Quantum Dot-Based Platforms for Drug Delivery

Quantum dots (QDs) are a diverse class of nanoscale materials with tunable optical, physicochemical, and surface properties that offer growing potential for drug delivery. Their intrinsic fluorescence and capacity for surface functionalization enable combined therapeutic delivery and real-time optical imaging, positioning QDs as versatile theranostic platforms. Different QD platforms, including carbon-based, semiconductor, graphene, and other emerging QDs, can be engineered for drug loading, controlled release, and tailored biological interactions.Recent advances demonstrate QDs’ potential to overcome challenges in targeted and controlled drug delivery, including efficient cellular uptake, site-specific release, and reduced off-target effects. Stimuli-responsive QD-based platforms that release drugs in response to pH, light, or physiological cues have expanded their role in precision medicine. Nonetheless, critical gaps remain in understanding drug loading and release mechanisms, optimizing surface functionalization for selective targeting, and rigorously assessing biocompatibility and toxicity in relevant models. Further research is also needed to compare different QD compositions and determine how their material properties affect therapeutic performance and safety. Translation is further limited by scarce comparative validation against established nanocarriers and a lack of standardized evaluation frameworks for multifunctionality and safety.This Research Topic aims to advance mechanistic, functional, and translational understanding of quantum dot-based drug delivery platforms. It prioritizes studies dissecting relationships among QD composition and synthesis, surface engineering, drug loading and release mechanisms, and biological performance, emphasizing in vitro and in vivo validation. The collection highlights the integration of QDs with optical imaging for theranostics and the development of stimuli-responsive and targeted delivery strategies. It also welcomes the integration of QDs into nano- and microscale drug delivery technologies and dosage forms, including polymeric systems, hydrogels, and composite platforms designed for controlled, targeted, or stimuli-responsive drug delivery. Multifunctional QD-enabled dosage forms combining delivery with capabilities such as targeting, controlled release, or imaging are also encouraged.Comparative studies with other nanocarriers are welcome when they clarify the advantages, limitations, or appropriate applications of QD-based platforms. This excludes work focused solely on imaging, sensing, or generic nanocarriers without a meaningful QD-based drug-delivery component. Submissions must extend beyond basic synthesis or characterization to provide insight into distinctive mechanisms, biological interactions, or translational challenges of QD-based drug delivery.Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:• Mechanistic studies of drug loading, encapsulation, and release kinetics across different quantum dot platforms• Advanced surface functionalization strategies for targeted delivery and enhanced cellular uptake of QDs• Development and validation of stimuli-responsive QD-based platforms for controlled, on-demand drug release• Integration of QDs with optical imaging modalities for real-time monitoring and theranostic applications• Integration of QDs into nano- and microscale drug delivery technologies, including polymeric systems, hydrogels, composite materials, and other dosage forms• Development of multifunctional QD-enabled dosage forms combining drug delivery with targeting, controlled release, imaging, or other complementary functions• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the biocompatibility, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of QDs in relevant biological models• Comparative analyses elucidating performance and safety differences among QD platforms and other nanocarriers• Application of AI, machine learning, or high-throughput screening to optimize QD platform design and predict biological performance Topic editors: Poushali Das, Sayan Ganguly Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85766/quantum-dot-based-platforms-for-drug-delivery