Heteroatom-doped carbon dots: synthesis, characterization, properties, photoluminescence mechanism and biological applications

Green-emission nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots from alkaline N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone for determination of β-galactosidase and its inhibitors

A new fluorescence method was established for sensitive detection of β-galactosidase (β-gal) activity in spiked human serum and screening of inhibitor. Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) were prepared by solvothermal polymerization of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone in an alkaline condition. The colloidal N-CQDs exhibit good water solubility, stability, and emit bright green fluorescence with a maximum emission peak at 528 nm upon excitation at 420 nm. β-gal specifically catalyzes the decomposition of its substrate P-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside into 4-nitrophenol, whose absorption spectrum overlaps well with the excitation spectrum of the N-CQDs. As a result, the fluorescence of the N-CQDs is remarkably quenched by 4-nitrophenol via an inner filter effect. The sensing platform presents a linear response range for β-gal activity from 0.05 to 3.0 U·L^-1 with a low limit of detection of 0.023 U·L^-1. An acceptable precision is obtained with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.1% for 1.0 U·L^-1 β-gal (n = 11). The method was applied to determine β-gal in spiked human serums with recoveries in the range  96.3-104.7%. The method was employed to evaluate inhibitor screening with D-galactal and chloroquine diphosphate as models.

Folic Acid-Modified Cerium-Doped Carbon Dots as Photoluminescence Sensors for Cancer Cells Identification and Fe(III) Detection

Carbon dots (CDs) are a new class of carbon-based luminescence materials with fascinating properties. They have been given great expectations on superseding traditional semiconductor quantum dots due to their good dispersity and stability, relatively low toxicity, superior resistance to photobleaching, and excellent biocompatibility. The diversified luminescence properties of CDs are largely due to the synthetic strategies and precursors. In view of those described above, this study has explored the possibility to establish a facile one-step hydrothermal method for the one-pot synthesis of folic acid-modified cerium-doped CDs (Ce-CDs-FA), which could be further utilized as a sensitive fluorescent nanoprobe for biosensing. This investigation demonstrates that the Ce-CDs-FA nanocomposites have nice biocompatibility and bright fluorescent properties, which can be readily utilized to detect cancer cells through recognizing overexpressing folate receptors by virtue of folic acid. Meanwhile, it is noted that the Fe3+ ion can actualize a specific and hypersensitive quenching effect for these Ce-CDs-FA nanocomposites, which can be further explored for special ion recognition, including iron ions. It raises the possibility that the as-prepared Ce-CDs-FA nanocomposites could be extended as a dual fluorescence sensor for targeted cell imaging and Fe3+ ion detection.

Highly Luminescent Nucleoside-Based N, P-Doped Carbon Dots for Sensitive Detection of Ions and Bioimaging

The efficient detection of Fe3+ and MnO4− in a water environment is very important and challenging due to their harmful effects on the health of humanity and environmental systems. Good biocompatibility, sensitivity, selectivity, and superior photophysical properties were important attributes of carbon dot-based CDs sensors for sensing applications. In this work, we synthesized N, P-co-doped carbon dots (N/P CDs) with guanosine 5′-monophosphate (GMP) as a green carbon source, with high fluorescence quantum yield in water (QY, 53.72%). First, the luminescent N/P CDs showed a three-state “on-off-on” fluorescence response upon the sequential addition of Fe3+ and F−, with a low detection limit of 12 nM for Fe3+ and 8.5 nM for F−, respectively. Second, the N/P CDs also exhibited desirable selectivity and sensitivity for toxic MnO4− detection with the limit of detection of 18.2 nM, through a turn-off mechanism. Moreover, the luminescent N/P CDs successfully monitored the aforementioned ions in environmental water samples and in Escherichia coli.

Visual Monitoring of Nucleic Acid Dynamic Structures during Cellular Ferroptosis Using Rationally Designed Carbon Dots with Robust Anti-Interference Ability to Reactive Oxygen Species

Ferroptosis triggered by an iron-dependent accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) has drawn widespread attention. Directly visualizing the dynamic structures of nucleic acids during the ferroptosis of cells is of great importance considering their vital roles in numerous biological functions. However, direct imaging remains challenging, largely due to the extremely high concentrations of ROS generated during ferroptosis, which can affect the imaging of nucleic acid targeted fluorescent probes. To overcome this challenge, nucleic acid-responsive carbon dots (CDs) providing favorable optical properties together with high chemical stability were synthesized. Furthermore, the CDs penetrated the cell membrane quickly and accumulated in the nuclei of cells. The robust anti-interference ability to ROS allows the CDs to visualize the dynamic structures of nucleic acids during ferroptosis. Moreover, the CDs were successfully employed in the imaging of nucleic acids during cell division. The nuclei-targeting CDs show great potential as a powerful tool for imaging nuclei in ferroptosis-related biological and clinical research.

A Review on the Catalytic Remediation of Dyes by Tailored Carbon Dots

Water polluted with dyes has become a serious global concern during the twenty-first century, especially for developing countries. Such types of environmental contaminant pose a severe threat to biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health globally; therefore, its treatment is an utmost requirement. Advanced technologies including the use of nanomaterials represent a promising water treatment technology with high efficiencies, low production costs, and green synthesis. Among the nanomaterials, carbon dots, as a new class of carbon-based nanoparticles, have attracted attention due to their unique features and advantages over other nanomaterials, which include high water solubility, easy fabrication and surface functionalisation, excellent electron-donating ability, and low toxicity. Such properties make carbon dots potential nanocatalysts for the Fenton-like degradation of environmental pollutants in water. Although recent studies show that carbon dots can successfully catalyse the degradation of dyes, there are still limited and controversial studies on the ecotoxicity and fate of these nanoparticles in the environment. In this review, the authors aim to summarise the recent research advances in water remediation by technologies using carbon dots, discuss important properties and factors for optimised catalytic remediation, and provide critical analysis of ecotoxicity issues and the environmental fate of these nanoparticles.

A Yellow Fluorescence Probe for the Detection of Oxidized Glutathione and Biological Imaging

It is well-known that the ratio of reduced l-glutathione (GSH) to oxidized l-glutathione (GSSG) is a vital biomarker for monitoring overall cellular health, thus detecting the intracellular concentration of glutathione is of great significance. Recently, an increasing number of reports have published various methods for GSH detection, but studies on the detection of GSSG are still rare. Here, we report a kind of new yellow fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) for the detection of GSSG through a fluorescence "off-on" process. Because the surface is rich in amino groups, the CDs show a positive potential. When the concentration of GSSG was continuously increased, the CDs' fluorescence dropped sharply, while the fluorescence gradually recovered after the addition of sodium sulfide. The phenomenon of fluorescence quenching is linear with the concentration of the quencher (GSSG)(0-200 μM), and 0.18 μM is calculated as the detection limit. More interestingly, as a fluorescent probe, the CDs can be further used for fluorescence imaging in living cells and zebrafish.

Magneto-Luminescent Nanocomposites Based on Carbon Dots and Ferrite with Potential for Bioapplication

Multifunctional nanocomposites that combine both magnetic and photoluminescent (PL) properties provide significant advantages for nanomedical applications. In this work, a one-stage synthesis of magneto-luminescent nanocomposites (MLNC) with subsequent stabilization is proposed. Microwave synthesis of magnetic carbon dots (M-CDs) was carried out using precursors of carbon dots and magnetic nanoparticles. The effect of stabilization on the morphological and optical properties of nanocomposites has been evaluated. Both types of nanocomposites demonstrate magnetic and PL properties simultaneously. The resulting MLNCs demonstrated excellent solubility in water, tunable PL with a quantum yield of up to 28%, high photostability, and good cytocompatibility. Meanwhile, confocal fluorescence imaging showed that M-CDs were localized in the cell nuclei. Consequently, the multifunctional nanocomposites M-CDs are promising candidates for bioimaging and therapy.

An Overview of Synthetic Methods and Applications of Photoluminescent Properties of Carbon Quantum Dots

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are promising carbonaceous nanomaterials fortuitously discovered in 2004. CQDs are the rising stars in the nanotechnology ensemble because of their unique properties and widespread applications in sensing, imaging, medicine, catalysis, and optoelectronics. CQDs are notable for their excellent solubility and effective luminescence, and as a result, they are also known as carbon nanolights. Many strategies are used for the efficient and economical preparation of CQDs; however, CQDs prepared from waste or green sustainable methods have greater requirements due to their safety and ease of synthesis. Sustainable chemical strategies for CQDs have been developed, emphasizing green synthetic methodologies based on "top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches. This review summarizes many such studies relevant to the development of sustainable methods for photoluminescent CQDs. Furthermore, we have emphasized recent advances in CQDs' photoluminescent applications in chemical and biological fields. Finally, a brief overview of synthetic processes utilizing the green source and their associated applications are tabulated, providing a clear understanding of the new optoelectronic materials.

Carbon Dot Therapeutic Platforms: Administration, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, Toxicity, and Therapeutic Potential

Ultrasmall nanoparticles are often grouped under the broad umbrella term of "nanoparticles" when reported in the literature. However, for biomedical applications, their small sizes give them intimate interactions with biological species and endow them with unique functional physiochemical properties. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are an emerging class of ultrasmall nanoparticles which have demonstrated considerable biocompatibility and have been employed as potent theragnostic platforms. These particles find application for increasing drug solubility and targeting, along with facilitating the passage of drugs across impermeable membranes (i.e., blood brain barrier). Further functionality can be triggered by various environmental conditions or external stimuli (i.e., pH, temperature, near Infrared (NIR) light, ultrasound), and their intrinsic fluorescence is valuable for diagnostic applications. The focus of this review is to shed light on the therapeutic potential of CQDs and identify how they travel through the body, reach their site of action, administer therapeutic effect, and are excreted. Investigation into their toxicity and compatibility with larger nanoparticle carriers is also examined. The future of CQDs for theragnostic applications is promising due to their multifunctional attributes and documented biocompatibility. As nanomaterial platforms become more commonplace in clinical treatments, the commercialization of CQD therapeutics is anticipated.

One-step solvent-free synthesis of carbon dot-based layered composites exhibiting color-tunable photoluminescence

We here report a practical and green approach to the development of luminescent composites through in situ solvent-free formation of carbon dots on layered inorganic compounds. The composites exhibit higher solid-state photoluminescence than those prepared by mixing of synthesized carbon dots and layered clay minerals. Tuning of the emission color of the composites has also been achieved by the addition of small molecules into phloroglucinol as starting materials for carbonization. The carbon dots synthesized in clay compounds in the solvent-free conditions are well-dispersed to obtain homogeneous composites. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that highly luminescent carbon dots are formed by carbonization in the presence of layered inorganic compounds. The one-step solvent-free approach presented in this work may allow not only facile, economical, and sustainable production of nanostructured carbon dot-based composites but also improvement of their luminescence properties.

A practical and green approach to the development of color-tunable luminescent composites through in situ solvent-free synthesis of carbon dots on layered inorganic compounds is reported.

Effects of nitrogen/bismuth-doping on the photocatalyst composite of carbon dots/titanium dioxide nanoparticles (CDs/TNP) for enhanced visible light-driven removal of diclofenac

The present work demonstrates the coupling of titanium dioxide, TiO₂ nanoparticles (TNP) with N-doped, Bi-doped, and N-Bi co-doped rice husk-derived carbon dots (CDs) via a facile dispersion method, forming respective photocatalyst composites of CDs/TNP, N-CDs/TNP, Bi-CDs/TNP and N-Bi-CDs/TNP. Characterization analyzes verified the successful incorporation of respective CDs samples into TNP, forming photocatalyst composite with narrowed band gap and quenched photoluminescence intensity. Photocatalytic activity of TNP and the respective composites was investigated for photodegradation of diclofenac (DCF) under both simulated sunlight and natural sunlight irradiation. The as-prepared N-Bi-CDs/TNP composite showed the best photocatalytic performance among all composites, able to completely degrade 5 ppm of DCF within 60 min and 180 min under both types of visible light irradiation, respectively. The N-Bi-CDs/TNP composite also showed a TOC removal efficiency up to 87.63%. N-Bi-CDs, worked as photosensitizer and electron reservoir, contributed to the outstanding photocatalytic activity of N-Bi-CDs/TNP, whereby the recombination was prolonged and light absorption was shifted towards the visible light region. Furthermore, the composite of N-Bi-CDs/TNP also demonstrated good stability and reusability over repeated degradation cycles. The photodegradation of DCF resulted into several intermediates, which were identified from LC-MS analysis. The present work could provide an insight on the application of heteroatoms doped and co-doped carbon dots in semiconductor oxide as high performance photocatalysts.

A Label-Free Fluorescent Sensor Based on Si,N-Codoped Carbon Quantum Dots with Enhanced Sensitivity for the Determination of Cr(VI)

A signal shut-off probe of Si, N-codoped carbon quantum dots (Si, N-CQDs) was exploited to detect Cr(VI) by fluorescence quenching without the aid of any biomolecules or labeling materials. The sensing system prepared the precursor of diacetone acrylamide and the silane coupling agent 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH-550) by a simple hydrothermal method, and the quantum yield is as high as 75% Si, N-CQDs. The fluorescence stability and microstructure of the Si, N-CQDs were studied. The Si, N-CQDs has a high sensitivity for detecting Cr(VI) with the linear range of 0–200 μM and the detection limit of 0.995 μM. The quenching mechanism of Si, N-CQDs is attributed to FRET.

Carbon dot composites for bioapplications: a review

Recent advancements in the synthesis of carbon dot composites and their applications in biomedical fields (bioimaging, drug delivery and biosensing) have been carefully summarized. The current challenges and future trends of CD composites in this field have also been discussed.

The rapid synthesis of intrinsic green-fluorescent poly(pyrogallol)-derived carbon dots for amoxicillin drug sensing in clinical samples

Detection of the amoxicillin drug using pyrogallol-derived carbon dots.

Turning waste into wealth: nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots derived from fruits wastes for sensing

Hydrothermal treatment of m-phenylenediamine and grape seed powder has been adopted to synthesize nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs). The prepared N-CQDs possessed outstanding optical properties and high quantum yield. Based on the combined effect of static quenching effect and inner filter effect of permanganate (MnO₄ ^- ) to N-CQDs and the redox reaction that occurred between MnO₄ ^- and l-ascorbic acid (l-AA), an 'off-on' fluorescence strategy with N-CQDs has been proposed for the detection of MnO₄ ^- and l-AA. The proposed fluorescent probe was fast, sensitive and selective to MnO₄ ^- and l-AA under mild conditions. In addition, the satisfactory results of the proposed strategy for the detection of MnO₄ ^- and l-AA in real samples indicated its practicability.

Independent hydrothermal synthesis of the undoped, nitrogen, boron and sulphur doped biogenic carbon nanodots and their potential application in the catalytic chemo-reduction of Alizarine yellow R azo dye

This research study highlights the catalytic usage of hetero atoms doped and undoped biogenic carbon nano dots (BCNDs) in the reduction of Alizarine yellow R (AYR) dye. Hydrothermal route was followed to synthesize the eco-friendly and fluorescent undoped as well as, N, B & S doped BCNDs from Syzygium cumini (S. cumini) fruit extract. Synthesized BCNDs exhibited good fluorescent and optical properties. From the HR-TEM results, the sizes of the spherically shaped undoped, N, B & S doped BCNDs were found to be 4.75 nm, 4.31 nm, 4.07 nm & 3.96 nm respectively. XRD results highlighted their amorphous nature. Functional groups and elemental percentages were elucidated from the results of FT-IR, EDS and XPS. Graphitic texture of the BCNDs were explained from Raman spectroscopy results and SAED. Thermal stability of BCNDs was evident from the results of TGA analysis. Further, BCNDs were used as green catalyst in the reduction of Alizarine Yellow R (AYR) dye. Langmuir- Hinshelwood mechanism was applied to evaluate the catalytic influence of BCNDs on AYR dye.

Production of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots with controllable emission wavelength, excellent sensing of Fe3+ in aqueous solution, and potential application for stealth quick response coding in the visible regime

Nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) exhibit a high quantum yield with controllable emission wavelength and intensity in the blue-green regime. N-CQDs were tested and determined to be thermally and optically stable during 150 °C heat treatment and prolonged UV irradiation. Potential applications of N-CQDs were demonstrated, including excellent Fe³⁺ sensing in aqueous solution, fluorescent polymer fibres, and stealth quick response coding at visible wavelengths.

Carbon quantum dots have received attention due to their environmental friendliness, low biological toxicity and production cost. Polymer–CQD composite fibers, detection of Fe³⁺, and stealthy fluorescent labels made by thermal transfer printing are potential applications.

Multifunctional room-temperature phosphorescent carbon dots for relative humidity determination and information encryption

The relative humidity (RH) determination is crucial in many fields. Based on the phosphorescent properties of room-temperature phosphorescent (RTP) carbon dots, the RTP carbon dots as a probe are expected to be used to rapidly detect relative humidity. In this study, matrix-free room-temperature phosphorescent N-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) were successfully prepared from urea, succinic acid, and acrylamide using a hydrothermal method. The as-synthesized N-CDs had good biocompatibility and water solubility. The N-CDs emitted blue fluorescence and green phosphorescence. Moreover, the N-CD powder exhibited stable phosphorescence with a phosphorescence lifetime of 158 ms (afterglow time to the naked eye for ~7 s). Because H₂O molecules affected the afterglow time, the as-prepared N-CD test paper for the first time could be applied as a probe to monitor RH, the afterglow time of the N-CD test paper is linearly related to the RH (y = -0.0729x+7.042, R² = 0.998) and the RH detection range is 0%-85%. And the results were consistent with those obtained using a hygrometer. In addition, the N-CD solution could also be used as an encryption ink in the advanced information security field.

Carbon Dots: Classification, Properties, Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in Health Care-An Updated Review (2018-2021)

Carbon dots (CDs) are usually smaller than 10 nm in size, and are meticulously formulated and recently introduced nanomaterials, among the other types of carbon-based nanomaterials. They have gained significant attention and an incredible interest in the field of nanotechnology and biomedical science, which is merely due to their considerable and exclusive attributes; including their enhanced electron transferability, photobleaching and photo-blinking effects, high photoluminescent quantum yield, fluorescence property, resistance to photo-decomposition, increased electrocatalytic activity, good aqueous solubility, excellent biocompatibility, long-term chemical stability, cost-effectiveness, negligible toxicity, and acquaintance of large effective surface area-to-volume ratio. CDs can be readily functionalized owing to the abundant functional groups on their surfaces, and they also exhibit remarkable sensing features such as specific, selective, and multiplex detectability. In addition, the physico-chemical characteristics of CDs can be easily tunable based on their intended usage or application. In this comprehensive review article, we mainly discuss the classification of CDs, their ideal properties, their general synthesis approaches, and primary characterization techniques. More importantly, we update the readers about the recent trends of CDs in health care applications (viz., their substantial and prominent role in the area of electrochemical and optical biosensing, bioimaging, drug/gene delivery, as well as in photodynamic/photothermal therapy).

One-step synthesis of nitrogen-doped multi-emission carbon dots and their fluorescent sensing in HClO and cellular imaging

Tunable multicolor carbon dots (CDs) with a quantum yield reach up to 35% were generated directly from rhodamine and urea via one-step hydrothermal approach and purified through silica gel column chromatography. Transmission electron microscopy images reveal that the as-prepared CDs possess a small size distribution below 10 nm with bright blue, green, and yellow color emission, designated as b-CDs, g-CDs, and y-CDs, respectively. The in-depth investigations reveal that the multicolor emission CDs with different fraction displays fluorescence emission wavelength ranges from 398 nm (b-CDs), 525 nm (g-CDs), to 553 nm (y-CDs) which could be well modulated by controlling the amount of heteroatom nitrogen especially amino nitrogen onto their surface structures. Further experiments verify the important role of nitrogen content by using rhodamine solely or substituting urea with sulfur containing compounds as precursors to produce corresponding CDs since the performance is lower than that of urea incorporation. Theoretical calculation results also reveal that the increasing amount of amino nitrogen into their surface structures of b-CDs, g-CDs to y-CDs is responsible for reduced band gaps energy, which result in the redshifted wavelength. Benefiting from the excellent photoluminescence properties, wide pH variation range, high photo stability, and low toxicity, these CDs were employed for HClO sensing at 553 nm within the range 5 to 140 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.27 ± 0.025 μM (n = 3) and multicolor cellular imaging in HeLa cells. Tunable multicolor carbon dots (CDs) were generated directly from rhodamine and urea via one-step hydrothermal approach and purified through silica gel column chromatography. The as-prepared CDs exhibit bright blue, green, and yellow color emission which could be well modulated by controlling the increasing incorporation of heteroatom nitrogen especially amino nitrogen into their surface structures. These CDs were employed for HClO sensing and demonstrated to multicolor cellular imaging in HeLa cells.

Light-Mediated Polymerization Induced by Semiconducting Nanomaterials: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives

Direct capture of solar energy for chemical transformation via photocatalysis proves to be a cost-effective and energy-saving approach to construct organic compounds. With the recent growth in photosynthesis, photopolymerization has been established as a robust strategy for the production of specialty polymers with complex structures, precise molecular weight, and narrow dispersity. A key challenge in photopolymerization is the scarcity of effective photomediators (photoinitiators, photocatalysts, etc.) that can provide polymerization with high yield and well-defined polymer products. Current efforts on developing photomediators have mainly focused on organic dyes and metal complexes. On the other hand, nanomaterials (NMs), particularly semiconducting nanomaterials (SNMs), are suitable candidates for photochemical reactions due to their unique optical and electrical properties, such as high absorption coefficients, large charge diffusion lengths, and broad absorption spectra. This review provides a comprehensive insight into SNMs' photomediated polymerizations and highlights the roles SNMs play in photopolymerizations, types of polymerizations, applications in producing advanced materials, and the future directions.

Carbon dots: synthesis, properties and biomedical applications

Carbon dots (CDs) are a new type of carbon nanomaterial that have unique physical and chemical properties, good biocompatibility, low toxicity, and easy surface functionalization, making them widely used in biological imaging, environmental monitoring, chemical analysis, targeted drug delivery, disease diagnosis, therapy, etc. In this review, our content is mainly divided into four parts. In the first part, we focused on the preparation methods of CDs, including arc discharge, laser ablation, electrochemical oxidation, chemical oxidation, combustion, hydrothermal/solvent thermal, microwave, template, method etc. Next, we summarized methods of CD modification, including heteroatom doping and surface functionalization. Then, we discussed the optical properties of CDs (ultraviolet absorption, photoluminescence, up-conversion fluorescence, etc.). Lastly, we reviewed the common applications of CDs in biomedicine from the aspects of in vivo and in vitro imaging, sensors, drug delivery, cancer theranostics, etc. Furthermore, we also discussed the existing problems and the future development direction of CDs.

A chemiluminescence probe enhanced by cobalt and nitrogen-doped carbon dots for the determination of a nitrosative stress biomarker

A chemiluminometric method is introduced for the determination of the stress biomarker, 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) based on the H₂O₂-NaIO₄ reaction enhanced by cobalt and nitrogen-doped carbon dots (Co,N-CDs). In this chemiluminescence (CL) system, the emission proved to be originated from the excited-state Co,N-CDs (λ_max = 504 nm). Comparing the effect of Co,N-CDs with that of some other metal ion-doped CDs and undoped CDs indicated the high efficiency of Co,N-CDs in the CL amplification (about 1980-fold). This was attributed to the fact that Co,N-CDs, in addition to other functions, could act as catalytic center, to accelerate the decomposition of H₂O₂ and to increase the number of hydroxyl radicals. It was found that 3-NT inhibits the action of Co,N-CDs by an electron transfer process, leading to a decline in the CL intensity of the system. Therefore, a new CL sensing platform was introduced for the assay of 3-NT in the range 5.0 to 300 nM with a detection limit of 1.5 nM. The probe was utilized for the analysis of biological samples.

Photophysical Investigation of a Benzimidazole Derivative and Its Applications in Selective Detection of Fe3+, Thermosensing and Logic Gates

The fluorescence based applications such as chemosensing of Fe³⁺ ion, temperature sensing, NOR-gate molecular logic operations, and fluorescent ink were achieved using an expired medicine namely Pantoprazole (sensor1) which is a derivative of benzimidazole class. The phenomenon of quenching was a basic principle used in sensing Fe³⁺. We found that there was a combined effect of dynamic and static processes in quenching of fluorescence of sensor1. To confirm the selectiveness of sensor1, we performed interference experiments with other metal ions. There was no interference between these metal ions and Fe³⁺. The low LOD value of 1.032 µM suggested that the molecule is highly sensitive towards Fe³⁺. A high quantum yield of 8.087% increased the possibility of using sensor1 for light applications. There was a 2:1 stoichiometric ratio between sensor1 and Fe³⁺. The FTIR data analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups S = O, C-O-C, etc. The average particle size found with the DLS method was 130.5 nm. The zeta potential of -12.7 mV indicated that sensor1 is quite stable in solution form. For logic gate application EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid) and Fe³⁺ were considered as inputs and fluorescence intensity was taken as an output. In thermal sensing application, the high value of activation energy i.e. 908 meV and relative sensitivity of 1.2% ⁰C^-1 affirmed that sensor1 can be used for thermal applications. The sensor1 was also apt for fluorescent ink application. Hence this investigation deduced that sensor1 can be a potential candidate for such applications over other conventional synthesized fluorescent probes.

Synthesis, Characterization and Ecotoxicity Evaluation of Biochar-Derived Carbon Dots from Spruce Tree, Purple Moor-Grass and African Oil Palm

Biochar-derived C-Dots from Picea, Molinia caerulea and Elaeis guineensis were synthesized through a hydrothermal process, and their physicochemical and optical characteristics and environmental effects were compared. These C-Dots were characterized by techniques such as Attenuated Total Reflection–Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Z potential, and High-Resolution Transmission Electronical Microscopy (HR-TEM). The ecotoxicity tests were performed using the Microtox™ test, making this study one of the few that use this method. The C-Dots from Molinia caerulea showed the best quantum yield (QY) of 8.39% and moderate ecotoxicity, while Elaeis guineensis has the lowest QY (2.31%) but with zero toxicity. Furthermore, the C-Dots from Picea presents good optical properties but showed high toxicity and limits its use. Finally, all C-Dots showed functional groups that could be biofunctionalized with biomolecules, especially C-Dots from Molinia caerulea and Elaeis guineensis show potential for use in the development of optical biosensors.

Multifunctional N-Doped Carbon Dots for Bimodal Detection of Bilirubin and Vitamin B12, Living Cell Imaging, and Fluorescent Ink

A N-doped carbon dot (NCD) has been synthesized via a simplistic one-step hydrothermal technique using l-aspartic acid and 3,6-diaminoacridine hydrochloride. The NCDs exhibit a high quantum yield (22.7%) and excellent optical stability in aqueous media. Additionally, NCDs display good solid-state yellowish-green emission and are suitable for security ink applications. The remarkable fluorescence (FL) properties of NCDs are further applied to develop a multifunctional sensor for bilirubin (BR) and vitamin B₁₂ (VB12) via fluorescence quenching. We have systematically studied the FL quenching mechanisms of the two analytes. The primary quenching mechanism of BR is via the Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) pathway facilitated by the H-bonding network between the hydrophilic moieties existing at the surface of BR and NCDs. In contrast, the inner filter effect (IFE) is mainly responsible for the recognition of VB12. The practicability of the nanoprobe NCDs is further tested in real-sample analysis for BR (human serum and urine samples) and VB12 (VB12 tablets, human serum, and energy drink) with a satisfactory outcome. The in vitro competency is also verified in the human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa cell) with negligible cytotoxicity and significant biocompatibility. This result facilitates the application of NCDs for bioimaging and recognition of VB12 in a living organism.

Subcellular imaging and diagnosis of cancer using engineered nanoparticles

The advances in the synthesis of nanoparticles with engineered properties are reported to have profound applications in oncological disease detection via optical and multimodal imaging and therapy. Among various nanoparticle-assisted imaging techniques, engineered fluorescent nanoparticles show great promise from high contrast images and localized therapeutic applications. Of all the fluorescent nanoparticles available, the gold nanoparticles, carbon dots, and upconversion nanoparticles are emerging recently as the most promising candidates for diagnosis, treatment, and cancer monitoring. This review addresses the recent progress in engineering the properties of these emerging nanoparticles and their application for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In addition, the potential of these particles for subcellular imaging is also reviewed here.

Biocompatible sulfur nitrogen co-doped carbon quantum dots for highly sensitive and selective detection of dopamine

In this work, sulfur and nitrogen co-doped carbon quantum dots (S,N-CQDs) were prepared via one-pot hydrothermal treatment of EDTA disodium and sodium sulfide. The prepared S,N-CQDs were characterized by TEM, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectra to characterize their morphology, crystal structure, functional groups, elemental composition, and optical properties. It was found that S and N elements were successfully doped into the CQDs and the morphology was approximately spherical with an average particle size of 2.16 nm, in which the excitation/emission wavelengths were 350 and 420 nm, respectively. Compared with single element doped CQDs, double element doped CQDs have a higher quantum yield and excellent optical stability. Cell experiments showed that S,N-CQDs had good biocompatibility because they had no obvious toxicity on both normal cell lines and cancer cell lines. More importantly, based on the synergy of static quenching and dynamic quenching, the S,N-CQDs were used as effective fluorescent probes for sensitive detection of DA, with high anti-interference and low limit of detection. Based on the good biocompatibility of S,N-CQDs, the detection of dopamine in actual serum samples were carried out and the results showed an excellent recovery rate. Therefore, this work provides a dopamine sensor with a practical application prospect.

Investigation of optical properties for N- and F-doped triangular shaped carbon molecules

Optical properties of N- and F-doping triangular-shaped carbon molecules have been investigated in theory and experiment. The theoretical results showed that carbon molecules with impurity F and Cl have the same characters with pure carbon. Doping N into pure carbon molecule would change the optical rotation at 589 nm. For doping N replacing hydrogen atom structures (N-doping 1 and N-doping 2 molecules), the absorption spectra of them are similar to pure carbon molecule. However, for molecules with impurity N atom in benzene ring (N-doping 3 and N-doping 4 molecules), the peaks of wavelength of absorption spectra shift to long wavelength compared to that of pure carbon molecule. Moreover, the delocalization of molecular orbital (MO) is different from pure carbon molecule, which is caused by the impurity N changing the electrons distribution of benzene ring. We have calculated 3 without H and 4 without H molecules which are removing hydrogen atom in nitrogen atom from N-doping 3 and 4. 3 without H and 4 without H molecules have similar optical properties with pure carbon molecule. The results testified that the impurity N and F would not change the optical properties of carbon molecule if impurity did not change the delocalization of all benzene rings. Optical properties of nitrogen- and fluorine-doping carbon molecules investigating in theory and experiment.

Applications of Carbon Dots (CDs) in Latent Fingerprints Imaging

Carbon dots (CDs), a new member of the carbon-based material family, possess unique properties, such as high fluorescence, non-toxicity, eco-friendliness, stability and cost-effectiveness. These properties helped CDs to receive tremendous attention in various fields, namely, biological, opto-electronic, bio-imaging and energy-related applications. Although CDs are widely explored in bio-imaging and bio-sensing applications, their effectiveness in forensic science and technology is comparatively new. In this review, applications of CDs pertaining to latent FPs recovery since 2015 to 2020 is summarized comprehensively.

Glutathione-decorated fluorescent carbon quantum dots for sensitive and selective detection of levodopa

Levodopa has been a standard drug for treating Parkinson's disease since the 1960s, but it has caused many side effects such as wearing-off, motor fluctuation, and dystonia. In this work, we developed glutathione-conjugated carbon quantum dots (GSH-CQDs) as a novel fluorescent sensor for sensitive and selective detection of levodopa. The GSH-CQDs were prepared by EDC/NHS coupling reaction of glutathione (GSH) with amine-functionalized CQDs (N-CQDs) synthesized using meta-phenylenediamine and ethylenediamine. The synthesized GSH-CQDs emitted bright green fluorescence with a high quantum yield (QY) of 22.42 ± 6.88%. However, upon the addition of levodopa to GSH-CQDs under alkaline conditions, the fluorescence of GSH-CQDs was quenched. Since levodopa is converted to dopaquinone in an alkaline environment, it is presumed that thiol groups of GHS-CQDs form covalent bonds with dopaquinone, causing fluorescence quenching through photoinduced electron transfer. Therefore, as the concentration of levodopa increased, the fluorescence intensity of GSH-CQDs was gradually decreased. Under optimal conditions, a linear response was observed in the range of 0.05-1 μM, and limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 0.057 μM. The GSH-CQDs exhibited high specificity to levodopa over other non-target biological substances, quinone derivatives, and Parkinson's medications. Furthermore, the capability of this GSH-CQDs sensor for monitoring levodopa in human serum were validated with excellent precision and recovery rates of 100.20-103.33%.

Boron, and nitrogen co-doped carbon dots as a multiplexing probe for sensing of p-nitrophenol, Fe (III), and temperature

Boron and nitrogen co-doped carbon dots (B, N-CDs) were fabricated through a simple, one-step hydrothermal reaction of citric acid, boric acid, and tris base. The obtained B, N-CDs exhibit excitation-dependent fluorescence, high quantum yield (QY), biocompatibility, photostability, and aqueous solubility. The QY was substantially increased to 57% by doping boron atoms. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of B, N-CDs was temperature-dependent and decreased linearly from 283 to 333 K. The prepared B, N-CDs were used as a fluorescence probe for the detection ofpara-nitrophenol (p-NP) and Fe (III) ions with low detection limits of 0.17μM and 0.30μM, respectively. Moreover, the presence of p-NP could be further confirmed by a colorimetric assay. The fluorescent probe has been applied to determine p-NP and Fe (III) in a spiked serum sample and spiked water samples (lake and tap water). Moreover, the as-prepared B, N-CDs were of low toxicity and capable of bioimaging.

Doped-carbon dots: Recent advances in their biosensing, bioimaging and therapy applications

As a fascinating class of fluorescent carbon dots (CDs), doped-CDs are now sparked intense research interest, particularly in the diverse fields of biomedical applications due to their unique advantages, including low toxicity, physicochemical, photostability, excellent biocompatibility, and so on. In this review, we have summarized the most recent developments in the literature regarding the employment of doped-CDs for pharmaceutical and medical applications, which are published over approximately the past five years. Accordingly, we discuss the toxicity and optical properties of these nanomaterials. Beyond the presentation of successful examples of the application of these multifunctional nanoparticles in photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and antibacterial activity, we further highlight their application in the cellular labeling, dual imaging, and in vitro and in vivo bioimaging by use of fluorescent-, photoacoustic-, magnetic-, and computed tomography (CT)-imaging. The potency of doped-CDs was also described in the biosensing of ions, small molecules, and drugs in biological samples or inside the cells. Finally, the advantages, disadvantages, and common limitations of doped-CD technologies are reviewed, along with the future prospects in biomedical research. Therefore, this review provides a concise insight into the current developments and challenges in the field of doped-CDs, especially for biological and biomedical researchers.

Applications of natural product-derived carbon dots in cancer biology

Natural products have contributed conspicuously to the development of innovative nanomedicines. Hence, the interface between nanomaterial science and plant natural products may bestow comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for tackling diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. Natural product-derived carbon dots (NPdCDs) have revealed noteworthy attributes in the fields of cancer theranostics, microbial imaging, drug sensing and drug delivery. As plants consist of a cocktail of bioactive phytomolecules, the NPdCDs can be anticipated to have medicinal properties, biocompatibility, photo-stability and easy functionalization. NPdCDs have wide-ranging applications. The primary objective of this review is to comment on recent developments in the use of NPdCDs, with special reference to their application in cancer biology. The future of the use of NPdCDs has also been considered.