Novel Kraft Softwood Lignin-Derived Carbon Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Cytocompatibility

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are explored for biomedical uses, including medical imaging, due to their fluorescence, stability, and biocompatibility.
• Lignin, a renewable polymer byproduct of the wood industry, offers a sustainable source for carbon nanoparticle synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize two types of lignin-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs): native and nitrogen-doped.
• To evaluate the in vitro cytocompatibility and potential of these CQDs for tissue engineering applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of native and nitrogen-doped lignin-derived CQDs.
• Material characterization using FTIR, spectroscopy, zeta potential, TEM, and SEM.
• In vitro cytocompatibility assessment with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on CQD-coated substrates.

Main Results:

• Both native and nitrogen-doped CQDs were successfully synthesized and characterized.
• CQDs demonstrated excellent in vitro cytocompatibility, promoting human mesenchymal stem cell attachment within 24 hours and maintaining it for at least 7 days.
• Cell morphology remained healthy, indicating no adverse or toxic effects from the CQDs.

Conclusions:

• Lignin-derived carbon quantum dots are biocompatible and support cell adhesion.
• These findings establish a foundation for utilizing lignin-derived CQDs in advanced tissue engineering strategies.
• The sustainable sourcing and demonstrated biocompatibility highlight the potential of these CQDs in regenerative medicine.