# Applications of Carbon Dots and Graphene Quantum Dots in Treatment of Diabetes

## TL;DR

This paper explores how carbon nanoparticles can improve the delivery and effectiveness of diabetes treatments.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific carbon nanoparticle scaffolds that enhance anti-diabetic drugs and their administration methods.

## Key findings

- Carbon quantum dots and graphene quantum dots can enhance metformin's efficacy by 500–1000-fold in insulin-resistant models.
- Successful carbon nanoparticles are 10 nm or smaller and include spherical CQDs and hollow gadofullerene structures.
- CNPs allow for oral, intravenous, and implant-based delivery of anti-diabetic drugs in animal models.

## Abstract

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) are increasingly being considered for medical applications. The objective of this article is to determine which anti-diabetic drugs and compounds have been enhanced by CNPs, and which CNP scaffolds were found to be successful. The anti-diabetic drugs administered loaded on CNPs include insulin, metformin, glimepiride and vanadium compounds. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs), graphene quantum dots (GQDs), graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs), hybrid systems and fullerenes are all carriers able to alleviate symptoms of diabetes. Successful CNPs are 10 nm or less and can have a flat pancake structure, as well as the spherical CQDs and the spherical-but-hollow gadofullerene (Gd-C82). The use of the carbon nanoparticle scaffold includes oral, intravenous administration and placement as an implant in a diabetic animal model system. In vitro studies in an insulin-resistant model demonstrate a 500–1000-fold enhancement of metformin when placed on the pegylated GOQD. Although some CNPs have low toxicity, more information is needed for understanding the metabolism associated with uptake and processing. In summary, CNPs represent a novel class of nanoparticles that has promising potential. They enhance the efficacy of anti-diabetic drugs, have low toxicity, and keep the loaded drug protected until reaching their targets.