Quantum Dots: A New Hope for the Pharmaceutical Field

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) are nanoparticles that have been developed for a number of biological and biomedical applications, such as drug delivery and simultaneous imaging of several cells. As a result of their unique physicochemical features, QDs have shown remarkable potential in receptor-based targeting. Functionalized QDs (f-QDs) are nano-sized smart systems that can deliver a wide spectrum of bioactive. Surface modified fluorescent carbon QDs has received interest as a targeting ligand for achieving cellular targeting with increased specificity. Several surface-designed and conjugated fluorescent carbon QDs are currently being investigated for cancer treatment, and the results are awaited with bated breath. This review emphasizes different synthesis methods, their characterizations, and different applications of QDs in cancer therapies. Keywords: Quantum dots, Synthesis, Medical applications.