Applications of carbon dot-mediated cardiomyocyte maturation in regenerative medicine: a review

The maturation of cardiomyocytes (CMs) plays key roles in regenerative medicine and the treatment of cardiovascular diseases via stem cell-derived CMs. Carbon dots (CDs) have good biocompatibility, optical properties, and electrophysical properties and have been widely applied in bioimaging, biosensors, and biotherapy. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent advances in promoting the maturation of CMs, mainly human pluripotent stem cell-derived CMs, and related regenerative medicine. Moreover, we explore the innovative application of CDs to enhance the maturation of these CMs. Finally, we look forward to the future design and application of CDs in the maturation of CMs in terms of cell therapies.