Cai Zhonghua

Research progress in toxicity of carbon quantum dots

As a new class of carbon nanomaterials, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) appeared to be highly promising in the fields of chemistry, biomedicine and material science due to their nano-specific properties, high dispensability and outstanding fluorescence stability. Various efficient approaches, including arc, pyrolysis, microwave, and template methods, have been developed for the synthesis of CQDs from low cost and abundant sources. Consequently, the applications of CQDs in biosensing, bioimaging, drug targeting, and photocatalysis have been facilitated. During the preparation, utilization, discarding, and recovery processes, CQDs will inevitably be released into the environments, which can enhance the hazards. Given the hydrophilic properties of CQDs, their possible effects on natural environments, especially on aquatic environments and living organisms, are worth being deeply investigated. This review discussed the toxicological bioassays of CQDs on a series of biological models including several cell lines and bacteria, aquatic organisms like algae and fish, as well terrestrial rats and mice in the last decade.