Bioinspired quantum dots: advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in breast cancer

Bioinspired quantum dots (BQDs) have garnered significant attention in recent years because of their unique characteristics, including their nanoscale size (less than 10 nm), high surface area, photoluminescence, chemical stability, and ease of synthesis and functionalization. Researchers are increasingly shifting towards the use of biomass-derived precursors instead of chemical compounds for BQD fabrication. These biomass sources are sustainable, eco-friendly, cost effective, widely available, and enable the conversion of waste into valuable materials. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of various fabrication methodologies for BQDs, and the diverse raw materials used in recent studies. Owing to their exceptional properties, combined with simple synthesis routes, BQDs are promising candidates for a range of biomedical applications, particularly in bioimaging, targeted drug delivery, and phototherapy for cancer treatment. BQDs exhibit excellent aqueous solubility, low toxicity, biocompatibility, facile biofunctionalization, and selective cancer targeting. Furthermore, their photoluminescent properties, high longitudinal relaxation values, photothermal effects upon laser irradiation, ability to generate singlet oxygen, and production of H₂S for gas therapy make them highly effective as cancer theranostic agents. This review specifically highlights the potential of BQDs in breast cancer management while addressing existing challenges in their application.