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Updated: May 19, 2026
Production and Targeting of Monovalent Quantum Dots
Published on: October 23, 2014
Green synthesis of yeast cell wall-derived carbon quantum dots with multiple biological activities
Pardis Sadat Mirseyed1, Sareh Arjmand1, Moones Rahmandoust1
1Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
Hypothesis:
Yeast cell walls are a sustainable biomass source containing carbon and other elements like phosphorus. Converting cell walls into valuable nanomaterials like carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is of interest.
Experiments:
Cell walls from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were hydrothermally treated in 0.5 M H2SO4 to produce CQDs. Multiple analytical techniques were utilized to confirm phosphorus-doping (P-CQDs), characterize the fluorescence properties, determine quantum yield, and evaluate the sensing, antimicrobial, photocatalytic, and antioxidant capacities.
Findings:
A successful synthesis of P-CQDs was achieved with strong blue fluorescence under UV excitation, 19 % quantum yield, and excellent stability. The P-CQDs showed sensitive fluorescence quenching in response to ferric ions with a 201 nM detection limit. Antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were demonstrated. P-CQDs also exhibited dye degradation under sunlight and antioxidant activity. So, the prepared P-CQDs displayed promising multifunctional capabilities for metal ion detection, disinfection, and environmental remediation. Further research is required to fully realize and implement the multifunctional potential of P-CQDs in real-world applications.
