A REVIEW OF CARBON QUANTUM DOTS: SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERISTICS, ADVANCES, APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Tamilarasi G.*, Thamizhmalar N., Sri Mahalakshmi A., Sujithaa R, Sundaramoorthy S.

Recent developments in nanotechnology have opened new possibilities for improving drug design, delivery, and therapeutic performance. Among the various nanomaterials, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have attracted considerable attention because of their small particle size, excellent photoluminescence, good water solubility, and low toxicity. In recent years, the concept of quantum drugs (Q-drugs) has emerged as an innovative strategy in which drug molecules themselves function as precursors for the formation of carbon quantum dots. This approach allows the direct conversion of pharmaceutical molecules into nanoscale quantum structures, eliminating the need for additional carbon sources or post-synthetic drug loading. As a result, the drug potentially improves solubility, bioavailability, and biological activity. This review highlights the fundamental concepts of quantum drugs and carbon quantum dots, including their structural characteristics, physicochemical properties, and synthesis methods. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches are employed in CQD synthesis, alongside emerging green and electrochemical techniques. Continued research is expected to expand the potential of CQDs and drug-derived quantum nanomaterials in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.