Novel green synthesis of Value-Added graphene quantum dots from bagasse and pith for biological applications

Abstract

The continuing rush for potential biomedical applications has sparked the fabrication of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) particularly from agricultural waste. GQDs are unique among carbon-based nanomaterials due to their flexibility, chemical stability, size control, and non-toxic nature. In this study, we have developed Graphene Quantum dots from sugarcane bagasse (GQDs-SB) and sugarcane bagasse pith (GQDs-SBP) by carbonization followed by microwave pyrolysis. The optical properties of the synthesized GQDs-SB and GQDs-SBP were characterized by Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy and Photoluminescence (PL) analysis and the surface functional groups were determined by FT- IR analysis. The High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) was used to examine dimensions and structure of GQDs-SB and GQDs-SBP. The storage stability of GQDs-SB and GQDs-SBP was monitored using Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy. The synthesized GQDs-SB and GQDs-SBP were evaluated for biological applications like anti-oxidant activity, anti inflammatory activity and cytotoxic effect was also assessed. GQDs-SB and GQDs-SBP demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects due to their great ability to scavenge free radicals and extraordinary water solubility. The synthesized GQDs-SB and GQDs-SBP were less toxic in nature.