Quantum Dots Functionalized Polymeric Nanoparticles as Cancer Theranostics: An Advanced Nanomedicine Strategy

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a life-threatening disease prevalent worldwide, but its proper treatment has not yet been developed. Conventional therapies, like chemotherapy, sur-gery, and radiation, have shown relapse and drug resistance. Nanomedicine comprising cancer theranostics based on imaging probes functionalized with polymeric nanoconjugates is acquir-ing importance due to its targeting capability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, capacity for drug loading, and long blood circulation time. The application of synthetic polymers contain-ing anti-cancer agents and functionalizing their surface amenities with diagnostic probes offer a nano-combinatorial model in cancer theranostics. Objective: This study aimed to highlight the recent advancements in quantum dots-functionalized nanoconjugates and substantial progress in advanced polymeric nanomaterials in cancer theragnostics. Methods: This review details the synthetic methods for fabricating Quantum Dots (QDs) and QDs-functionalized polymeric nanoparticles, such as the hydrothermal method, solvothermal technique, atomic layer desorption, electrochemical method, microwave, and ultrasonic method. Results: Conjugating nanoparticles with photo-emitting quantum dots has shown efficacy for real-time monitoring and treating multi-drug-resistant cancer. Conclusion: Quantum dots are used in phototherapy, bioimaging, and medication delivery for cancer therapy. Real-time monitoring of therapy is possible and multiple models of hybridized quantum dots may be created to treat cancer. This review has discovered that numerous at-tempts have been made to conjugate carbon and graphene-based quantum dots with various biomolecules.