Phyto-Entrapped Carbon Dots as Emerging Nanomaterials for Anti-Cancer Activity

Year : 2025 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 03 | Page : 51 63
    By

    Ankur Thakur,

  • Lovish sharma,

  • Komal Pathania,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Chitkara University School of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Chitkara University School of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Chitkara University School of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Phytoconstituent-loaded carbon dots (C-dots) represent an innovative approach in targeted cancer therapy, combining the therapeutic power of plant-derived compounds with the advanced capabilities of nanotechnology. These ultra-small, biocompatible nanostructures offer excellent fluorescence, tunable surface chemistry, and low toxicity, making them ideal for drug delivery, bioimaging, and theranostic applications. Traditional phytochemicals often face challenges like poor solubility, low bioavailability, and high first-pass metabolism barriers that C-dots help overcome. C-dots synthesized through eco-friendly methods from natural sources such as fruit peels or plant waste can be functionalized to enhance the therapeutic delivery of compounds like curcumin, berberine, and quercetin. They enable targeted delivery, controlled release, and improved cellular uptake, especially in hard-to-treat cancers such as brain tumors and triple-negative breast cancer. Studies show their utility in phototherapy, diagnostics, and real-time imaging. Despite promising in vitro and in vivo results, challenges remain in synthesis reproducibility, large-scale production, and clinical translation. This review emphasizes the potential of phytochemical-loaded C-dots in oncology, advocating for further research into scalable synthesis, bioactivity testing, and optimized delivery strategies to advance them toward clinical applications.

Keywords: Anti-cancer, Carbon-dots, Phytochemicals, Nanotechnology, formulation

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmaceutical Science ]

How to cite this article:
Ankur Thakur, Lovish sharma, Komal Pathania. Phyto-Entrapped Carbon Dots as Emerging Nanomaterials for Anti-Cancer Activity. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmaceutical Science. 2025; 16(03):51-63.
How to cite this URL:
Ankur Thakur, Lovish sharma, Komal Pathania. Phyto-Entrapped Carbon Dots as Emerging Nanomaterials for Anti-Cancer Activity. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmaceutical Science. 2025; 16(03):51-63. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjops/article=2025/view=225288


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 16
Issue 03
Received 24/06/2025
Accepted 29/07/2025
Published 01/09/2025
Publication Time 69 Days
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