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P-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots with Antibacterial Activity
Shuiqin Chai1,2, Lijia Zhou2, Shuchen Pei1,2
1Chongqing Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microorganism, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, No. 20 East Daxuecheng Road, Chongqing 401331, China.
Micromachines
|September 28, 2021
Summary
Phosphorus-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) effectively combat bacterial infections like E. coli and S. aureus. These nanomaterials show potential for treating infectious diseases by damaging bacterial structures.
Area of Science:
- Nanomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Infectious diseases pose a significant challenge, necessitating novel antibacterial strategies.
- Nanomaterials offer promising antibacterial properties, with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) gaining attention for their unique optical characteristics and biosafety.
- Developing effective antimicrobial agents is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize phosphorus-doped carbon quantum dots (P-doped CQDs).
- To evaluate the antibacterial activity of P-doped CQDs against common bacterial pathogens.
- To elucidate the mechanism underlying the antibacterial action of P-doped CQDs.
Main Methods:
- P-doped CQDs were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method involving m-aminophenol and phosphoric acid.
- Antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by determining minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs).
- Bacterial morphology changes were observed using microscopy, and the mechanism of action was investigated through zeta potential analysis.
Main Results:
- P-doped CQDs exhibited fluorescence emission at 501 nm when excited at 429 nm.
- Effective antibacterial activity was observed against both E. coli (MIC: 1.23 mg/mL) and S. aureus (MIC: 1.44 mg/mL).
- Treatment with P-doped CQDs resulted in damaged E. coli cell morphology and irregular S. aureus structures, indicating disruption of bacterial integrity via electronic interactions.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized P-doped CQDs demonstrate significant antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus.
- The antibacterial mechanism involves disrupting bacterial cell structures through electronic interactions.
- P-doped CQDs represent a promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic agents against bacterial infections.
