Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are an emerging class of quasi-zero-dimensional photoluminescent nanomaterials with particle sizes less than 10 nm. Owing to their favourable water dispersion, strong chemical inertia, stable optical performance, and good biocompatibility, CQDs have become prominent in biomedical fields. CQDs can be fabricated by “top-down” and “bottom-up” methods, both of which involve oxidation, carbonization, pyrolysis and polymerization. The functions of CQDs include biological imaging, biosensing, drug delivery, gene carrying, antimicrobial performance, photothermal ablation and so on, which enable them to be utilized in antitumour applications. The purpose of this review is to summarize the research progress of CQDs in antitumour applications from preparation and characterization to application prospects. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities of CQDs are discussed along with future perspectives for precise individual therapy of tumours.

NOD-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) is a vital sensor of the innate immune system, capable of responding to various exogenous invading pathogens and endogenous cell injury. Once the danger signal is detected, NLRP3 recruits downstream molecules to assemble into inflammasomes, which induce inflammatory cell death and trigger an inflammatory response. PANoptosis is a specific mode of inflammatory cell death that integrates the processes of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necrosis. It is primarily driven by a multiprotein complex termed the PANoptosome. The NLRP3 inflammasome, an essential component of the PANoptosome, is implicated in the pathogenesis of several human disorders. Targeted inhibition of NLRP3 activation specifically has a notable impact on mitigating a variety of disease conditions. This review briefly describes how the NLRP3 inflammasome forms and is activated, outlines its multifaceted roles in disorders, and emphasizes the vital role of NLRP3 in PANoptosis. Additionally, we discuss the potential of NLRP3 as a target for the clinical management of associated diseases. Improved understanding of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its involvement in PANoptosis is crucial for guiding new treatment strategies.

Ferroptosis as an iron-dependent lipid peroxidation process causes sevely oxidative damage of cell, but lack of highly efficient and recycable antioxidant agents. To this end, cerium doped carbon dots (Ce-doped CDs) with radical scavenging activity were synthesized using a simple microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization. The resultant Ce-doped CDs exhibited an ultra-small size of only approximately 2.6 nm, excellent dispersion in water as well as optical performance. Taking advantage of inherent ultra-small size, Ce-doped CDs were endowed with high Ce ³⁺ /Ce ⁴⁺ ratio, which significantly enhanced their radical scavenging activity. Meanwhile, the Ce-doped CDs with superior biocompatibility could enter cells quickly and then localized in the cytoplasm. As we expected, the Ce-doped CDs strongly protected cells from oxidative damage of erastin-mediated ferroptosis. These findings suggest that the as-prepared Ce-doped CDs have the potential to be antioxidant drugs against for ferroptosis-induced oxidative damage.

Osteoporosis (OP) represents a significant global health burden, characterized by reduced bone density and an increased risk of fractures due to imbalances in bone remodeling processes. Traditional therapeutic strategies, while mitigating symptoms, often lack the precision to address the multifactorial nature of OP effectively. In recent years, functionalized nanoparticles have emerged as a versatile platform, offering enhanced drug delivery, targeted therapy, and the potential for theranostic applications in OP treatment. This review examines the various types and architectures of functionalized nanoparticles, emphasizing their unique capabilities in targeting bone tissue and modulating bone metabolism. By focusing on their roles in inflammation modulation, oxidative stress reduction, and promoting bone regeneration, we discuss the mechanisms by which these nanoparticles offer multifunctional, synergistic effects. Additionally, we address the challenges in achieving controlled drug release, biocompatibility, and effective bone tissue penetration, proposing future directions that integrate emerging nanotechnologies, biomechanics, and regenerative medicine approaches to optimize therapeutic outcomes. This comprehensive review provides a foundation for the future development of functionalized nanoparticle therapies, positioning them as promising tools for advanced, personalized OP treatment.

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) are common postoperative complications, particularly in elderly patients undergoing general anesthesia. While sevoflurane and isoflurane are widely used inhalational anesthetics, their association with PNDs requires deeper mechanistic investigation. Although apoptosis was traditionally considered the primary mechanism, recent evidence implicates non-apoptotic programmed cell death (PCD) pathways-necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis-in PND pathogenesis. These pathways amplify neuroinflammation and neuronal damage through distinct molecular mechanisms. This review synthesizes current understanding of these PCD pathways in inhalational anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity, evaluating their molecular signatures and interactions. We identify critical knowledge gaps and propose research directions focusing on pathway dominance, crosstalk, and multi-target therapeutic strategies. These insights advance PND pathophysiology understanding and inform novel treatment development.

Although multidrug combinations are an effective therapeutic strategy for serious disease in clinical practice, their therapeutic effect may be reduced because they conflict with each other medicinally in certain cases. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop a single drug carrier for precise multidrug delivery to avoid this interference. A reverse coordination method is reported that fabricates a double‐layer barium sulphate microcapsule (DL@BS MS) for two drugs separately loading simultaneously. In addition, BS nanoclusters were synthesised in situ inside the DL@BS MSs for real‐time computed tomography (CT) imaging. The results showed that the DL@BS MSs with a particle size of approximately 2 mm exhibited a uniform sphere. Because BS nanoclusters have a high X‐ray attenuation coefficient, the retention of DL@BS MSs in the digestive tract could be monitored through CT imaging in real time. More important, the core‐shell structure of DL@BS MSs encapsulating two different drugs could be released in spatiotemporal order in an acidic stomach environment. The as‐synthesis DL@BS MSs with a core‐shell structure and real‐time imaging performance provide an ideal carrier for the oral administration of multiple drugs simultaneously loaded but sequentially released.