Review of Carbon and Graphene Quantum Dots for Sensing

Abstract

Carbon and graphene quantum dots (CQDs and GQDs), known as zero-dimensional (0D) nanomaterials, have been attracting increasing attention in sensing and bioimaging. Their unique electronic, fluorescent, photoluminescent, chemiluminescent, and electrochemiluminescent properties are what gives them potential in sensing. In this Review, we summarize the basic knowledge on CQDs and GQDs before focusing on their application to sensing thus far followed by a discussion of future directions for research into CQDs- and GQD-based nanomaterials in sensing. With regard to the latter, the authors suggest that with the potential of these nanomaterials in sensing more research is needed on understanding their optical properties and why the synthetic methods influence their properties so much, into methods of surface functionalization that provide greater selectivity in sensing and into new sensing concepts that utilize the virtues of these nanomaterials to give us new or better sensors that could not be achieved in other ways.

Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) for Cancer Therapeutics

“…As a complementary alternative to traditional treatments (such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical treatment), nanomedicine, particularly nano‐oncology, has recently become a promising clinical field. To date, various nanoparticles, including liposomes, proteins, mesoporous silica, quantum dots, upconversion materials, metallic oxides, carbon‐based materials, MXenes, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), have been applied in cancer nanotherapeutics. However, the design of new nanomaterial‐based nanomedicines with high biocompatibility and minimal side‐effects remains challenging.…”

Recent Developments of Electrochemical and Optical Biosensors for Antibody Detection

“…Second, high sensitivity is necessary to provide a reliable and generalized detection platform. With the development of simple fabrication methods of highly sensitive materials [19][20][21][22][23], the sensing material can provide a precise response to minute changes in electrical conductivity. Moreover, the simplicity of the detection strategy is critical for its potential applications.…”

“…Quantum dot (QD) is a novel material for optical detection [21]. However, using quantum dots as electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitters for biosensing applications is restricted by the use of toxic or rare materials.…”

In Situ Preparation of Amphibious ZnO Quantum Dots with Blue Fluorescence Based on Hyperbranched Polymers and their Application in Bio-Imaging

“…Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) show unique size-and shape-dependent optical and electronic properties [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. They are of great interest in various applications, such as optoelectronics [8,9], biophotonics [10][11][12][13][14][15], and nanomedicine [14][15][16].…”