Recent advancements in application of carbohydrate-derived carbon quantum dots in analytical chemistry: a comprehensive update

Abstract

Carbohydrate-derived carbon quantum dots (CDCQDs) have evolved at a rapid rate as green, biocompatible nanomaterial, revolutionizing analytical chemistry with their unique optical and surface properties. Synthesized from different carbohydrate sources-ranging from mono-, di-, and polysaccharides to biomass wastes-CDCQDs offer tunability of fluorescence, low toxicity, and simple functionalization, enabling ultrasensitive detection in chemical, biomedical, environmental, and food safety applications. Recent developments (2021–2025) have reached detection sensitivities of as low as 0.077 µM for antibiotics, 7 nM for glucose, and single-cell sensitivity for pathogens with recovery rates routinely > 95%. Quantum yield (QY) up to 83% and superb photostability also allow them to be included in portable and point-of-care platforms. Notwithstanding such accomplishment, scalability, reproducibility, and integration into devices continue to be issues. Mitigation of these via green synthesis, surface engineering, and smart device coupling is crucial for commercial translation. CDCQDs are thus a synthesis of sustainability, sensitivity, and versatility and are poised to drive next-generation eco-friendly analytical systems for real-world diagnostics and monitoring.

Keywords

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) / Carbohydrate precursors / Fluorescent biosensors / Environmental monitoring / Food safety detection

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