Optically Encoded Nanodots for Logic-Gated Sensing and Antioxidant Defense

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Optically active nanodots are crucial for environmental and biomedical uses.
• Developing novel nanomaterials with enhanced functionalities is an ongoing research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize ruthenium-doped carbon dots (Ru-CDs).
• To evaluate the sensing capabilities, nanozyme activity, antioxidant properties, and food preservation potential of Ru-CDs.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Ru-CDs from urea and citric acid with ruthenium doping.
• Characterization of Ru-CDs' optical properties, including quantum yield (QY).
• Assessment of Ru-CDs' performance in dual-mode sensing, catalase-like activity, ROS scavenging, and food preservation.

Main Results:

• Ru-CDs achieved a QY of 34.5%.
• Demonstrated sensitive "turn-on/turn-off/turn-on" dual-mode sensing for lead ions (Pb2+) and cysteine with low limits of detection (LOD) of 14.5 pM and 197 pM, respectively.
• Exhibited catalase-like activity, potent antioxidant properties by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and effectiveness in food preservation.

Conclusions:

• Multifunctional Ru-CDs possess excellent sensing, nanozyme, and antioxidant capabilities.
• Ru-CDs show significant potential for applications in environmental monitoring, health protection, and food preservation.