Carbon Dots: A Versatile Platform for Cu²⁺ Detection, Anti-Counterfeiting, and Bioimaging

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Carbon dots (CDs) are recognized for their low cost, biocompatibility, and solubility.
• Synthesizing multifunctional CDs remains a significant research challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel, multifunctional carbon dots with high quantum yield.
• To explore their applications in fluorescence sensing, anti-counterfeiting, and bioimaging.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis using Diaminomaleonitrile and Boc-D-2,3-diaminopropionic acid.
• Characterization using TEM, FTIR, XPS, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Evaluation of photophysical properties, cytotoxicity, and sensing capabilities for Cu2+ ions.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high quantum yield of 28.2% for the synthesized CDs.
• Demonstrated excellent photostability, low cytotoxicity, and selective Cu2+ ion detection (LOD = 1.34 μM).
• Successfully applied CDs in fluorescent ink for anti-counterfeiting and in cell imaging.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized CDs possess desirable properties for advanced applications.
• These CDs show significant potential in fluorescence sensing, anti-counterfeiting technologies, and biological imaging.