Perovskite quantum dots in cancer diagnosis and therapy: from synthesis to biomedical applications

Abstract

Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) have emerged as a new generation of semiconductor nanomaterials with outstanding potential in oncology. Their unique optoelectronic features—including high photoluminescence quantum yields, tunable emission, and efficient charge transport—position them as superior candidates compared to conventional quantum dots. This review presents an integrated overview of PQDs, starting from their synthesis methodologies and structural–optoelectronic characteristics to their biocompatibility and biomedical applications. Special attention is paid to surface modification strategies, such as silica encapsulation, polymer coatings, hybrid nanostructures, and biomimetic approaches, which enhance aqueous stability, mitigate toxicity, and enable targeted delivery. Furthermore, the applications of PQDs in cancer diagnostics and therapy are highlighted, covering fluorescence and multimodal imaging, biosensing of tumor biomarkers, and advanced therapeutic modalities including photodynamic, photothermal, and integrated theranostic platforms. This review is among the first to systematically link PQD synthesis and property engineering with practical oncological applications. By addressing current limitations while outlining biomedical opportunities, this work emphasizes the promise of PQDs as versatile tools for next-generation cancer diagnosis and therapy.