive global research into their therapeutic and diagnostic potential. Among the most significant areas of investigation are their antimicrobial properties, particularly antibacterial, antibiofilm, antifungal and the antiviral activities. The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms and persistent viral infections has intensified the search for alternative strategies to overcome the conventional antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. CNDs, due to their nanoscale interactions with microbial membranes and biomolecules as well as due to their peculiar PL property, represent model candidates for such application. They are the promising carriers of the free radical generators like the Zn-doped CuO and kill the MDR bacteria almost instantaneously. CNDs facilitate easy mobility of such free radical including (reactive oxygen species, ROS) generators to the remote and inaccessible places in the cell compartment. This review critically examines the latest research trends in the biomedical applications of CNDs, with particular emphasis on their mechanisms of antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antiviral action, and their synthesis-dependent functional behavior. New insight is provided on future prospects for clinical translation.

Keywords: Carbon Nanodots; CNDs; Antimicrobial Nanomaterials; Antibiofilm Activity; Antiviral Activity; Nanobiotechnology; Nanomedicine