Abstract
The latest class of engineered nanomaterials, viz., carbon quantum dots (CQDs), has attracted attention because they are synthesized through green chemical procedures and from organic waste matter. The synthesis of these nano-sized particles synthesized from biomass such as fruit peel and other organic matter results in mixtures of CQD species that differ in chemical identity, activity and photo-physical properties. Generally used collectively as chemically heterogeneous ensemble, they have already had an impact on multiple sectors of our environment by use as wastewater sensors, switches, model agro-fertilizers, and in biomedicine. The transitioning of their applications to crops is an important crossover point that calls for an accurate and detailed assessment of their genomic, proteomic, and metabolomics impact on agriculturally important crops and produce. We review the current status of CQDs vis-à-vis their impact on the biosphere via recent model studies and comment on the knowledge gaps that need to be bridged to ensure their safe use in agronomy. A detailed knowledge of their impact on aquatic systems and the food-chain is critical for human and environmental safety and sustainability.
Highlights
While the model rice study appears to suggest that Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) infiltration in a plant species is relatively innocuous, it is to be noted that the synthesis of CQDs produces an ensemble of CQD and non-CQD
These results suggest that the CQDs themselves, or their byproducts, were toxic
Only a few papers have shown the effects of CQDs in plants
Summary
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as a viable and relatively biofriendly successor to inorganic nanoparticles, such as CdS, CeO2 , gold nanoparticles, and paramagnetic lanthanide ions. Compared to other reported techniques including laser ablation, electric arc, and microwave-assisted protocols, the hydrothermal method affords the greatest control, is relatively inexpensive, and is environmentally friendly [13,18,37]. Through this method, CQDs are routinely engineered from the aforementioned natural carbon precursors without the involvement of any solvents that may be toxic or hazardous
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