<p>The development of nanomaterials from lignocellulosic biomass is a promising strategy and potentially offers renewable as well as cost-effective technologies. The value additions of these lignocellulosic wastes can be helpful in overcoming the issues of environmental pollution and the cost-effectiveness of the related technologies. Being rich sources of carbon, lignocellulosic biomasses are the key bioresources to produce a variety of carbon-based nanomaterials. Among different carbon-based nanomaterials, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have gained immense importance owing to their unique physicochemical properties, including fluorescence and biocompatibility. As a result, CQDs have been explored for a number of applications, such as biosensing, fluorescence-based imaging, antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, and as catalysts for the monitoring and removal of hazardous contaminants. This can be helpful for biomedical applications and to monitor environmental pollutants. Therefore, the present review explores an overview of the preparation of CQDs from lignocellulosic biomass in the category of food wastes that are abandoned. Additionally, the possible advantages and key difficulties of the process have also been discussed, along with the feasible recommended solutions. Finally, this review highlights the sustainability of producing CQDs from lignocellulosic biomass following eco-friendly approaches, which can be vital from the perspective of their biomedical and environmental applications.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>