ABSTRACT

Nanosensors offer interesting solutions for real time monitoring of biomarkers in complex biological samples and rapid diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders at an early stage. Carbon nanostructures with advantages of biocompatibility, improved electronic, structural, and mechanical properties are promising candidates for clinical diagnostics. In this chapter, preparation and functionalization of carbon nanostructures for the development of high performance nanosensors are described. The nanomedical applications of carbon nanostructures are discussed, including high throughput sensing of biomarkers in biological systems, wound healing, in vivo imaging of tumor cells, and inhibitory effects of carbon dots and graphene quantum dots on tumor cells. The significant roles played by carbon nanostructures in advancing the nanosensors technology are emphasized.