Advances in Applied NanoBio-Technologies 2024, Volume 5, Issue 2, Pages: 16-21 16 Green and Scalable Synthesis of Quantum Dots for Biomedical Applications: A Mini Review Farrokhfar Valizadeh Harzand 1 * , Saeid Zahedi Asl 1 , Sahar Anzani 2 1 Chemical Engineering Department, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran 2 Department of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Received: 16/04/2024 Accepted: 02/05/2024 Published: 20/06/2024 Abstract The green and scalable synthesis of quantum dots (QDs) has garnered significant attention for its environmental and biomedical applications. Quantum dots, nanoscale semiconductor structures, exhibit unique optical and electronic properties driven by quantum confinement effects. These properties enable their application in diverse fields, including bioimaging, drug delivery, and photodynamic therapy. Green synthesis methods, such as hydrothermal, microwave-assisted, and carbonization techniques, offer eco-friendly alternatives by utilizing non-toxic precursors and renewable materials. Such methods not only enhance biocompatibility but also address toxicity concerns associated with conventional QD production. Advances in QD synthesis have resulted in innovative biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery systems like doxorubicin-loaded carbon dots for cancer therapy, as well as versatile biosensors for real-time analyte detection. This review highlights the potential of green- synthesized QDs to revolutionize biomedicine while contributing to sustainable and scalable nanomaterial production. Keywords: Green synthesis, Quantum dots, Biomedical applications, Sustainable nanotechnology, Targeted drug delivery 1 Introduction Quantum dots (QDs) are nanoscale semiconductor structures typically measuring only a few nanometers in size, possessing unique optical and electronic properties that are significantly influenced by quantum mechanical effects. These properties make quantum dots a central topic in nanotechnology and materials science, with potential applications across various fields, including display technology, photovoltaics, and quantum computing [1-3]. Quantum dots exhibit remarkable size-dependent behavior, meaning their optical and electronic characteristics, such as light absorption and emission, are highly dependent on their size. This phenomenon is known as quantum confinement, where the electronic states become quantized, leading to tunable photoluminescence. ______________ *Correspondence: Farrokhfar Valizadeh Harzand, Chemical Engineering Department, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran; E-Mail: Farrokh.valizadeh@student.uma.ac.ir For instance, quantum dots can emit light of different colors depending on their dimensions, which is critical for applications in lighting, biological imaging, and displays [4]. The basic structure of quantum dots involves a semiconductor core that may be encapsulated by a different semiconductor material. Various types exist, including Type I and Type II quantum dots, which differ in their bandgap configurations and charge carrier distributions. Type I quantum dots consist of a core surrounded by a shell with a larger bandgap, enhancing their quantum yield, while Type II quantum dots allow for spatial separation of charge carriers, which can be useful in specific applications [5, 6]. Table 1 summarize the types, specific properties and common applications of each type of quantum dot. Adv. Appl. NanoBio Tech. ISSN: 2710-4001