Carbon dots (CDs), a class of emerging fluorescent nanomaterials, have garnered notable attention in the biomedical field owing to their outstanding photoluminescence properties, excellent biocompatibility, and ease of synthesis and functionalization. Recently, numerous CDs have been developed that allow precise subcellular localization through surface modifications or covalent conjugation with targeting ligands such as peptides, small molecules, Golgi-specific agents, and cell membrane-specific agents. This review begins with an overview of the synthesis strategies of CDs, highlighting their exceptional optical properties, stability, biocompatibility, and significance for subcellular imaging. The mechanisms by which CDs target specific organelles, including the nucleus, mitochondrion, lysosomes, Golgi apparatus, and cell membrane, are discussed. These mechanisms include specific targeting molecules, pH-sensitive targeting, charge-driven interactions, and hydrophobic and hydrophilic dynamics. Furthermore, we summarize their applications in subcellular imaging, such as the long-term dynamic monitoring of organelles, sensing, reactive oxygen species scavenging, and therapy. By presenting a comprehensive review of CDs in subcellular imaging, we aim to pave the way for further development of CDs in bioimaging and related biomedical applications.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |