Table 1.

Summarizes the list of zero-dimensional (0D) nanomaterials (e.g., quantum dots), their specification, and applications.

S. No.	Nanomaterial	Elements	Size (nm)	Absorption (nm)	Functionalization	Application	Ref.
1	Quantum dots	CdSe, ZnS	<10	579 nm	Core/Shell-ZnS	Cd109-SPECT imaging agent incorporated for imaging and diagnostics to identify the tumour	[93]
2	Quantum dots	CdTe, CdS, BSA	~550	λex = 400 nm λem = 528 to 650 nm	Protein (BSA)	QD-BSA was used for long term fluorescence observation because emission decreased by 4.06% after being irradiated at 365 nm for 1 h	[84]
3	Carbon quantum dots	large amino acid-mimicking (LAAM), tetramino-anthraquinone (TAAQ), and citric acid	~3	230 nm, 280 nm, 650 nm	α-carboxyl, amino groups	LAT-1-mediated targeting tumour theranostics	[94]
4	Quantum dot	Mn, ZnS	218	287	Chitosan biopolymer and conjugated with folic acid	Diagnosis and treatment of anticancer activity of 5-fluorouracil for breast cancer therapy	[95]
5	Quantum dot	In, P, Zn	15–20	645	Mercapto-succinic acid	This is a non-cadmium based QD used in diagnostic imaging in the early detection of cancer	[96]