Carbon Dots: A Novel Nanotechnology Approaches Against HIV

Abstract

Despite significant progress in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to represent a major global public health challenge. Persistent obstacles, including the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains, systemic toxicity, and the inability to achieve complete viral eradication, underscore the necessity for innovative therapeutic strategies. In this context, carbon dots (CDs), a novel class of carbon-based nanomaterial’s, have recently attracted considerable attention as potential candidates in antiviral Nano medicine. This review critically examines the multifaceted role of CDs as both direct antiviral agents and Nano carriers for HIV therapeutics. A comprehensive analysis of current research indicates that CDs can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated viral inactivation and inhibit key stages of the HIV life cycle, including viral entry, reverse transcription, and genome replication. Furthermore, CDs have demonstrated the capacity to enhance the stability, targeted delivery, and bioavailability of conventional antiretroviral drugs. However, despite these promising in vitro findings, extensive in vivo investigations and clinical trials remain limited. Collectively, these insights highlight CDs as an innovative and adaptable Nano technological platform with substantial potential to augment existing ART regimens and facilitate the development of next-generation HIV treatment paradigms