A review on properties and antibacterial applications of polymer-functionalized carbon dots

With the development of carbon-based nanomaterials, carbon dots (CDs) have attracted tremendous attention due to their unique optical performance, excellent biocompatibility, small size, and easy modification. Thus, CDs have been applied in various fields, including fluorescence sensing, bioimaging, drug delivery, and photocatalysis. With the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, novel antibiotic strategies are urgently needed. CDs as a novel carbon-based nanomaterial are expected to be developed and applied to the antibacterial field. In this review, the recent research progresses of polymer-functionalized carbon dots (P-CDs) in bacterial field, including imaging, detection, and sterilization mechanism are summarized. The different synthesis methods and properties of P-CDs are discussed, the latest research advancements of P-CDs as fluorescent probes and antibacterial agents are summarized, the prospects and challenges of P-CDs as an antibacterial agent are also highlighted. We hope that the review will provide important insights and stimulate exciting new discoveries of P-CDs from a basic and practical perspective, thereby promoting the progress of P-CDs in the field of bacterial applications. Graphical abstract