quantum dots in implantable biomaterials: multifunctional roles in biocompatibility, imaging and regenerative applications: a comprehensive review

Biocompatibility remains the primary determinant of clinical success for biomedical implants, while infection control continues to pose persistent challenges to their long-term performance. this review consolidates current evidence on the incorporation of quantum dots (qds) into prosthetic materials to enhance biocompatibility, antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, photodynamic therapy (pdt) efficacy, imaging capability, and regenerative potential. a narrative analysis of studies published between 2013 and 2025 was conducted using databases including pubmed, scopus, and web of science, focusing on in vitro and in vivo investigations of qd-based coatings and scaffolds. the collected findings demonstrate that surface functionalized qds improve cytocompatibility, inhibit microbial growth and biofilm formation, particularly through light-activated reactive oxygen species generation, and enable fluorescence-based monitoring and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. when integrated into scaffolds or surface coatings, qds promote osteogenic differentiation, angiogenesis, and tissue integration at the implant interface. carbon-based qds exhibit superior biocompatibility and lower toxicity than their heavy-metal counterparts, although issues such as long-term stability, degradation products, and biodistribution remain underexplored. overall, qd-modified prosthetic implants represent a promising direction toward multifunctional, infection-resistant, and regenerative systems, yet comprehensive in vivo assessments and standardized synthesis and surface modification protocols are still required to ensure biosafety and reproducibility for reliable clinical translation.