Targeted bio-imaging in discriminating normal and cancerous cells using dual-doped carbon dots derived from Dahlia...

This research delves into utilizing dual-doped (N & S) carbon dots (DDCDs) sourced from Dahlia pinnata flower extract for targeted bio-imaging, aiming to differentiate between normal and cancerous cells. The synthesized DDCDs, incorporating nitrogen and sulfur, exhibited unique optical, structural, and morphological properties with an average size of about 3.25 nm. These DDCDs demonstrate strong fluorescence and display excitation-dependent emission behavior, as confirmed by the results of photoluminescence spectroscopy. Folic acid conjugation with DDCDs enhances their specificity towards cancer cells expressing the folate receptor. Through comprehensive characterization, the study demonstrates the successful synthesis and functionalization of these DDCDs. Even at a concentration of 200 µg/ml, these DDCDs demonstrated low cytotoxicity. In vitro experiments on both normal and cancer cell lines reveal distinct fluorescence responses, showcasing the potential of these bio-compatible DDCDs for precise bio-imaging in cancer diagnostics. This work opens avenues for utilizing natural sources in nanomaterial synthesis for biomedical applications, contributing to the advancement of targeted cellular imaging technologies.