Main Article Content
Abstract
Fungal infections affecting the skin represent a major global health concern, particularly in tropical and humid regions where environmental conditions favour fungal growth. Common pathogens such as Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum, and Aspergillus fumigatus are responsible for superficial and cutaneous infections, many of which are recurrent and difficult to treat. Conventional antifungal therapies, although widely available, suffer from limitations including poor skin penetration, low retention time, systemic side effects, and increasing resistance due to biofilm formation.
Recent advances in nanotechnology have introduced carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as promising nanocarriers for topical drug delivery. CQDs are ultra-small carbon-based nanoparticles (<10 nm) characterized by high surface functionality, excellent biocompatibility, photoluminescence, and intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupt fungal cell membranes further enhances their therapeutic potential.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of CQD-based drug delivery systems for topical antifungal therapy, focusing on their synthesis, physicochemical properties, mechanisms of antifungal action, drug loading strategies, and incorporation into nanocarrier systems such as hydrogels and liposomes. Additionally, challenges related to toxicity, scalability, and regulatory approval are discussed. Overall, CQDs represent a promising platform for next-generation antifungal therapies, although further clinical studies are required for translation into practice.