Carbon Dots in Biopharmaceuticals: Advances in Theranostics, Drug Delivery, Antimicrobial Therapy, and Tissue Regeneration

Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) are fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (NPs) that have developed as a transformative nanoplatform in biopharmaceuticals. Distinguished from conventional quantum dots, CDs offer a unique combination of properties such as tunable photoluminescence, aqueous stability, facile surface chemistry, and demonstrated biocompatibility. These features make them ideal nanotheranostic agents for integrating diagnostics and therapy. This review summarizes their progression from tailored synthesis to preclinical applications. We examine their roles as probes and stimuli‐responsive nanocarriers for biosensing, bioimaging, drug delivery, and integrated theranostics platforms. We critically evaluate their pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and safety, while addressing translational challenges in standardization and scalable manufacturing. Future perspectives on atomic‐level development are outlined, charting a course toward clinical translation.