Carbon Dots: Fluorescent Nanoparticles and Their Applications in Bioimaging, Sensors, and Photocatalysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63688/5rz6ct41Keywords:
carbon dots, fluorescent nanoparticles, photoluminescence, bioimagingAbstract
Carbon dots are fluorescent nanomaterials that have attracted significant scientific interest due to their optical properties, low toxicity, biocompatibility, photochemical stability, and easy surface functionalization. This systematic review aimed to analyze the main scientific contributions related to carbon dots as fluorescent nanoparticles, considering their synthesis methods, photoluminescence properties, and applications in areas such as biosensors, bioimaging, food safety, photocatalysis, optoelectronics, and biomedicine. The methodology was based on a review of scientific literature published between 2020 and 2026, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The results show that green synthesis, heteroatom doping, and surface functional group control are key aspects for improving the fluorescent efficiency of these nanomaterials. In addition, carbon dots were identified as promising tools for detecting contaminants, biomolecules, antibiotics, pesticides, and metal ions. However, challenges remain regarding synthesis reproducibility, purification, size control, and long-term safety evaluation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Marlon Jonathan Estrella Semblantes, Jhoni Javier Hoyos Caicedo, Fátima Elizabeth Ruiz Mora, Erika Vanessa Telenchana Pérez, Francisco Javier Pilapaña Muñoz (Autor/a)

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