Sustainable preparation of luminescent carbon dots from syringe waste and hyaluronic acid for cellular imaging and antimicrobial applications

Sustainable valorization of waste plastic into nanostructured materials for environmental, energy, catalytic and biomedical applications: A review

The extensive production and utilization of plastic products are inevitable in the current scenario. However, the non-degradable nature of waste plastic generated after use poses a grave concern. Comprehensive efforts are being made to find viable technological solutions to manage the escalating challenge of waste plastic. This review focuses on the progress made in transformation of waste plastic into value-added nanomaterials. An overview is provided of the waste plastic issue on a global level and its ecological impacts. Currently established methodologies for waste plastic management are examined, along with their limitations. Subsequently, state-of-the-art techniques for converting waste plastic into nanostructured materials are presented, with a critical evaluation of their distinct merits and demerits. Several demonstrated technologies and case studies are discussed regarding the utilization of these nanomaterials in diverse applications, including environmental remediation, energy production and storage, catalytic processes, sensors, drug delivery, bioimaging, regenerative medicine and advanced packaging materials. Moreover, challenges and prospects in the commercial level production of waste plastic-derived nanomaterials and their adoption for industrial and practical usage are highlighted. Overall, this work underscores the potential of transforming waste plastic into nanostructured materials for multifaceted applications. The valorization approach presented here offers an integration of waste plastic management and sustainable nanotechnology. The development of such technologies should pave the way toward a circular economy and the attainment of sustainable development goals.

Recent advances in waste-derived carbon dots and their nanocomposites for environmental remediation and biological applications

The surging demand for eco-friendly nanomaterial synthesis has spurred the emergence of green approaches for synthesizing carbon dots (CDs). These methods utilized natural carbon sources, such as different kind of waste for CDs synthesis, underscoring their significance in waste management and circular economy initiatives. Furthermore, the properties of CDs can be tailored by their functionalization with different materials, enabling their versatile utilization in diverse scientific domains. In this regard, the current study delves into an in-depth review of recent advances in the green/sustainable fabrication of carbon dots nanocomposites (CDNCs) with metal/metal oxides and polymers within the timeframe of 2019-2023. It begins by categorizing different types of CDs, analyzing their associated nanocomposites with mechanistic insights. The primary focus is on green synthesis methods, particularly those that employ waste materials. Furthermore, we also discussed the applications of these CDs in both environmental and biological fields by covering areas such as catalysis, photocatalysis, heavy metal ion sensing, antimicrobial, and bioimaging with in-depth underlying mechanisms. At last, the review highlights the significant challenges with future directions. These include the pursuit of cost-effective green precursors, the advancement of streamlined one-step synthesis techniques, and their efficient utilization for diverse applications. Therefore, this review provides valuable insights for researchers seeking to enhance the functionality and sustainability of CDNCs by highlighting their potential to address environmental and biological challenges.

Exploring antimicrobial and biocompatible applications of eco-friendly fluorescent carbon dots derived from fast-food packaging waste transformation

In the face of escalating environmental concerns, particularly the pervasive issue of non-biodegradable fast-food packaging waste, this study introduces a ground-breaking solution that not only addresses waste management but also advances biomedical technology. Utilizing the underexploited resource of Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae, we have innovatively transformed fast-food packaging waste into eco-friendly fluorescent carbon dots (FPCDs). These FPCDs were meticulously characterized through advanced techniques like FT-IR, TEM, and XRD, shedding light on their unique structure, morphology, and composition. A significant discovery of this study is the potent antimicrobial properties of these FPCDs, which demonstrate remarkable effectiveness against specific bacterial and fungal strains. This opens new avenues in the realm of biomedical applications, including imaging, drug delivery, and biosensing. Furthermore, extensive toxicity assessments, including the Brine shrimp lethality assay and Adult Artemia toxicity tests, underscore the safety of these nanoparticles, bolstering their applicability in sensitive medical scenarios. Our research presents a compelling dual approach, ingeniously tackling environmental sustainability issues by repurposing waste while simultaneously creating valuable materials for biomedical use. This dual benefit underscores the transformative potential of our approach, setting a precedent in both waste management and medical innovation.