Abstract

Carbon dots (CDs) have gained significant attention as a promising theranostic platform, owing to their excellent biocompatibility, tunable fluorescence, and multifunctional properties. In this work, we present the development of highly luminescent CDs synthesized from natural precursors, engineered to serve as a versatile nanoplatform for nitric oxide (NO) delivery. By functionalizing the surface of the CDs with ruthenium nitrosyl (Ru-NO) complexes and folic acid, we created a targeted system (CDs-FAR) that enables precise drug delivery, real-time fluorescence tracking, and light-triggered NO release. The CDs demonstrated exceptional antioxidant activity, with scavenging efficiencies of ?77 % and ?89 % in 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2?-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays, respectively, underscoring their potential for oxidative stress regulation. Furthermore, controlled NO release was achieved under light irradiation (100–300 mW/cm2), highlighting the system's ability to respond to external stimuli for accurate therapeutic action. This multifunctional platform holds great potential for treating disorders related to nitric oxide deficiency and advancing NO-based cancer therapies, offering a novel approach in the fields of precision medicine and nano-theranostics. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.