Tobacco-Derived Carbon Dots for salivary miRNA Detection in Early Oral Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Oral cancer continues to pose a profound global health challenge due to delayed diagnosis and limited screening efficacy. Salivary microRNAs (miRNAs), particularly miR-21, have emerged as non-invasive, specific biomarkers, providing a critical avenue for early-stage detection. To address this, the valorization of tobacco agricultural waste into carbon dots through Facile Hydrothermal Method synthesis presents a sustainable solution for real-time detection of salivary miRNAs. Purpose: This study aims to investigate tobacco-carbon dots for real-time detection of salivary. Method: Scientific data was collected through a PRISMA-guided systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO databases (2020–2025) using keywords such as 'tobacco-derived carbon dots', 'salivary miRNA', and 'oral cancer', with study quality evaluated using the OHAT tool. Discussion: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, sourcing studies from PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO databases published within the last decade. Study quality was assessed using QUADAS-2 tools. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that T-CDs hold substantial promise for salivary miRNA sensing in early oral cancer detection while supporting sustainable practices in green dentistry. Conclusion: Tobacco-carbon dots hold significant potential as an innovative solution for early detection of oral cancer risk, allowing patients to receive prompt treatment before cancer metastasizes