Sulfur-doped graphene quantum dots as a novel fluorescent probe for highly selective and sensitive detection of Fe(3+)

Green and Facile Synthesis of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Co-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots towards Fluorescent Ink and Sensing Applications

Fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have held great promise in analytical and environmental fields thanks to their congenitally fascinating virtues. However, low quantum yield (QY) and modest fluorescent stability still restrict their practical applications. In this investigation, a green hydrothermal strategy has been devised to produce water-soluble nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) co-doped CQDs from edible Eleocharis dulcis with multi-heteroatoms. Without any additives and further surface modifications, the resultant CQDs exhibited tunable photoluminescence just by changing hydrothermal temperatures. Appealingly, they showed remarkable excitation-dependent emission, high QY, superior fluorescence stability, and long lifetime. By extending the CQDs solutions as a "fluorescent ink", we found their potential application in the anti-counterfeit field. When further evaluated as a fluorescence sensor, the N/P co-doped CQDs demonstrated a wide-range determination capability in inorganic cations, and especially the remarkable sensitivity and selectivity for elemental Fe3+. More significantly, the green methodology we developed here can be readily generalized for scalable production of high-quality CQDs with tunable emission for versatile applications.

Red fluorescent carbon dots with phenylboronic acid tags for quick detection of Fe(III) in PC12 cells

Carbon dots have attracted considerable attention in the field of biosensors and bioimaging because of their excellent optical performance and low toxicity. However, the cellular uptake of the reported carbon dots generally has a low efficiency, which limits their practical applications. In this study, we reported a novel red fluorescent sulfur and nitrogen co-doped carbon dots with small molecular phenylboronic acid tags (i.e. S, N-CDs-PBA). The S, N-CDs-PBA can be taken up rapidly by PC12 cells in twenty minutes and showed high sensitivity for the detection of Fe³⁺ ions. The maximum emission wavelength is at 593 nm under the excitation of 550 nm. The absolute fluorescence quantum yield is 23% in water. The fluorescence can be effectively and selectively quenched by Fe³⁺ ions and the linear response range of Fe³⁺ ions was obtained from 0.3 µM to 5.0 µM with a detection limit as low as 0.1 µM. It could be concluded that the rapid uptake of S, N-CDs-PBA into cells and high photoluminescence quantum yield of red emission are beneficial for quick detection of Fe³⁺ ions.

Electrochemically prepared oxygen and sulfur co-doped graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots for fluorescence determination of copper and silver ions and biothiols

Although great advances have been achieved in synthesis of fluorescent graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g-C₃N₄-dots), it is still challenging to develop g-C₃N₄-dots with high fluorescence quantum yield (FLQY) and multiple sensing functionalities. Herein, the oxygen and sulfur co-doped graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (OS-g-C₃N₄-dots) with high FLQY of 33.9% were firstly synthesized by a simple electrochemical "tailoring" process. It was found that OS-g-C₃N₄-dots could specifically bind copper ions (Cu²⁺) and silver ions (Ag⁺), accompanied with a dramatic "turn-off" fluorescence response. With the help of different masking agents, OS-g-C₃N₄-dots are able to selectively detect Cu²⁺ and Ag⁺. Furthermore, the generated OS-g-C₃N₄-dots/Ag⁺ displayed a "turn-on" fluorescent response specific to biothiols (HCy, Cys and GSH). Therefore, the multiple functional sensing platforms based on "ON-OFF-ON" fluorescence response of OS-g-C₃N₄-dots for the detection of Cu²⁺, Ag⁺ and biothiols were constructed. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limits of Cu²⁺, Ag⁺, HCy, Cys and GSH were as low as 7.0 × 10^-10 M, 2.0 × 10^-9 M, 1.0 × 10^-8 M, 1.0 × 10^-8 M and 8.4 × 10^-9 M, respectively. Moreover, the prepared platforms could be successfully applied to the determination of Cu²⁺, Ag⁺ and biothiols in practical samples and exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity.

White Light-Emitting Multistimuli-Responsive Hydrogels with Lanthanides and Carbon Dots

Polymers that confer changes in optical properties in response to chemical or mechanical cues offer diverse sensing applications, particularly if this stimuli response is accessible in humid or aqueous environments. In this study, luminescent hydrogels were fabricated using a facile aqueous process by incorporating lanthanide ions and carbon dots (CD) into a network of polyacrylamide and poly(acrylic acid). White luminescence was obtained by tuning the balance of blue-light-emitting CD to green- and red-light-emitting lanthanide ions. Exploiting the combined specific sensitivities of the different emitters, the luminescent hydrogel showed chromic responsiveness to multiple stimuli, including pH, organic vapors, transition-metal ions, and temperature. The white-light-emitting hydrogel was also stretchable with a fracture strain of 400%. We envision this photoluminescent hydrogel to be a versatile and multifunctional material for chemical and environmental sensing.

A novel electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer system of luminol-graphene quantum dot composite and its application in H2O2 detection

Luminol-nitrogen doped graphene quantum dot (luminol-NGQDs) nanocomposite was synthesized and a novel electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) process occurred between luminol as the donor and NGQDs as the acceptor in the composite. This ECL-RET effect helped luminol-NGQDs composite produced an anodic ECL signal without coreactants. The ECL-RET mechanism was also studied based on the fluorescence spectra, the ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra and the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) spectra. Based on the significant sensitization effect of hydrogen peroxide on luminol-NGQDs ECL signal, an ECL method for the sensitive determination of hydrogen peroxide was established and then applied to the detection of hydrogen peroxide in water samples.

Facile preparation and characterization of new green emitting carbon dots for sensitive and selective off/on detection of Fe3+ ion and ascorbic acid in water and urine samples and intracellular imaging in living cells

Carbon dots (CDs) have gained great attention as multifunctional materials because of their interesting properties and general applicability. However, there are some reports for the preparation of highly luminescent green-emitting CDs (G-CDs), although these reports seem not to be extensible. Herein, new G-CDs (quantum yield: 27.2%) were synthesized from a facile hydrothermal treatment of p-aminosalicylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as both carbon and nitrogen source and cross-linking agent, respectively. The chemical composition and optical properties of the as-prepared G-CDs were successfully investigated using transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence and UV-vis spectroscopies. Interestingly, the fluorescence intensity of G-CDs was selectivity quenched by Fe³⁺ in the range of 0.05-10.0 µmol L-¹, with a detection limit of 13.7 nmol L-¹. Meanwhile, ascorbic acid found to reduce Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺, thereby causing restoration of the fluorescence of G-CDs. The detection limit for ascorbic acid detection was estimated as 82.0 nmol L-¹ over a linear range from 0.2 to 11.0 µmol L-¹. Furthermore, the designed sensing platform was successfully utilized to the detection of Fe³⁺ and ascorbic acid in water and urine samples and to intracellular imaging without surface modification.

Fluorescent TPA@GQDs Probe for Sensitive Assay and Quantitative Imaging of Hydroxyl Radicals in Living Cells

A fluorescent probe TPA@GQDs is fabricated by the conjugation of terephthalic acid (TPA) on the surface of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The TPA@GQDs probe not only has favorable dispersibility but also exhibits excellent fluorescence stability over a wide pH range and high ionic strength and favorable antiphotobleaching ability. The great fluorescence enhancement of TPA@GQDs induced by the reaction between TPA and hydroxyl radicals makes the TPA@GQDs a powerful probe for the sensitive assay of hydroxyl radicals, giving rise to a low detection limit down to 12 nmol L^-1. Meanwhile, the obtained fluorescent TPA@GQDs probe shows low cytotoxicity and favorable biocompatibility. Its potential in bioimaging is demonstrated by the quantitative fluorescent imaging of hydroxyl radicals in living HeLa cells under different circumstances, which enables the opportunities to study hydroxyl radicals dynamics in living cells.

Facile and Highly Effective Synthesis of Controllable Lattice Sulfur-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots via Hydrothermal Treatment of Durian

Recently, the biomass "bottom-up" approach for the synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) has attracted broad interest because of the outstanding features, including low-cost, rapid, and environmentally friendly nature. However, the low crystalline quality of products, substitutional doping with heteroatoms in lattice, and ambiguous reaction mechanism strongly challenge the further development of this technique. Herein, we proposed a facile and effective strategy to prepare controllable sulfur (S) doping in GQDs, occurring in a lattice substitution manner, by hydrothermal treatment of durian with platinum catalyst. S atoms in GQDs are demonstrated to exist in the thiophene structure, resulting in good optical and chemical stabilities, as well as ultrahigh quantum yield. Detailed mechanism of the hydrothermal reaction progress was investigated. High-efficiency reforming cyclization provided by platinum was evidenced by the coexistence of diversified sp²-fused heterocyclic compounds and thiophene derivatives. Moreover, we also demonstrated that saccharides in durian with small molecular weight (<1000 Da) is the main carbon source for the forming GQDs. Because of the desulfurizing process, controllable photoluminescence properties could be achieved in the as-prepared GQDs via tuning doping concentrations.

Carbon quantum dot-based fluorometric nitrite assay by exploiting the oxidation of iron(II) to iron(III)

The authors describe a simple and economical fluorescence method for the determination of nitrite by utilizing the fact that nitrite possesses strong oxidation in acidic solution and is capable to transform iron(II) into iron(III) ions. The latter quenches the fluorescence of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) based on the fluorescence static and dynamic quenching effect. The optimum reaction conditions and other analytical parameters are investigated to enhance the sensitivity of the method. At the excitation wavelength of 360 nm, this probe has a linear response in the 10 to 400 μM nitrite concentration range, with a correlation coefficient of R² = 0.9958 (n = 3) and a detection limit of 0.48 μM. This method was successfully applied to the determination of nitrite in three different sausage samples and gave recoveries in the range between 101.8 to 103.0%, demonstrating the accuracy, reliability and potential application of this assay for monitoring nitrite. Graphical Abstract The carbon quantum dot/iron(II) ions system was used for the fluorometric detection of nitrite in food and environmental water. This probe exploits the oxidizing property of nitrite in acidic solution. Iron(II) is oxidized to iron(III) which exerts a strong fluorescence quenching effect.

A new three-dimensional bis(benzimidazole)-based cadmium(II) coordination polymer

A new coordination polymer (CP), formulated as [Cd(L)(DCTP)]_n (1) (L=1,1'-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(2-methylbenzimidazole), H₂DCTP=2,5-dichloroterephthalic acid), was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and the performance as luminescent probe was also investigated. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals CP 1 is a 3D 3-fold interpenetrated dia network with large well-defined pores. It is found that CP 1 revealed highly sensitive luminescence sensing for Fe³⁺ ions in acetonitrile solution with a high quenching efficiency of K_SV=2541.238L·mol^-1 and a low detection limit of 3.2μM (S/N=3). Moreover, the photocatalytic efficiency of 1 for degradation of methylene blue could reach 82.8% after 135min. Therefore, this coordination polymer could be viewed as multifunctional material for selectively sensing Fe³⁺ ions and effectively degrading dyes.

Cu2+ modulated nitrogen-doped grapheme quantum dots as a turn-off/on fluorescence sensor for the selective detection of histidine in biological fluid

A highly sensitive sensor for detection of histidine (His) based on the nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs)-Cu²⁺ system has been designed. The N-GQDs were synthesized by one-step hydrothermal approach according to previous report. The fluorescence of N-GQDs can be effectively quenched by Cu²⁺ due to the binding between Cu²⁺ and functional groups on the surface of N-GQDs. The high affinity of His to Cu²⁺ enables Cu²⁺ to be dissociated from the surface of N-GQDs and recovering the fluorescence. The sensor displayed a sensitive response to His in the concentration range of 0-35μmolL^-1, with a detection limit of 72.2nmolL^-1. The proposed method is successfully applied to detect His in samples with a recovery range of 96-102%.

Electrochemical Cutting in Weak Aqueous Electrolytes: The Strategy for Efficient and Controllable Preparation of Graphene Quantum Dots

The controllable and efficient electrochemical preparation of highly crystalline graphene quantum dots (GQDs) in an aqueous system is still challenging. Here, we developed a weak electrolyte-based (typically an ammonia solution) electrochemical method to enhance the oxidation and cutting process and therefore achieve a high yield of GQDs. The yield of GQDs (3-8 nm) is 28%, approximately 28 times higher than the yield of GQDs prepared by other strong electrolytes. The whole preparation process can be accomplished within 2 h because of the effective free radical oxidation process and the suppressed intercalation-induced exfoliation in weakly ionized aqueous electrolytes. The GQDs also showed excellent crystallinity which is obviously better than the crystallinity of GQDs obtained via bottom-up approaches. Moreover, amino-functionalization of GQDs can be realized by manipulating the electrolyte concentration. We further demonstrate that the proposed method can also be expanded to other weak electrolytes (such as HF and H₂S) and different anode precursor materials (such as graphene/graphite papers, carbon fibers, and carbon nanotubes).

Tuning the optical properties of graphene quantum dots for biosensing and bioimaging

This review highlights new insights into the various strategies used to tune the optical features of graphene quantum dots, and their use as attractive and powerful probes for bio-sensing/imaging.

A double fluorescent nanoprobe based on phosphorus/nitrogen co-doped carbon dots for detecting dichromate ions and dopamine

An “on–off–on” fluorescent phosphorus/nitrogen co-doped carbon dot (PNCD) probe was explored for the determination of Cr(vi) and dopamine resulting from the inner filter effect (IFE). The blue-emitting carbon dots with high quantum yields of 25.47% as well as a narrow size distribution were synthesized by a rapid, convenient route using H₃PO₄ and ethylenediamine as the precursors without any surface passivation. A wide linear region in the range of 7–70 μM with a detection limit of 0.71 μM was achieved for Cr(vi). Moreover, the proper reductants can weaken the inner filter effect to recover the PNCD fluorescence by converting Cr(vi) into Cr(iii). Therefore, the PNCDs/Cr(vi) hybrid could also be used as an “off–on” fluorescent probe for detecting dopamine (DA) with a detection limit of 0.49 μM. Consequently, the PNCDs could serve as a powerful fluorescent bi-sensor for detection of both Cr(vi) and DA in practical applications.

An “on–off–on” fluorescent phosphorus/nitrogen co-doped carbon dot (PNCD) probe was explored for the determination of Cr(vi) and dopamine resulting from the inner filter effect (IFE).

A novel fluorescent sensor for water in organic solvents based on dynamic quenching of carbon quantum dots

A novel fluorescent sensor for water in organic solvents was proposed based on dynamic quenching of carbon quantum dots.

The chemical redox modulated switch-on fluorescence of carbon dots for probing alkaline phosphatase and its application in an immunoassay

The chemical redox modulated switch-on fluorescence of carbon dots for detecting ALP and human IgG.

Novel carbon quantum dots for fluorescent detection of phenol and insights into the mechanism

Phenol is considered as one of the most important pollutants in the water environment, and thus its detection plays a cardinal role in environmental assessment and treatment.

Theoretical study on the optical and electronic properties of graphene quantum dots doped with heteroatoms

By the TD-DFT approach, we demonstrate that heteroatoms can assist charge transfer and alter the distribution of electron densities in doped-GQDs.

Bright-blue-emission nitrogen and phosphorus-doped carbon quantum dots as a promising nanoprobe for detection of Cr(vi) and ascorbic acid in pure aqueous solution and in living cells

Efficient synthesis of N,P-CQDs via a one-step hydrothermal method with a high quantum yield for potential applications in turn-off and turn-on detections of Cr(vi) and AA in vitro in living cells.

Fluorimetric and colorimetric analysis of total iron ions in blood or tap water using nitrogen-doped carbon dots with tunable fluorescence

Nitrogen-doped Cdots were fabricated with tunable blue-green fluorescence and changing of color for fluorimetric and colorimetric assays for total iron.

Construction and comparison of BSA-stabilized functionalized GQD composite fluorescent probes for selective trypsin detection

BSA-stabilized amino-functionalized GQDs are the best sensors for trypsin with a low limit of detection.

GSH-doped GQDs using citric acid rich-lime oil extract for highly selective and sensitive determination and discrimination of Fe3+ and Fe2+ in the presence of H2O2 by a fluorescence “turn-off” sensor

Synthesis and characterization of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) simultaneously doped with 1% glutathione (GSH-GQDs) by pyrolysis using citric acid rich-lime oil extract as a starting material. The excitation wavelength (λ_max = 337 nm) of the obtained GSH-GQD solution is blue shifted from that of bare GQDs (λ_max = 345 nm), with the same emission wavelength (λ_max = 430 nm) indicating differences in the desired N and S matrices decorating the carbon based nanoparticles, without any background effect of both ionic strength and masking agent. For highly Fe³⁺-sensitive detection under optimum conditions, acetate buffer at pH 4.0 in the presence of 50 μM H₂O₂, the linearity range was 1.0–150 μM (R² = 0.9984), giving its calibration curve: y = 34.934x + 169.61. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.10 and 0.34 μM, respectively. The method’s precisions expressed in terms of RSDs for repeatability (n = 3 × 3 for intra-day analysis) were 2.03 and 3.17% and for reproducibility (n = 5 × 3 for inter-day analysis) were 3.11 and 4.55% for Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺, respectively. The recoveries of the method expressed as the mean percentage (n = 3) were found in the ranges of 100.1–104.1 and 98.08–102.7% for Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺, respectively. The proposed method was then implemented satisfactorily for trace determination of iron speciation in drinking water.

Synthesis and characterization of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) simultaneously doped with 1% glutathione (GSH-GQDs) by pyrolysis using citric acid rich-lime oil extract as a starting material.

Green synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots from Borassus flabellifer flowers for label-free highly selective and sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions

Fluorescent carbon dots were derived from Borassus flabellifer flowers by thermal pyrolysis method and used for label-free highly selective and sensitive detection of Fe³⁺ ions.

An ion quencher operated lamp for multiplexed fluorescent bioassays

A novel and adjustable lamp based on competitive interaction among dsDNA-SYBR Green I (SGI), ion quencher, and analyte was designed for bioanalysis. The "filament" and switch of the lamp could be customized by employing different dsDNA and ion quencher. The poly(AT/TA) dsDNA was successfully screened as the most effective filament of the lamp. Two common ions, Hg²⁺ and Fe³⁺, were selected as the model switch, and the corresponding ligand molecules cysteine (Cys) and pyrophosphate ions (PPi) were selected as the targets. When the fluorescence-quenched dsDNA/SGI-ion complex was introduced into a target-containing system, ions could be bound by competitive molecules and separate from the complex, thereby lighting the lamp. However, no light was observed if the biomolecule could not snatch the metal ions from the complex. Under the optimal conditions, sensitive and selective detection of Cys and PPi was achieved by the lamp, with practical applications in fetal bovine serum and human urine. This ion quencher regulated lamp for fluorescent bioassays is simple in design, fast in operation, and is more convenient than other methods. Significantly, as many molecules could form stable complexes with metal ions selectively, this ion quencher operated lamp has potential for the detection of a wide spectrum of analytes. Graphical abstract A novel and adjustable lamp on the basis of competitive interaction among dsDNA-SYBR Green I, ions quencher and analyte was designed for bioanalysis. The filament and switch of lamp could be customized by employing different dsDNA and ions quencher.

Functionalized Eu(III)-Based Nanoscale Metal-Organic Framework To Achieve Near-IR-Triggered and -Targeted Two-Photon Absorption Photodynamic Therapy

The postsynthetic-modified nanoscale metal-organic framework (NMOF) probes selected as potential drug delivery platforms and photodynamic therapy agents to fulfill the effective and safe treatment of neoplastic diseases have attracted increasing attention recently. Herein, a Eu(III)-based NMOF probe elaborately postsynthetically modified with a β-diketonate two-photon-absorbing (TPA) ligand is rationally designed and further functionalized by assembling the photosensitizer molecule (methylene blue, MB) in the pores and a cyclic peptide targeting motif on the surface of the NMOF, which could achieve highly efficient near-infrared (NIR)-triggered and -targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT). On the basis of the luminescence resonance energy transfer process between the NMOF donor and the photosensitizer MB acceptor, the probe can achieve a high tissue-penetrable TPA-PDT effect. Thus, the NMOFs in this study play the role of not only the nanocontainer for the photosensitizer but also the energy-transfer donor. Studies in vitro show enhanced cellular uptake and satisfactory PDT effectiveness toward cancer cells compared to the free photosensitizer MB. It is highly expected that this study contributes to the development of smart luminescent diagnostic and therapeutic probes.

Rapid, Acid-Free Synthesis of High-Quality Graphene Quantum Dots for Aggregation Induced Sensing of Metal Ions and Bioimaging

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are zero-dimensional materials that exhibit characteristics of both graphene and quantum dots. Herein, we report a rapid, relatively green, one-pot synthesis of size-tunable GQDs from graphene oxide (GO) by a sonochemical method with intermittent microwave heating, keeping the reaction temperature constant at 90 °C. The GQDs were synthesized by oxidative cutting of GO using KMnO₄ as an oxidizing agent within a short span of time (30 min) in an acid-free condition. The synthesized GQDs were of high quality and exhibited good quantum yield (23.8%), high product yield (>75%), and lower cytotoxicity (tested up to 1000 μg/mL). Furthermore, the as-synthesized GQDs were demonstrated as excellent fluorescent probes for bioimaging and label-free sensing of Fe(III) ions, with a detection limit as low as 10 × 10^-6 M.

Facile synthesis of N-rich carbon quantum dots from porphyrins as efficient probes for bioimaging and biosensing in living cells

N-rich metal-free and metal-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have been prepared through one-step hydrothermal method using tetraphenylporphyrin or its transition metal (Pd or Pt) complex as precursor. The structures and morphology of the as-prepared nanoparticles were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Three kinds of nanocomposites show similar structures except for the presence of metal ions in Pd-CQDs and Pt-CQDs indicated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. All of them display bright blue emission upon exposure to ultraviolet irradiation. The CQDs exhibit typical excitation-dependent emission behavior, with the emission quantum yield of 10.1%, 17.8%, and 15.2% for CQDs, Pd-CQDs, and Pt-CQDs, respectively. Moreover, the CQDs, Pd-CQDs, and Pt-CQDs could serve as fluorescent probes for the specific and sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions in aqueous solution. The low cytotoxicity of CQDs is demonstrated by MTT assay against HeLa cells. Therefore, the CQDs can be used as efficient probes for cellular multicolor imaging and fluorescence sensors for the detection of Fe3+ ions due to their low toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, and low detection limits. This work provides a new route to synthesize highly luminescent N-rich metal-free or metal-doped CQDs for multifunctional applications.

Tumor Cell-Specific Nuclear Targeting of Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots In Vivo

Specific targeting of tumor tissues is essential for tumor imaging and therapeutics but remains challenging. Here, we report an unprecedented method using synthetic sulfonic-graphene quantum dots (sulfonic-GQDs) to exactly target the cancer cell nuclei in vivo without any bio- ligand modification, with no intervention in cells of normal tissues. The key factor for such selectivity is the high interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) in tumor tissues, which allows the penetration of sulfonic-GQDs into the plasma membrane of tumor cells. In vitro, the sulfonic-GQDs are repelled out of the cell membrane because of the repulsive force between negatively charged sulfonic-GQDs and the cell membranes which contributes to the low distribution in normal tissues in vivo. However, the plasma membrane-crossing process can be activated by incubating cells in ultrathin film culture medium because of the attachment of sulfonic-GQDs on cell memebranes. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that, once transported across the plasma membrane, the negatively charged functional groups of these GQDs will leave the membrane with a self-cleaning function retaining a small enough size to achieve penetration through the nuclear membrane into the nucleus. Our study showed that IFP is a previously unrecognized mechanism for specific targeting of tumor cell nuclei and suggested that sulfonic-GQDs may be developed into novel tools for tumor-specific imaging and therapeutics.

53% Efficient Red Emissive Carbon Quantum Dots for High Color Rendering and Stable Warm White-Light-Emitting Diodes

Red emissive carbon quantum dots (R-CQDs) with quantum yield of 53% is successfully prepared. An ultraviolet (UV)-pumped CQD phosphors-based warm white light-emitting diode (WLED) is realized for the first time and achieves a color rendering index of 97. This work provides a new avenue for the exploration of low cost, environment-friendly, and high-performance CQD phosphors-based warm WLEDs.

Facile and large-scale synthesis of green-emitting carbon nanodots from aspartame and the applications for ferric ions sensing and cell imaging

A facile, economical and green strategy to prepare green-fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (N-CDs) with a quantum yield (QY) of approximately 31.91% has been built up, while aspartame was employed as the carbon-nitrogen source for the first time. The prepared N-CDs exhibited ultrahigh brightness, favorable strong photostability and negligible cytotoxicity. The outstanding optical properties are mainly derived from the their robost composition and steric distribution of the doped nitrogen atoms, which have been characterized detailedly. The obtained N-CDs showed highly selective and sensitive response toward ferric ions (Fe³⁺) through a fluorescence static quenching process in a wide linear range of 0.005-60µmol/L. The detection limit was as low as 1.43nmol/L, allowing the analysis of Fe³⁺ in a very simple method. The excitation-dependent luminescent behavior of the obtained N-CDs guaranteed the multicolor emissive property when they were used in cell imaging. And the application for intracellular Fe³⁺ sensing further verified this novel N-CDs may open more opportunities in biosensor, bioimaging and biological assay.

Green synthesis of carbon dots originated from Lycii Fructus for effective fluorescent sensing of ferric ion and multicolor cell imaging

Green, economical and effective method was developed for synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots (CDs), using one-pot hydrothermal treatment of Lycii Fructus. Optical and structural properties of the CDs have been extensively studied by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopic, x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution TEM (HRTEM). Surface functionality and composition of CDs has been illustrated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra and elemental analysis. The fabricated CDs possess stable fluorescent properties. The fluorescent quantum yield of the CDs can reach 17.2%. The prepared CDs emitted a broad fluorescence between 415 and 545nm and their fluorescence was tuned by changing excitation wavelength. Meanwhile, the fluorescence intensity of the CDs could be significantly quenched by Fe³⁺ (turn-off). The CDs exhibit captivating sensitivity and selectivity toward Fe³⁺ with a linear range from 0 to 30μM and a detection limit of 21nM. The prepared CDs were successfully applied to the determination of Fe³⁺ in the urine samples, the water samples from the from the Yellow River and living HeLa (Henrietta Lacks) cells. Moreover, the low-toxicity and excellent biocompatibility of the CDs were evaluated through MTT assay on HeLa cells. The CDs were also employed as fluorescent probes for multicolor imaging of HeLa cells successfully.

Sulfur-Doped Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots as Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Generation in the Aqueous Phase

Sulfur-doped graphene oxide quantum dots (S-GOQDs) were synthesized and investigated for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation application. The UV/Vis, FTIR, and photoluminescence spectra of the synthesized S-GOQDs exhibit three absorption bands at 333, 395, and 524 nm, characteristic of C=S and C-S stretching vibration signals at 1075 and 690 cm^-1 , and two excitation-wavelength-independent emission signals with maxima at 451 and 520 nm, respectively, confirming the successful doping of S atom into the GOQDs. Electronic structural analysis suggested that the S-GOQDs exhibit conduction band minimum (CBM) and valence band maximum (VBM) levels suitable for water splitting. Under direct sunlight irradiation, an initial rate of 18 166 μmol h^-1  g^-1 in pure water and 30 519 μmol h^-1  g^-1 in 80 % ethanol aqueous solution were obtained. Therefore, metal-free and inexpensive S-GOQDs hold great potential in the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly photocatalysts for efficient hydrogen generation from water splitting.

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer aptasensor between nanoceria and graphene quantum dots for the determination of ochratoxin A

In the present work, colloidal cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were firstly synthesized by sol-gel method and pyrolysis respectively, which all have a uniform nano-size and significant fluorescence emission. Due to the fluorescence emission spectrum of nanoceria overlapped the absorption spectrum of GQDs, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between nanoceria and GQDs could occur effectively by the electrostatic interaction. Based on it, a sensitive ratiometric fluorescence aptasensor for the determination of ochratoxin A (OTA), a small molecular mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium strains, has been successfully constructed. In which, probe DNA1@nanoceria and DNA2@GQD were designed to complementary with OTA aptamer, both could adsorb each other, leading to the occur of FRET. After adding of OTA aptamer and then introducing of OTA, the FRET would be interrupted/recovered due to the specific affinity of OTA and its aptamer, the fluorescence recovery value would increase with the addition of OTA. Under the optimal experimental conditions (pH 7, m_{GQD/nanoceria} 2, c_aptamer 100 nM, incubation time 30 min), the constructed ratiometric fluorescence aptasensor exhibited a satisfying linear range (0.01-20 ng mL^-1), low limit of detection (2.5 pg mL^-1) and good selectivity towards OTA, and has been successfully applied for the analysis of real sample peanuts with good accuracy of the recoveries ranged from 90 to 110%.

A redox-modulated fluorescent strategy for the highly sensitive detection of metabolites by using graphene quantum dots

In this paper, a redox-modulated fluorescent strategy based on the transformation of Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ couple and enzymatic reaction for rapid monitoring glucose and uric acid using graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as fluorescent probe was developed. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) can be produced by the enzymatic reaction of a series of metabolites, such as glucose and uric acid. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, Fe²⁺ can be oxidized and converted to Fe³⁺, which have a significant quenching difference in the fluorescence of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Thus, a sensitive and label-free biosensor for the detection of uric acid and glucose was developed. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the fluorescence intensity was linearly correlated with the concentration of uric acid and glucose in the range of 0.1-45 μmolL^-1 and 0.1-30 μmolL^-1 with a detection limit of 0.026 μmolL^-1and 0.021 μmolL^-1, respectively. The proposed method was applied to the determination of uric acid and glucose in human serum samples with satisfactory results, which had potential application to detect metabolites associated with H₂O₂ release.

Exceptionally High Payload of the IR780 Iodide on Folic Acid-Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots for Targeted Photothermal Therapy

The IR780 iodide (IR780) is recognized as an effective theranostic agent for simultaneous near-infrared fluorescence imaging and photothermal therapy (PTT). However, the rigid chloro-cyclohexenyl ring makes IR780 insoluble in almost all pharmaceutically acceptable solvents, which inevitably limits its clinical application. We report folic acid (FA)-functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs-FA) containing a large and intact sp² domain with carboxyl groups around the edge. Such GQDs-FA possess exceptionally high loading capacity for IR780 via strong π-π stacking interactions, and the water solubility of IR780 is improved by over 2400-fold after loading onto GQDs-FA (IR780/GQDs-FA). IR780/GQDs-FA with an improved photostability, an enhanced tumor-targeting ability, and a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 87.9% were capable of producing sufficient hyperthermia to effectively kill cancer cells and completely eradicate tumors upon 808 nm laser irradiation. The present IR780/GQDs-FA may open up great opportunities for the effective PTT to treat cancer.

Onion derived carbon nanodots for live cell imaging and accelerated skin wound healing

Nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorous co-doped water-soluble carbon nanodots are synthesized from culinary waste onion peel powder (OPP) by a short microwave treatment. Onion Derived Carbon Nano Dots (OCND) that comprised hydrophilic group-decorated amorphous nano-dots exhibited bright, stable fluorescence at an excitation of 450 nm and emission wavelength at 520 nm along with a free radical scavenging property. The OCND exhibited excellent stability at different pH and UV exposure. Although extracted polyphenols degraded in the extract, interestingly it was shown to be cytocompatible and blood compatible as observed during cytotoxicity, fluorescence imaging of the cell and a hemolysis study. The present work not only focuses on the synthesis of OCND from the OPP extract but also provides an interesting fact that, even after the degradation of polyphenols in the extract, they are non-toxic to human cells (HFF & MG63) and RBCs. Moreover, OCND had no adverse effect on the migration rate of Human Foreskin-derived Fibroblasts (HFFs) as observed from a scratch assay. In addition to accelerating the migration rate of fibroblasts, the OCND altered intra- and extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by enhancing the antioxidant mechanism of a fibroblast under oxidative stress. Further, OCND was observed to accelerate wound healing in a full thickness (FT) wound in a rat model for topical application, which can be attributed to its radical scavenging potential. In summary, this study leads to a new type of OCND synthesis route, which is inherently co-doped with phosphorous, sulfur and nitrogen and holds a great promise for a myriad of biological applications, including bio-imaging, free radical scavenging and wound healing.