Carboxyl-functionalized multifunctional red-emitting carbon quantum dots as an ideal biomaterial

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are recognized for their biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties.
• Multifunctional CQDs with red emission, antibacterial activity, and pH sensitivity are scarce.
• Developing novel nanomaterials for advanced biomedical applications is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize red-emitting carbon quantum dots (R-CQDs) with enhanced optical and antimicrobial properties.
• To investigate the potential of R-CQDs as photodynamic antibacterial agents.
• To evaluate the pH sensitivity of R-CQDs for wound monitoring and explore their use in cell imaging.

Main Methods:

• Green hydrothermal synthesis of red-emitting carbon quantum dots (R-CQDs).
• Assessment of antimicrobial activity through reactive oxygen species generation.
• Evaluation of pH sensitivity for real-time wound monitoring.
• Demonstration of R-CQDs in cell imaging.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized R-CQDs with excellent optical properties and antimicrobial activity.
• R-CQDs exhibited potent photodynamic antimicrobial ability via reactive oxygen species.
• R-CQDs demonstrated significant pH sensitivity, suitable for wound monitoring.
• Promising results for R-CQD application in cell imaging were observed.

Conclusions:

• R-CQDs were synthesized using a simple green hydrothermal method.
• The R-CQDs possess dual functionality for antimicrobial action and pH sensing.
• These R-CQDs show significant potential for wound monitoring and biomedical imaging.