Carbon Dots as Multifunctional Materials in Nanotheranostics

Carbon dots (CDs), a recent addition to the carbonaceous nanomaterial family, have garnered attention as potential candidates in the field of nanotheranostics. The utilization of advanced nanomaterials in the realm of nanotheranostics has facilitated the development of novel approaches. The present chapter delves into the various applications of CDs in nanotheranostics. The unique physicochemical characteristics exhibited by CDs render them highly appealing as prospective candidates for integrated applications, including multimodal therapy, imaging, drug delivery, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and tumor microenvironment stimulation-responsive treatment of cancer. We will also explore different techniques of CD synthesis, surface functionalization, and bioconjugation that allow them to be customized for various nanotheranostic uses. The profound impact of CDs on the field of nanotheranostics has been made explicit by their investigation in the context of combined therapeutic approaches and synergistic therapeutic modalities. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the utilization of CDs as multifunctional materials, offering a glimpse into the future of personalized medicine and targeted therapy.