eng Oriental Scientific Publishing Company Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal 0974-6242 2025-09-30 18 3 1874 1888 10.13005/bpj/3221 67059 article Venkatesan Kotteeswaran 1 Sasi Kumar K 1 Mukhil M 1 Tarini Bardeja 1 Trisha Saha 1 R. Vasantha Narayanan 1 Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India Carbon nanodots have emerged as a promising nanomaterial in the biotech sector, leveraging their low cytotoxicity and remarkable biocompatibility. Their intriguing properties, including nanoscale dimensions, bioresorbability, safety, environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, facile chemical and surface functionalization, and photoluminescence, underpin a wide array of potential applications. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of CND synthesis methodologies, encompassing top-down approaches like organic precursor carbonization and bottom-up strategies employing molecular precursors. While significant studies have focused on the characterization, synthesis, and application of CNDs, this outline summarizes recent advancements in their preparation and utilization. Furthermore, we delve into prospective future applications, particularly within healthcare. The substantial attention garnered by carbon dots in the past decade has spurred extensive investigation, with carbon nanodots, the newest evolution of nanocarbon materials, currently under intense scrutiny for their diverse potential. https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol18no3/a-comprehensive-review-on-carbon-nanodots-from-synthesis-to-applications/ Carbon nanodots Characterization Properties Photoluminescence Sources Synthesis