Quantum dots: The cutting-edge nanotheranostics in brain cancer management

Pratik Chakraborty, Sabya Sachi Das, Abhijit Dey, Apala Chakraborty, Chiranjib Bhattacharyya, Ramesh Kandimalla, Biswajit Mukherjee, Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan, Sandeep Kumar Singh, Shubham Kant, Parma Nand, Shreesh Ojha, Pravir Kumar, Niraj Kumar Jha, Saurabh Kumar Jha, Saikat Dewanjee

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals possessing unique optoelectrical properties in that they can emit light energy of specific tunable wavelengths when excited by photons. They are gaining attention nowadays owing to their all-around ability to allow high-quality bio-imaging along with targeted drug delivery. The most lethal central nervous system (CNS) disorders are brain cancers or malignant brain tumors. CNS is guarded by the blood-brain barrier which poses a selective blockade toward drug delivery into the brain. QDs have displayed strong potential to deliver therapeutic agents into the brain successfully. Their bio-imaging capability due to photoluminescence and specific targeting ability through the attachment of ligand biomolecules make them preferable clinical tools for coming times. Biocompatible QDs are emerging as nanotheranostic tools to identify/diagnose and selectively kill cancer cells. The current review focuses on QDs and associated nanoformulations as potential futuristic clinical aids in the continuous battle against brain cancer.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)698-715
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Controlled Release
Volume350
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2022

Keywords

  • Bio-imaging
  • Blood-brain barrier
  • Brain cancer
  • Nanotheranostics
  • Photodynamic therapy
  • Quantum dots

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmaceutical Science

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