Abstract
Carbon dots (or carbon quantum dots) are small (less than 10 nm) and luminescent carbon nanoparticles with some form of surface passivation. As an emerging class of nanomaterials, carbon dots have found wide applications in medicine, bioimaging, sensing, electronic devices, and catalysis. In this review, we focus on the recent advancements of carbon dots for sensing and killing microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Synthesis, functionalization, and a toxicity profile of these carbon dots are presented. We also discuss the underlying mechanisms of carbon dot-based sensing and killing of microorganisms.
Highlights
The spread of infectious diseases is a growing and persistent threat to human health, aggravated by microbial resistance to antibiotics [1]
Carbon dots (CDs)-605 did extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) not interfere with the biofilms and exhibited better photostability realize in situ monitoring of both and embedded microorganisms in biofilms, representing a than commercial dyes
Some cationic CDs hold great potential to combat microbial infections and overcome drug resistance based on their strong capacity to interact with or disrupt the microbial cell walls/membranes
Summary
The spread of infectious diseases is a growing and persistent threat to human health, aggravated by microbial resistance to antibiotics [1]. The development of novel microbial probes and antimicrobial materials is highly desirable in this era of ever-increasing antibiotic resistance [2,3]. Carbon dots (or carbon quantum dots), which are carbon nanoparticles with sizes smaller than 10 nm, are considered as appealing agents for microbial imaging, detection, and inactivation due to their excellent optical properties, modifiable surfaces, and good biocompatibility [4]. Despite the growing attention to the biological applications of CDs, a review focusing on their applications in imaging and killing microorganisms is still lacking. We summarize the recent progress on the applications of CDs as microbial probes and antimicrobial agents. This review mainly focuses on the interactions between CDs and bacteria
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
