Low-cost synthesis of carbon nanodots from millets for bioimaging

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe presented a green and simple method to synthesize carbon nanodots (C-dots) from millets using hydrothermal synthesis route for the first time. The obtained C-dots have average diameter ranging from 6 to 10 nm. Optical measurements showed the insight into the formation of functional groups on the particle surfaces, resulting in their good water solubility and bioconjugation. After treatment with C-dots, small subpopulation of the human cervical tumor cells became bright and exhibited multicolor fluorescence under different excitation wavelength. The achievement demonstrated potential applications of fluorescent C-dots in the field of biomedical application.