A review of graphene quantum dot–layered double hydroxide nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Ganesh Srinivasan; Nick Birbilis; Saad Al-Saadi; Krishnamurithy Genasan; Mikhail Zheludkevich; Poovarasi Balan

doi:10.1016/j.inoche.2026.116778

A review of graphene quantum dot–layered double hydroxide nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Ganesh Srinivasan
, Nick Birbilis
, Saad Al-Saadi
, Krishnamurithy Genasan
, Mikhail Zheludkevich
, Poovarasi Balan^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Monash University Malaysia
Deakin University
Monash University
University of Malaya
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

Abstract

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs, typically 2–10 nm in size) have gained attention in biomedical research due to their tunable bandgap, photoluminescence, and surface functionalization. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), composed of divalent and trivalent cations, offer biocompatibility and controlled drug release. However, GQDs face limitations such as low yields and instability in physiological media, while pristine LDHs lack targeting ability and degrade in acidic environments. This review critically examines the synthesis, properties, and biomedical applications of GQD-LDH nanocomposites.

Original language	English
Article number	116778
Journal	Inorganic Chemistry Communications
Volume	189
Issue number	P2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2026.116778
State	Published - Jul 2026
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Biocompatibility
Biomedical applications
Graphene quantum dots
Layered double hydroxides
Nanocomposites

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10.1016/j.inoche.2026.116778

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title = "A review of graphene quantum dot–layered double hydroxide nanocomposites for biomedical applications",

abstract = "Graphene quantum dots (GQDs, typically 2–10 nm in size) have gained attention in biomedical research due to their tunable bandgap, photoluminescence, and surface functionalization. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), composed of divalent and trivalent cations, offer biocompatibility and controlled drug release. However, GQDs face limitations such as low yields and instability in physiological media, while pristine LDHs lack targeting ability and degrade in acidic environments. This review critically examines the synthesis, properties, and biomedical applications of GQD-LDH nanocomposites.",

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T1 - A review of graphene quantum dot–layered double hydroxide nanocomposites for biomedical applications

AU - Srinivasan, Ganesh

AU - Birbilis, Nick

AU - Al-Saadi, Saad

AU - Genasan, Krishnamurithy

AU - Zheludkevich, Mikhail

AU - Balan, Poovarasi

PY - 2026/7

Y1 - 2026/7

N2 - Graphene quantum dots (GQDs, typically 2–10 nm in size) have gained attention in biomedical research due to their tunable bandgap, photoluminescence, and surface functionalization. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), composed of divalent and trivalent cations, offer biocompatibility and controlled drug release. However, GQDs face limitations such as low yields and instability in physiological media, while pristine LDHs lack targeting ability and degrade in acidic environments. This review critically examines the synthesis, properties, and biomedical applications of GQD-LDH nanocomposites.

AB - Graphene quantum dots (GQDs, typically 2–10 nm in size) have gained attention in biomedical research due to their tunable bandgap, photoluminescence, and surface functionalization. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), composed of divalent and trivalent cations, offer biocompatibility and controlled drug release. However, GQDs face limitations such as low yields and instability in physiological media, while pristine LDHs lack targeting ability and degrade in acidic environments. This review critically examines the synthesis, properties, and biomedical applications of GQD-LDH nanocomposites.

KW - Biocompatibility

KW - Biomedical applications

KW - Graphene quantum dots

KW - Layered double hydroxides

KW - Nanocomposites

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105038149684

U2 - 10.1016/j.inoche.2026.116778

DO - 10.1016/j.inoche.2026.116778

M3 - Review article

AN - SCOPUS:105038149684

SN - 1387-7003

VL - 189

JO - Inorganic Chemistry Communications

JF - Inorganic Chemistry Communications

IS - P2

M1 - 116778

ER -

A review of graphene quantum dot–layered double hydroxide nanocomposites for biomedical applications

Abstract

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