A Quantum Mechanism-Centered Review of Carbon Dot-Based Theranostics
- 1Auxergen Inc., Rita Rossi Colwell Center, 701 E Pratt Street, Room 3017, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
- 2Auxergen S.r.l., Tecnopolis PST, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy
Abstract
Despite advances in drug discovery, effective delivery and precise imaging still pose significant obstacles. Scientists have turned to zero-dimensional nanomaterials like carbon dots (CDs) to enable precision drug delivery. Due to their multidisciplinary appeal, there is extensive research on both the physical properties and biological applications of CDs, yet the fields rarely complement each other. This review applies a quantum-mechanistic framework to better understand CDs and unify the relationship between electronic structure, photophysical behavior, and theranostic performance. We first highlight the theranostic advantages of CDs over quantum dots, then discuss the quantum mechanisms behind a CD’s imaging capabilities, including surface states, excitation-dependent photoluminescence, and the electronic origins of photostability. Through this physical lens, we then evaluate the effect of different precursors and doping strategies during synthesis on electronic structure and how dots are engineered to load, release, and track therapeutic cargo. Photodynamic therapy and surface functionalization strategies are also evaluated. Finally, we address the significance of renal clearance and translational bottlenecks such as heterogeneity.
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BibTeX
@article{cheng2026quantum,
title = {{A Quantum Mechanism-Centered Review of Carbon Dot-Based Theranostics}},
author = {Ian Ke Cheng and Gregory P. Contreras and Ting-Yu Yeh},
journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/ijms27209016},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/20/9016},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - A Quantum Mechanism-Centered Review of Carbon Dot-Based Theranostics
AU - Ian Ke Cheng
AU - Gregory P. Contreras
AU - Ting-Yu Yeh
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/12
JO - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
DO - 10.3390/ijms27209016
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/20/9016
AB - Despite advances in drug discovery, effective delivery and precise imaging still pose significant obstacles. Scientists have turned to zero-dimensional nanomaterials like carbon dots (CDs) to enable precision drug delivery. Due to their multidisciplinary appeal, there is extensive research on both the physical properties and biological applications of CDs, yet the fields rarely complement each other. This review applies a quantum-mechanistic framework to better understand CDs and unify the relationship between electronic structure, photophysical behavior, and theranostic performance. We first highlight the theranostic advantages of CDs over quantum dots, then discuss the quantum mechanisms behind a CD’s imaging capabilities, including surface states, excitation-dependent photoluminescence, and the electronic origins of photostability. Through this physical lens, we then evaluate the effect of different precursors and doping strategies during synthesis on electronic structure and how dots are engineered to load, release, and track therapeutic cargo. Photodynamic therapy and surface functionalization strategies are also evaluated. Finally, we address the significance of renal clearance and translational bottlenecks such as heterogeneity.
SN - 1422-0067
ER -