Quantum Dots: Can It Be a Potential Antiviral Agent and Nano-Carrier Tool for Efficient Drug Delivery for Combatting Viral Infections?

Quantum dots (QDs), also referred to as semiconductor nanoparticulate (up to 10 nm size) artificial atoms, exhibit optoelectronic properties, depending on their size and structural compositions. The system's ultrasmall size and superior structural properties have enhanced photochemical stability, higher extinction coefficient and luminosity, and size-dependent optical characteristics. The QD matrix consists of a core-shell structure, wherein metallic shell coats the inorganic core. The multivalent attachment of ligands to such nanostructures (surface functionalization) fine-tunes the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility for better exploitation as novel therapeutics to combat microbial infection, exclusively viruses. Hence, the chapter illustrates extensive thoughts about QDs, especially those made by carbon or Cd/Zn for nano-carrier-based drug delivery by outlining the rationality and merits of implementing QDs-drug conjugates. It also intends to discuss the mechanism behind the optical properties, safety profiles (biosafety and biocompatibility), and biodistribution for future exploration in the emerging domain of nano-drug delivery. Additionally, the mechanism underlying the antiviral response of formulated nano-drug QDs highlighting the inhibition of viral entry and replication into the host cell is described. Various fundamental approaches discussed in this chapter will assist the reader to understand the future perspectives of QDs concerning viral diagnostics, antiviral therapy, and drug delivery systems.