Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) Prepared from Waste Biomass as a New Class of Biomaterials with Luminescent Properties
Abstract
Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) are objects with a size less than 10 nm that have the ability to emit radiation in the visible range from
blue to red depending on the excitation radiation used. Quantum dots are used in in vitro bioimaging of cell structures or creation of
biosensors. In contrast to classic nanodots, which are obtained from simple sulphides, selenides or metal tellurides, carbon quantum
dots are constructed from a non-toxic, biocompatible carbon core, thanks to which it is possible to apply quantum carbon dots in
bio-imaging in-vitro or in-vivo biological structures with minimal cytotoxic effect on cells.
The aim of the research was to obtain carbon nanodots capable of emitting fluorescence using lignin from waste biomass. The CQDs
were functionalized with amino-acids. The result of the work was to obtain a series of CQDs with advanced luminescence properties
using hydrothermal and microwave assisted methods. Ready products were investigated over their cytotoxicity.
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